Power Outage in Your Office or Building

Plan for such situations by having a flashlight and fresh batteries available. While halls and stairwells are equipped with emergency lighting, it is temporary. DO NOT use lighters or candles for light because of fire hazard.

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Call the Physical Plant at (540) 365-4250. If after hours, call the college Police at (540) 365-4444.
  3. Initiate power outage protocols for critical operations such as fume hoods, boiler, etc.
  4. Provide assistance to others in your immediate area who may be unfamiliar with the space or who may need help.
  5. If you are in an unlighted area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.
  6. If you are in an elevator, stay calm and use emergency button or telephone to alert the College Police by calling (540) 365-4444.
  7. If instructed to evacuate, proceed cautiously to the nearest clear exit.

Downed Power Line

You cannot see or hear electricity unless it is arcing. Even if not arcing, a live downed electrical wire can energize anything around it, including telephone lines, guard rails, etc.

If you see a downed power line:

  1. Move away. DO NOT attempt to move or touch anything.
  2. Call 911.
  3. Warn others away.

If trapped in a vehicle by a downed power line, STAY IN THE VEHICLE AND WAIT FOR HELP!

If there is IMMEDIATE DANGER and you can't stay in the vehicle:

  1. Remove all loose clothing.
  2. Leave all articles in the vehicle, including purses.
  3. Place both feet together on the running board or rocker panel of the vehicle.
  4. Jump from the vehicle to the ground. Both feet must hit the ground at the same time.
  5. Hop away from the vehicle. Hopping does not change the voltage potential. Walking with one foot in front of the other changes the voltage potential and leads to injury.