Natural Disaster

Remember

DO NOT use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or nearby fuel tanks.

Crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are good places to take shelter.

DO help direct people with special needs to a safe place.

Stay indoors, do not exit building or use elevators.

Stay away from all windows and avoid being underneath heavy objects that may fall.

Remain calm and alert; listen for information and instructions from emergency crews and/or local officials.

Earthquake

Indoors

• STAY INDOORS, do not exit building or use elevators.
• TAKE COVER underneath table, desk or doorway, if possible.
• STAY AWAY from all windows and large glass objects.
• AVOID being underneath heavier objects such as lights, wall hangings and other items which may fall.
• HELP DIRECT people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.
• Wheelchair-bound individuals should lock brakes.

Outdoors

• Move to an area AWAY FROM trees, power lines, buildings and walls.
• DROP TO KNEES and get into a fetal position, close your eyes and cross your arms over the back of your neck for protection.
• REMAIN in position until shaking has stopped.

When aftershocks stop:

• DO NOT USE cell phones, EXCEPT to report serious injuries.
• ASSIST in the building evacuation of people with special needs, if safe to do so.
• TUNE radios to an emergency broadcast or local radio stations for news updates and instructions.
• BE PREPARED to evacuate if instructed to do so. (The decision to evacuate from campus will be based upon the severity of the earthquake and damage to buildings).
• The Tufts Police will provide instructions for immediate actions by available means.
• IF INSTRUCTED to evacuate, see “EVACUATION” section of this guide.
• DO NOT ENTER any building that is deemed or looks UNSAFE.

Tornado or Thunderstorm

A TORNADO WATCH means that conditions are favorable for tornados and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

A TORNADO WARNING is an URGENT announcement that a tornado has been reported and warns you to take immediate action to protect life and property.

Indoors

• STAY INDOORS, do not exit building or use elevators. You could be trapped in them if power is lost. Locate an interior room.
• GO directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building, corners or building support columns are best. Avoid middle of interior walls.
• STAY AWAY from all windows and large glass objects.
• CROUCH DOWN and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly.
• AVOID being underneath heavier objects such as lights, wall hangings and other items, which may fall.
• REMAIN INSIDE until tornado has passed or cleared to leave.
• Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or nearby fuel tanks.
• HELP DIRECT people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.
• IF INSTRUCTED to evacuate, see “EVACUATION” section of this guide.

Outdoors

• MOVE AWAY from trees, buildings, walls, and power lines.
• SEEK the lowest possible ground, i.e. ditch, small trench. Lying flat in a ditch or low-lying area may be the only thing available. Note: Never enter an open trench where a cave in or flooding may be possible.
• STAY AWAY from power lines and puddles with wires in them, they may be “live”.
• DO NOT USE matches or lighters, in case of leaking gas pipes or fuel tanks.
• REMAIN in position until “noise and high winds” have stopped.
• DO NOT ENTER any building that is deemed or looks UNSAFE.
• Tufts Police will provide instructions for immediate actions by available means.

Hail

• SEEK protective shelter immediately.
• REMAIN indoors or under protective shelter until hail has stopped, usually 5-10 minutes.

Lightning

• SEEK protective shelter immediately.
• If OUTDOORS, DO NOT STAND underneath tall isolated objects. Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape. Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. Avoid open areas and SEEK LOW AREAS such as a ravine or valley.
• GET OFF or AWAY from OPEN WATER as well as metal equipment or small metal vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, etc. Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes and rails. If you are in a group in the open, spread out, keeping people several yards apart.
• REMEMBER—lightning may strike some miles from the parent cloud. If you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike you. DROP TO YOUR KNEES and BEND FORWARD, putting
  your hands on your knees. DO NOT LIE FLAT on the ground.

Power Outage

In the event of a campus-wide outage, Tufts has emergency generators that will immediately provide power to limited areas on campus. To report a minor, localized power outage, call Facilities Management Boston at x63535, Grafton at x87921 and Medford/Somerville at x73496. 

Keep flashlights and batteries at easily accessible locations throughout your work areas and/or residence.

In case of a major, campus-wide power outage:

• Remain calm.
• Follow directions from the Tufts Police for immediate action.
  
• If evacuation of a building is required, see the evacuation section of this guide.
• Laboratory personnel should secure all experiments and unplug electrical equipment prior to evacuating. All chemicals should be stored in their original locations. If safe to do so, provide natural ventilation by opening all windows and/or doors. If this is not possible, or natural ventilation is inadequate, evacuate the laboratory until the power is returned.
  
• Do not light candles or other type of flame for lighting.
  
• Unplug all electrical equipment (including computers) and turn off light switches.

 If people are trapped in an elevator:

• Notify the Tufts Police at x66911.
• Reassure passengers to stay calm and that you are getting help. Instruct passengers to pick up the emergency phone in the elevator so they can provide direct information to the emergency responders.
  
• Stay near passengers until police or other assistance arrives, provided it is safe to stay in the building.