Southern Utah University has released updated emergency management protocols outlining specific procedures for building evacuations and earthquake preparedness to ensure the safety of students, employees, and visitors on campus.
Building Evacuation Procedures
In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, the university instructs individuals to proceed to the nearest unobstructed building exit. To prevent the spread of fire, the protocols advise people to close doors and windows while exiting the building. Individuals are warned not to use elevators during an evacuation and are instructed to lightly touch all doors before opening them to check for fire on the other side.
Employee Responsibilities
The university's evacuation guidelines specifically prohibit individuals from going to the roof of a building. During an exit, people are encouraged to assist those with special needs and must follow all official SUU instructions, including evacuation alarms and signals. Employees are tasked with leading evacuations based on their specific Building Emergency Action Plan and are required to account for all students, visitors, and others present. Employees must notify a Zone Captain regarding any missing, extra, or injured persons.
Earthquake Safety Actions
Regarding earthquake preparedness, Southern Utah University emphasizes the 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' method to mitigate injuries caused by falling or flying objects. In classrooms, auditoriums, or office spaces, individuals should drop to the floor, cover their head and neck with one arm or hand, and crawl under nearby tables or desks to hold onto the shelter. If no desk is available, people should get between rows of chairs or next to a wall away from windows.
High-Risk Environment Protocols
Specific precautions are advised for high-risk environments such as kitchens, laboratories, shops, or studios. In these spaces, individuals should step back from lab tables and drop to the floor on their knees next to a wall, away from glass and other hazards. After shaking stops, the university recommends waiting one minute for everything to settle and checking for hazards above or behind before exiting a building if instructed to do so.
Emergency Readiness and Communication
The university encourages all campus members to register for the Campus Emergency Notification System to receive SUU Alerts and updates during an emergency. Preparedness recommendations include keeping cell phones and computers charged, maintaining a car with at least half a tank of gas, and establishing a family communication plan for checking in during an emergency.
Global Preparedness Context
The university notes that earthquakes are unpredictable and can occur in any location where people live, work, or travel. Preparation efforts include participating in global safety initiatives like the Great ShakeOut to practice life-saving movements.
