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Emergency preparedness

By Andy Gregory on January 22, 2014

Confident Young Woman

By Angelique Crowther, UBC Risk Management Services

If a major emergency occurs, officials say you need be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours, even in residence. That may sound extreme, but if you’re ready, you’ll be able to respond confidently and safely during an emergency situation.

Boil water advisory

  • Boil all tap water used for drinking, brushing teeth, pre­paring food, beverages, ice cubes, and wash­ing fruits and vegetables.
  • Tap water should be boiled for one minute. Then let it cool and pour it into a clean container.

Leak or flood

  • Inform the front desk staff in your residence immediately and let them know the source of the water leak: roof, window, pipe, washroom, etc.
  • Do not walk through water.
  • Avoid wet wires, electrical equipment and power out­lets.
  • Do not attempt to use moisture-dam­aged equipment.

Fire

  • Douse small fires with fire extinguishers, located in residence common areas.
  • For a spreading blaze, pull the fire alarm, leave the building by the nearest exit and call 9-1-1.
  • Avoid flames, smoke and fumes by staying low to the ground.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Walk, don’t run, and use handrails as you descend stairs.
  • If you cannot safely get downstairs, go to the nearest safe area and wait for a firefighter.

Severe Weather

  • Expect power outages and phone disruptions, even for your mobile phone.
  • Avoid overhead hazards, such as tree branches and power lines.
  • Avoid glass and debris on sidewalks and roads.

Power outage

  • Keep flashlights and other emergency sup­plies nearby.
  • Do not attempt to use computers, TVs, ste­reos or other electrical equipment.
  • Avoid moving around in the dark unless you have a flashlight.
  • Do not attempt to examine, repair or open electrical equipment.
  • Keep the fridge closed in a blackout, to avoid having the contents get warm and spoil.

Intruder/crime

  • Don’t allow someone without a key to follow you into your building.
  • If an intruder appears angry or threatening, keep a safe distance away. Listen to what he or she says. Do not argue or raise your voice. Try to calm him or her down.
  • Call 9-1-1 and inform residence staff immedi­ately. Avoid remaining alone with an intruder.
  • If an intruder leaves a parcel, envelope or suspicious item behind, do not touch it. Tell a residence staff member immediately.

Earthquake

During an earthquake:

  • Drop to the floor, cover your head and hold onto something solid under a table or desk, between rows of seats or against an inside wall.
  • Wait for the shaking to stop and count to 60, to allow time for debris to fall, before moving.
  • If you’re outside, stay outside. If you’re inside, stay inside, unless there is a fire or the building is in danger of collapsing.
  • If you’re in a moving vehicle, stop in a clear area, away from falling debris, and stay inside the vehicle.

After an earthquake:

  • Apply first aid as required.
  • Do not make phone calls unless they are lifesaving, as networks will be overwhelmed.
  • Listen to the radio or TV for emergency updates.
  • Avoid entering damaged buildings.
  • Expect aftershocks and power outages.

Emergency kits

  • Make it easy to carry and easy to grab quickly. A backpack or light gym bag are ideal.
  • Include two litres of water per person, per day, for 72 hours.
  • Pack food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods. Remember to replace food and water once a year.
  • Pack a manual can opener, flashlight and batteries, battery-powered or wind-up radio, extra batteries, spare keys, and a first aid kit.
  • Include special-needs items, if necessary, such as prescription medications, toiletries, equipment for people with disabil­ities, glasses or contact lenses.
  • Don’t forget cash, especially smaller bills and coins, for use in pay phones or vending machines.
  • Make sure you have contact information handy for people you will need to get in touch with, like relatives in and out of town.

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  • Getting Started
    â–¼
    • Prospective Students
    • Returning Students
    • Parents/Guardians
  • Residences
    â–¼
    • At a Glance
    • Buildings
      â–¼
      • Cassiar, Nicola, Purcell, Valhalla, Kalamalka, Skeena, Nechako
      • Similkameen Place
      • Lower/Upper Cascades
      • Monashee Place
    • Room Types
      â–¼
      • Single Room
      • Single Connected Room
      • Four Bedroom Suite
      • One Bedroom Suite
      • Studio Suite
    • Services & Amenities
      â–¼
      • Sustainability
    • Live Off Campus
  • Apply
    â–¼
    • Important Dates
    • Essential Application Facts
    • How To Apply
      â–¼
      • Application Forms
      • I’ve Applied — Now What?
    • Eligibility & Priority
    • How We Assign Rooms
    • Fees & Payments
  • Resources
    â–¼
    • Fees & Payments
      â–¼
      • Cancellations & Refunds
    • Important Dates
    • Contracts & Residence Standards
    • Moving In
      â–¼
      • January Move-In
      • What Should I Pack?
      • Before You Leave Home
      • Early Arrival
      • Switches & Transfers
    • Getting Around
    • Services & Amenities
    • Food Services
      â–¼
      • Meal Plans
    • Live Off Campus
    • Moving Out
      â–¼
      • Cleaning Checklist
  • Residence Life
    â–¼
    • Contracts & Residence Standards
    • Community Living
      â–¼
      • Life in Residence
      • Rights and Responsibilities
      • Living With Roommates
      • Solving Problems
    • Health & Safety
      â–¼
      • Residence Wellness Hub
      • Safety & Security
      • Health & Wellness
      • Emergency Preparedness
    • Residence Life Staff
      â–¼
      • Work in Residence Life
    • Living Learning Communities
    • Advising in Residence
    • Dining on Campus

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