Emergency

Links

Utility Failure

CALL 1320

Report any Utility Failure to the Physical Plant by dialing 1320.  Be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Your name.
  • Phone number where you can be reached.
  • Building name.
  • Nature of the incident.
  • Floor(s) or area affected.
  • Room Number.

Electrical Failure

  • The UW-Whitewater electricians or on call maintenance staff will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course or action.
  • In the event of a sustained power failure, buildings equipped with an emergency generator will provide limited electricity to crucial areas of the building, including fire alarm systems and emergency lighting.
  • Turn off ALL electrical equipment, including computers.  Do not turn any electrical equipment back on until given the approval of your supervisor or the facility manager.
  • Evacuate the building when emergency lighting comes on, or when you can see your path of travel well enough to safely exit.  If you are stuck in a dark area without natural lighting and cannot safely exit, stay where you are until the power comes on or until you can safely exit. DO NOT re-enter the building until all power has been restored.
  • Be mindful that elevators will not function in a power failure.  Use the stairs if you evacuate the building.
  • If you are trapped in an elevator, use the elevator’s emergency phone to notify the University Police.
  • Telephone Failure.  Many modern telephones require an external power supply for operation and may not function during a power outage.  Each building supervisor has been given a telephone that will operate during an electrical failure.  This system is known as a “Plain Old Telephone System”, or POTS.  The Building Supervisor has selected and established a building emergency phone jack and telephone number during times of electrical failures.  Ask your Building Supervisor where these phones are located and the telephone number. 
  • A building emergency call POTS telephone list is maintained by University Police Services.
Persons with Disabilities
  • If fire alarm sounds, do not use elevators.
  • If persons with disabilities cannot safely evacuate, assist them to a safe location near a building exit and notify emergency personnel of their location.

Steam Leaks

  • If a major steam leak occurs inside a building, evacuate the area and close the door behind you.  Steam can cause severe burns, displace oxygen, and moisture from steam can conduct electricity.
  • A steam leak may cause the building’s fire alarm to sound.  Even if you have ascertained the problem is a steam leak, exit the building immediately.
Persons with Disabilities
  • If fire alarm sounds, do not use elevators.
  • If persons with disabilities cannot safely evacuate, assist them to a safe location near a building exit and notify emergency personnel of their location.

Water Leaks/Flooding

  • In the event of water leaks, try to contain the leakage in a container to minimize damage or safety hazards.  If it is a significant water leak, avoid the areas where water has accumulated, and wait for help.  Water makes an excellent conductor of electricity; thus electric shock is a strong possibility.
  • Immediately cease use of all electrical equipment.
Persons with Disabilities
  • If fire alarm sounds, do not use elevators.
  • If persons with disabilities cannot safely evacuate, assist them to a safe location near a building exit and notify emergency personnel of their location.