To Report Emergencies
Ambulance: 911 from any phone more
- For serious or life threatening injuries, dial 911, giving exact location where ambulance is needed.
- Give brief description of emergency, include name(s) of victim(s), if possible. If a heart condition is suspected, be sure to advise operator.
- For non-life threatening emergencies or minor injuries, refer to the On-The-Job Injuries listing below.
Fire: 911 from any phone more
- Pull the nearest fire alarm and leave the building immediately. Know the location of the nearest fire alarm station and two escape routes-- Choose the best route--If possible, assist mobility-impaired persons to a point of refuge on your way--do not search the building for other occupants.
- If time allows, disconnect the power to equipment that is on fire and close all doors and windows behind you as you leave. If possible, shut down any processes that could cause a secondary fire if left unattended--Closing doors and windows can help stop the spread of fire and vapors, and minimize damage.
- Use a fire extinguisher only if trained on how to do so. You must pull the fire alarm before using an extinguisher--Stay between the fire and an escape route when using the extinguisher.
- Report to the fire department personnel if you know pertinent information about the fire, such as location, injuries, or persons trapped inside. Meet the fire department outside the main entrance of the building.
Police: 402-472-2222 "Dial 2 For Blue" more
- Dial 402-472-2222 (2-2222 from a campus phone) to report crimes in progress & emergencies.
- Identify yourself by giving name, address, location and the phone number from where you are calling and can be contacted.
- Briefly describe the problem or emergency.
- Unless directed to do otherwise, remain on the line at or near the location of the incident.
If you are not sure whom to call, dial 0 on campus. The University Operator will assist in contacting the appropriate personnel to handle the situation.
Printable Emergency Procedures Quick List
In An Emergency
During an emergency, the UNL community and general public will receive information through the web and news media as well as by email and text through UNL Alert for those registered.
UNL's homepage may convert to a low bandwidth version, free of the majority of graphics to ease transmission and server load. The homepage as well as this emergency website will be a primary mode of communication, to be continually updated. more
Our goal is to communicate first with those most immediately impacted; people who need to evacuate or seek medical treatment.
University Communications leads the communications response during and after emergencies, factually assessing each situation, developing the communications response, and assembling a crisis communications team. The goal is to provide accurate and timely information to minimize rumors and restore order and confidence.
The UNL Newsroom houses information about current or recent emergencies on campus and updates on the University's emergency management activities.
Procedures In Case Of Emergency
Fire/Explosion more
Fires can cause serious injury, death and property loss. Be aware that fires may exist alone or in conjunction with another type of emergency, such as explosion, tornado or chemical spill.
If a fire occurs in your building:
- Pull the nearest fire alarm to evacuate the building. Leave the building immediately.
- If you hear the fire alarm, leave the building immediately. A fire near by may not be noticeable by sight or smell. Everyone is expected to exit a building immediately upon hearing the fire alarm.
- If possible, shut down any equipment or processes that could cause a secondary fire if left unattended.
- Know your emergency exit routes and be prepared to use an alternate route if necessary. Do not use elevators. If you are trapped in the building, try to reach a point of refuge, such as a stairwell, or stay by a window and wave a white flag to attract the attention of emergency responders.
- If possible, close doors and windows behind you on the way out to confine the fire.
- Keep low if there is smoke.
- On your way out, assist any mobility-impaired persons to a stairwell or other point of refuge if possible. Report their location to the emergency response personnel.
- Do not attempt to evacuate other personnel from your work area. This is a job for the emergency responders. If you work in an area frequented by the public, announce that an evacuation has been ordered and ask people to exit the building. Healthy adults and young adults are expected to evacuate themselves upon hearing the fire alarm. (Do follow established department procedures for evacuating small children or sick people.)
- Assemble a safe distance away from the building. Try to account for personnel known to have been in the building. Do not block driveways or areas that may be used by emergency response personnel.
- If pertinent knowledge of the fire is known, meet the Lincoln Fire Department or UNL Police personnel outside the main entrance of the building and provide them with all the information regarding the fire. Report the exact location of the fire, status of any injuries and/or location of mobility-impaired, or other persons, trapped in the building.
- Do not re-enter the building until the Fire Department has declared the building safe.
If an employee chooses to use a fire extinguisher:
- The employee must participate in EHS Fire Extinguisher Training.
- Always pull the fire alarm before attempting to use an extinguisher.
- Only use an extinguisher if the fire is small and in a contained area. If the fire is starting to spread, exit the building.
- Only attempt to use one extinguisher on the fire. If one extinguisher does not put out the fire, exit the building.
- Do not endanger yourself or others in an effort to put out a fire in the building.
- Report the use of a fire extinguisher to the department supervisor and the Building Maintenance Reporter so that the extinguisher can be recharged.
If an explosion occurs somewhere in your building:
- From a safe location, pull the nearest fire alarm to evacuate the building.
- From a safe location, dial 911 and advise them of the location of the explosion and, if known, its seriousness and any possible injuries to personnel. Be sure to give your name, office location, and telephone extension. Do not hang up until released by them.
- Wait a safe distance outside the building until help arrives.
- Advise emergency personnel about the explosion area and any personnel who may have been injured.
Shooting Incident more
In general, how you respond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter, bearing in mind there could be more than one shooter involved in the same situation. If you find yourself involved in an active shooter situation, try to remain calm and use these guidelines to help you plan a strategy for survival.
If an active shooter is outside your building:
Proceed to a room that can be locked from the inside. Lock all windows/doors and turn off all lights; if possible, get everyone down on the floor and ensure that no one is visible from outside the room. One person in the room should call 911 from a University telephone, or 911 from a cellular phone, advise the dispatcher of what is taking place, and inform him/her of your location; remain in place until the police give an "all clear." Unfamiliar voices may be the shooter attempting to lure victims from their safe space; do not respond to any voice commands until you can verify with certainty that they are being issued by a police officer.
If an active shooter is in the same building you are:
Determine if the room you are in can be locked (from inside) and if so, follow the same procedure described in the previous paragraph. If your room can't be locked, try to barricade the door with heavy objects (i.e. desks, chairs). If this is not possible, try to find a nearby location that can be reached safely and can be secured from the inside. If you can safely exit the building, be sure to follow the instructions outlined below.
If an active shooter enters your office or classroom:
Try to remain calm. Dial 911 from a University telephone or 911 from a cellular phone, if possible and alert police to the shooter's location; if you can't speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen to what's taking place. If there is absolutely no opportunity for escape or hiding, it might be possible to negotiate with the shooter; attempting to overpower the shooter with force should be considered a very last resort, after all other options have been exhausted. If the shooter leaves the area, proceed immediately to a safer place and do not touch anything that was in the vicinity of the shooter.
No matter what the circumstances, if you decide to flee during an active shooting situation, make sure you have an escape route and plan (work with your floor manager to develop a plan) in mind. Do not attempt to carry anything while fleeing; move quickly, keep your hands visible, and follow the instructions of any police officers you may encounter. Do not attempt to remove injured people; instead, leave wounded victims where they are and notify authorities of their location as soon as possible. Do not try to drive away until advised it is safe to do so by a Police Officer.
Bomb Threat more
If you receive a bomb threat over the telephone:
- Listen carefully to the details of the threat and try to keep the caller talking until you are able to get the answers to the
following questions:
- When is the bomb going to explode?
- Where is it right now?
- What does it look like?
- What kind of bomb is it?
- What will cause it to explode?
- Did you place the bomb?
- Why?
- What is your name?
Bomb Threat Checklist
- Jot down whether the caller is male or female; any distinctive voice characteristics the caller may have (i.e., accent, slurring, key words used) and any background noise that you may hear.
- When the caller hangs up, dial*57 to activate a trace and follow the prompts.
- After activating the trace, call the University Police at 402-472-2222 and advise the dispatcher of all the information you learned from the caller concerning the bomb and its location. Be sure to give the dispatcher your name, office location, and telephone extension. Do not hang up until the dispatcher releases you.
- After you have contacted the University Police, remain quiet about the threat and stay where you are until you are contacted by the UNL Police.
The UNL Police, in cooperation with the Lincoln Fire Department, will give the order to evacuate the building if necessary.
On-the-Job Injury more
For assistance, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at 402-472-4925
UNL employees who are injured on the job may seek medical attention from a personal physician or at a medical facility of their choice. UNL employees who are injured on the job may seek medical attention from a personal physician or at a medical facility of their choice. Injured employees should bring their employee ID card.
For all other occupational injuries and illnesses, the injured employee or their supervisor must complete a First Report of Alleged Occupational Injury or Illness Form, Workers' Compensation Report Form and Choice of Doctor Form. These forms are available upon request by calling the UNL Benefits Office at 402-472-2600, and on the EHS website by clicking on Forms. Fax the completed form within 24 hours to the UNL Benefits Office at 402-472-6803.
If the accident involves a serious injury or death, immediately report the accident to EHS at 402-472-4925 during normal working hours, or via the University Operator (0 or 402-472-7211) after normal working hours.
Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogen
Treatment
If an employee is exposed to a bloodborne pathogen (i.e. needle stick) on the job, the employee must be offered medical treatment within two hours of exposure. During normal working hours, the employee should seek post-exposure care at St. Elizabeth's Company Care. After normal working hours, employees should be directed to St. Elizabeth Hospital Emergency Room. Do not go to LincCare or Bryan LGH East and West Emergency Rooms because they do not provide screening services for bloodborne pathogen exposures. Company Care will manage all employee follow-up care, even if St. Elizabeth Hospital Emergency Room provided initial treatment.
Medications
In some cases, the attending physician may prescribe certain prophylactic medication. At that time, the injured employee should inform the physician that the injury is work-related and request enough doses to last until the next normal business working day. If the physician is unable to provide enough medication to last until the next normal business day, the employee should take the prescription to a Walgreens Pharmacy, inform the attending pharmacist that the injury was incurred on the job, and present their employee ID card. The pharmacist will either fill the entire prescription or provide enough medication to last until the next business day when the worker's compensation eligibility of the incident can be confirmed with UNL. The prescription should be filled or partially filled without incurring out-of-pocket expenses. Should the employee experience any difficulty in obtaining necessary medication, contact the UNL Benefits Office. After regular business hours, the employee should contact their supervisor, other department official, or EHS (via campus operator). One of these contacts can work with the physician and/or pharmacy to obtain the necessary medication by verifying that the injury is work-related. During follow-up treatment with Company Care, the attending physician may or may not change the medication originally prescribed.
Reporting the Incident
At the start of the next normal business working day, the injured employee should contact the UNL Benefits Office to begin the process of obtaining a work comp claim number. This will involve completing a First Report of Alleged Occupational Injury or Illness form and faxing it to the UNL Benefits Office at 402-472-6803 (fax). If a portion of a prescription remains to be filled, inform the Benefits Office of the need to work with the pharmacy to obtain the remaining medications without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
Electrical Power Outage more
All university buildings use electricity provided by Lincoln Electric System (LES). In the event of a power outage, the goal is to minimize potential damage to expensive scientific instrumentation, and/or experiments and to avoid the creation of hazardous situations.
If a Power Outage occurs between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Contact the Building Maintenance Reporter for your building. The BMR will be aware of routine maintenance. In the event that the outage is not scheduled maintenance, the BMR will call the Facilities Service Desk.
- If your building does not have a BMR, or you are the BMR and have not been notified of routine maintenance, call the Facilities Service Desk (472-1550) promptly.
Try to obtain the following information prior to calling the Service Desk:
- Is the entire building or only a portion of the building affected by the power outage?
- What are the room numbers of the areas involved in the outage?
- Are there any particularly potentially hazardous or sensitive operations in the affected areas?
If the Facilities Service Desk determines that the power outage is not related to UNL Facilities Management operations, the Facility Service Desk personnel will notify Lincoln Electric System (LES).
If a Power Outage occurs between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.
Contact the University Emergency Operator (472-1198) or the University Operator (dial 0 on campus).
Try to obtain the following information prior to calling the Campus Operator:
- Is the entire building or only a portion of the building affected by the power outage?
- What are the room numbers of the areas involved in the outage?
- Are there any particularly potentially hazardous or sensitive operations in the affected areas?
General Guidance
- If available, increase natural lighting by opening window shades or other similar actions.
- Shut off electrical appliances and computers before the power comes back on.
- Cease activities or operations that involve potentially hazardous conditions.
- If the outage involves research laboratory and/or animal areas, notify the department head/chair (or University Operator after hours with a request to notify the designated department contact) so that action can be taken to notify Principal Investigators whose areas may need special attention.
- Secure personal belongings.
- Use special care while moving about in an under-lighted work area to avoid injury resulting from low slips, trips, or falls.
- Keep an alternate source of light to facilitate safe exit in the event of a power outage on your person or in your immediate work area. Do not use open flame devices for supplementary lighting.
Natural Gas Leak more
Many buildings on campus use natural gas to provide heat and for laboratory work. In addition, underground natural gas lines run across campus. Natural gas does not have an odor, so a chemical that smells like rotten eggs is added to the gas. This chemical allows us to smell natural gas at levels well below explosive levels.
If a natural gas smell is noticed outside: Call the University Operator (dial "0" on campus) or the UNL Police at 402-472-2222 to report the situation. Provide your name and contact information and as much information as possible.
If a natural gas smell is noticed in a building, dial "0" for the University Operator and provide as much information as you can, such as:
- Your name, location, and contact information
- Location (s) of odors in the building
- A description of the nature of the odor (i.e., light/moderate/strong; static/increasing/dissipating, etc.)
- Symptoms, if any, that may be associated with the gas, such as light-headedness, nausea, etc.
- Known or suspected sources of the odor (i.e., laboratory valves, hot-water heaters, etc.)
Based on the information provided, the University Operator will dispatch the appropriate UNL response personnel. If determined necessary, the building will be evacuated.
In the event of an evacuation:
- Once outside, move away from any apparent source or at right angles to the prevailing wind. If wind direction is variable, try to move away from the source of the leak if known.
- Gather a safe distance from the building.
- If you have knowledge that may assist in evaluating the source of the leak, meet emergency responders as they arrive on-site.
- Do not return to the building until instructed by emergency personnel.
If an employee routinely works with gas-powered equipment, such as Bunsen burners, it is acceptable to investigate the source of a slight odor in the work area. It may be a partially open valve that can be closed easily. As a safety precaution, contact Facilities Management Service Desk (402-472-1550) or the UNL Police (402-472-2222) before investigating slight odors.
Radiation Accident more
For assistance, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at 402-472-4925.
In the event that: 1) anyone is exposed to an unusual dose of radioactive material or radiation, or 2) there is a major spill of radioactive material, or 3) there is a fire in an area where radioactive material or radiation producing devices are present:
1. Dial 911 and give the exact location of the incident (building, room number, etc.) and any known details. Be sure to give your name, office number, and telephone extension.
2. In case of a major spill or ruptured source of radioactive material, proceed with the following:
- Advise all personnel not involved in the spill to vacate the room at once.
- If the spill has occurred on skin, flush the exposed area with water.
- c. If the spill has occurred on clothing, remove outer clothing at once.
- d. Close all windows and shut off fans and air conditioners immediately.
- e. Vacate the room, but stay nearby in a safe area outside the room until released by an official from Environmental Health and Safety.
3. In the event of emergency involving a radiation producing device, proceed with the following:
- Advise all persons to evacuate the area at once.
- If possible, turn off the radiation producing device using the power switch.
- Vacate the room, but stay nearby in a safe area outside the room until released by an official from Environmental Health and Safety.
Hazardous Chemical Spill more
Exposure or injury reporting: If there is any exposure or injury involved, complete a first report of injury and submit it to Human Resources.
Follow-up: Investigate all spills and take appropriate steps to prevent similar spills.
Outdoors: Immediately notify Environmental Health and Safety (402-472-4925) during business hours or Campus Operator (dial "0" on campus) after hours for assessment.
Additional information on spill prevention and planning can be found at the EHS website. Contact EHS for spill planning guidance specific to each work area at 402-472-4925.
In case of imminent danger to health, property, or the environment:
- Isolate area of spill by shutting doors or use of other means.
- For indoor releases/spills: Leave the area and pull fire alarm to initiate building evacuation. For outdoor releases/spills: If possible to do so safely (without risk of overexposure) take action to stop the release & prevent or minimize releases to storm sewers. Do not initiate evacuation from nearby buildings unless otherwise advised by emergency responders.
- Render appropriate first aid. Thoroughly wash exposed areas of the skin with soap and water.
- Refer to the MSDS for the spilled material.
- Notify the campus operator (0) to provide information for emergency responders. EHS will finish clean-up of spill.
Not an imminent danger:
- Use appropriate spill supplies to contain spill.
- Render appropriate first aid.
- Refer to the MSDS for the spilled material.
- Notify your supervisor. Finish clean-up of spill using appropriate protective apparel as specified on MSDS. Manage waste properly. Contact EHS for assistance.
Weather Emergencies/Natural Disasters
Tornado more
Tornado Watches and Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when the probability exists that a significant threat could develop over a wide area. Warnings are issued for much smaller areas and periods of time than Watches.
Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. Be alert to weather conditions and announcements.
Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or radar indicates rotation in the clouds. TAKE SHELTER!
At the University, the following systems are used for alerting building occupants of a tornado:
- Outdoor sirens operated by Lincoln-Lancaster Emergency Management
- Voice announcement
- Weather radio and designated staff alerting building occupants
- UNL's Tornado Policy
Upon hearing the civil defense sirens use the following procedures for employee safety:
IN THE EVENT OF A TORNADO WARNING:
- Lincoln/Lancaster County Emergency Management will activate emergency sirens upon confirmation of a tornado. The duration of sirens is 3 minutes. All University personnel are directed to seek shelter upon activation of the sirens. It is not safe to leave the shelter until local radio and television stations announce that the warning has expired.
- Where available, the University may provide supplemental notification of Lincoln/Lancaster County Emergency Management tornado
warnings through one of the following methods:
- Amplified voice announcements over the public address system
- Multicast to radio user groups
- UNL Alert
- A pager held by the Building Maintenance Reporter
- Other approved devices
SAFETY PROCEDURES
Indoors
- Move quickly to the tornado shelters in university buildings listed on posters near elevators and entrances.
- Do not use elevators.
- Stay away from windows.
- If a tornado strikes, help avoid telephone overloads. Do not use telephones (including cell phones) except for emergency.
Outdoors
- Seek indoor shelter if possible.
- Parked motor vehicles are unsafe. Seek indoor shelter.
- If an indoor shelter is not available and there is not time for escape, lie flat in a ditch or low spot.
- If you are on flat ground and are caught in the path of a tornado, always move at right angles to its path.
Individuals with mobility/impairments or physical disabilities:
Prior planning and practice of evacuation routes to tornado shelters is important, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities.
Supervisory personnel and course instructors are responsible for identifying and escorting individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities located in their offices/facilities or classrooms to safety in a tornado shelter in the event of a tornado warning.
The elevators may be used to transport individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities and their escorts to tornado shelters. Visually impaired and hearing impaired individuals may be escorted down the stairs to tornado shelters but may require assistance in moving in crowded staircases and in finding the tornado shelter.
In the event of a power failure, individuals who are unable to use the stairs and their escorts should move to an interior location without windows and call the University Operator at 402-472-7211 (dial 0 if on campus), who will notify the appropriate emergency personnel with the location.
Television and radio announcements--When a watch has been issued, pay close attention to these broadcast signals and anticipate the possibility of severe weather.
Flash Flood more
On average, U.S. flooding kills about 150 people a year - more than any other single weather hazard, including tornadoes and hurricanes.
During a flood:
- Listen to a battery-powered radio for emergency information.
- Evacuate as instructed by emergency personnel.
- If outdoors:
- Climb to higher ground and stay there.
- Avoid walking through any floodwaters. If moving swiftly, even water 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
- If in a car:
- If coming up to a flooded area, turn around and go another way.
- If the car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
During an evacuation:
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Evacuation is much simpler and safer before floodwaters become too deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through.
- Listen to a battery-powered radio for evacuation instructions.
- Follow recommended evacuation routes -- shortcuts may be blocked.
- Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.
After a flood:
- Do not return to a flooded area until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
- Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building.
- Use extreme caution when otherwise entering buildings. Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall.
- Be alert for fire hazards, such as broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, submerged appliances, and flammable or explosive materials.
Lightning more
Lightning strikes are of serious concern in the Midwest.
If lightning threatens when employees are inside:
- Stay inside.
- Stay away from open doors or windows, radiators, metal pipes, sinks, and plug-in electrical objects such as radios, electric typewriters, lamps, etc.
- Do not use plug-in electrical equipment.
- Do not use the telephone. Lightning may strike the telephone lines outside.
If lightning threatens when employees are outside:
- Seek shelter in a building, if possible.
- When there is no shelter, avoid the highest object in the area (trees, poles, etc.) Avoid being the highest object yourself. If only isolated trees are nearby, the best protection is to squat down and minimize contact with the ground (do not lie on the ground), keeping at least as far away from isolated trees as they are high.
- If wearing or carrying anything metal, get rid of it.
- If an electrical charge is felt (hair stands on end, skin tingles), lightning may be about to strike. Drop to knees and bend forward, putting hands on knees.
Persons struck by lightning receive a severe electrical shock and may be burned, but they carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. A person struck by lightning can often be revived by prompt mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and cardiac compression (CPR).
Earthquake more
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is in a moderate earthquake hazard zone. Earthquakes are unpredictable and may strike without warning. Earthquake injuries usually result from falling debris. Disruption of communication lines, light and power lines, and sewer and water mains can be expected.
If an earthquake strikes when employees are inside:
- Stay inside.
- Watch out for falling plaster, light fixtures, glass, bookcases, etc.
- Stay away from windows and mirrors. Either crawl under a
- table or desk, sit or stand against an inside wall away from windows, or stand in a strong inside doorway. Assist others if necessary.
- Do not use open flames.
If an earthquake strikes when employees are outside:
- Avoid high buildings, walls, power poles, and other objects that may fall. Move to open areas away from hazards.
- If surrounded by buildings, seek shelter in the nearest strong one.
If an earthquake strikes when employees are in an automobile:
- Stop in the nearest open area if possible.
- Stay in the vehicle.
After the tremor is over:
- Check for injured people. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger.
- If it appears that the buildings may have been damaged, evacuate. Aftershocks can level severely damaged buildings.
- Do not use the telephone except to report an emergency. If a call is necessary, dial 911 and report the emergency situation. Be sure to give them your name, office location, and telephone extension.
- Do not use plumbing or anything electrical (including elevators) until after the utility and electrical lines have been checked.
- Open doors carefully, watching for objects that may fall.
- Do not use open flames that may ignite gases from disrupted utility lines.
- Do not use matches or lighters. Natural gas lines may have been disrupted. Watch for fires that may have started.
- Keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.
- Be prepared for additional earthquake shocks.
