Make Your Emergency Plan Now

Your ability to stay healthy and to respond effectively will depend in part on your advance planning. If a pandemic occurs, the university may have to evacuate for some period of time. To make sure you are ready to respond, think through your personal emergency plan and address the following considerations.

Students

• If you live on or near campus and have to travel some distance to your permanent residence, what are your primary travel plans? Do you have a contingency?
• If you plan to travel by air or rail, have your travel agency or airline reservation information handy. Familiarize yourself with available transportation services that might assist with shuttles to take you to public transportation destinations.
• If you plan to drive, have at least one alternate route.
• If you will be picked up, have contact information ready.
• If you cannot get home, make plans to stay with a friend or loved one who lives nearby who would agree to let you stay during a campus closure (for what could be an extended stay).
• If you live in off-campus housing, check with your manager or landlord for what the evacuation procedures might be.
• If you commute and an evacuation is ordered, have at least one alternative commuter route.
• Familiarize yourself with local resources for traffic updates and road conditions.

Students and Faculty – Academic Considerations

What should students and faculty prepare to have at home, in the event that the campus is closed, but academic activities continue remotely, through email or other communications?

• Books and transportable (non-hazardous, non-secure) research materials.
• Laptop and portable technology devices.
• Syllabi for your classes, including faculty and student contact information.
• Individual course plans in the event of a campus evacuation.
• Email access and on –line learning options.

Faculty and Staff – Employee Considerations

What should faculty and staff prepare to have at home, in the event that the campus is closed, but continue certain business activities remotely, through email or other communications?

• Emergency contact information for your supervisor and colleagues with whom you will need to communicate, including email and mobile phone.
• For managers and supervisors, department closing checklist plans; a list of essential employees and contacts; and VU website bookmarks on your home computer as appropriate.
• If appropriate, Internet access to email and university home page, through your home computer.

For Everyone – Other Important Considerations

• Arrange for direct deposit. In the event of a campus closure, any earnings you are scheduled to receive will only be issued electronically. Checks cannot be issued until the university reopens.
• If you do not have a bank checking account, create one.
• The university may need to rely on phone and internet communications to remain in touch with you during a pandemic. Please make sure your contact information is up to date (both email and phone).
• Have a personal emergency kit.
• As a result of social distancing, evacuation, closures, and travel restrictions, it is a good idea to anticipate what personal items you will need to take and keep with you in the event of a pandemic.
  • Food and water: Preparation experts recommend at least a two-week supply of non-perishable items, so that you do not need to go to the store very often.
  • Medications: Fill prescriptions and have over the counter items in supply.
  • Health and hygiene items: tissues, toilet paper, anti-bacterial (waterless) gel, soap, disinfecting cleaning solution, trash bags.
  • Practical items: flashlight, portable radio with batteries, manual can opener.
  • Contact information: Have phone and email contact information for loved ones, as well as a previously identified third-party contact, in the event that you cannot reach a loved one directly.