A power outage is a short or long-term loss of electric power to an area. During an extended power outage, you may be without light, heat and hot water. Most power outages will be over almost as soon as they begin, but some can last much longer - up to days or even weeks. Power outages may be caused by freezing rain, sleet storms or high winds which damage power lines and equipment. Cold snaps or heat waves can also overload the electric power system.
If there is a power outage:
- Report power outages to Security immediately at 1-855-239-7654.
- Stay where you are. Emergency generators will start up automatically and provide emergency lighting.
- If safe to do so, secure any equipment or materials you are working with before leaving the area (i.e. unplug electrical equipment and turn off computers).
- If you live on campus and have insulin or other medications that need to be kept cold, keeping the door of your refrigerator closed will help keep contents cold for a couple of hours. During a prolonged outage please contact Facilities for assistance.
- If evacuation is necessary, follow the direction of emergency personnel or go to your evacuation assembly area.
- Use the stairs carefully — Elevators will be unavailable.
- If possible, assist anyone having difficulty evacuating. If needed, assist occupants that are unable to evacuate or cannot negotiate the stairs to the nearest designated Area of Refuge.