University Emergency Procedures
IN CASE OF IMMEDIATE THREAT OF LIFE, CALL 9-1-1
University Police Phone Number: 608-789-9999
IN CASE OF FIRE
-
In case of fire, activate the nearest fire alarm. Take appropriate precautions to assure your personal safety. If a fire is in a room, and all people have exited the room, close the door to the room.
-
When you are in a safe area, away from the fire, call the La Crosse Fire Department at the designated emergency response number (911). Give your name and the exact location of the fire (building, floor, room, etc.). Be sure to stay on the phone until released by the emergency operator. If you have additional information, follow-up with a call to University Police at the designated emergency response number (608-789-9999).
-
Evacuate the building through the nearest un-obstructed exit. If persons with disabilities cannot safely evacuate the building, assist them to the nearest un-obstructed stairwell. Alert emergency personnel of their location.
-
Always evacuate a building when the alarm is ringing.
-
DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
-
Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 100 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
7. DO NOT RETURN TO OR ENTER AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless authorized by a City of La Crosse Fire Department official.
IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER
UWL's inclement weather plan is invoked in the most serious times when conditions make travel to and from campus dangerously imprudent or other events cause serious safety concerns.
-
When inclement weather (dangerous temperatures, snow, ice, wind or rain) occurs, University Police will confer with the Provost/Vice Chancellor prior to 5:45 a.m. for day classes and 1:45 p.m. for evening classes and events to determine if classes and events are cancelled. If the Provost/Vice Chancellor is unavailable, the next designee, the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance will be contacted. Based on changing conditions, the plan can be implemented at any time.
-
A determination of closure means all university classes and events are cancelled. It is State policy to keep state offices open even when severe weather exists.
-
University Police notifies University Communications which, in turn, will notify news media.
-
Hourly classified employees who do not report to work, report late, or leave work before the end of the work day because of weather conditions will be allowed to make up lost time during the remainder of the work week, as much time as is beneficial to the work unit. Make up time shall be at the regular rate of pay. Hourly employees may also take leave without pay, vacation, personal holiday, or compensatory time to cover absence. If specific contract language differs from this policy, the contract prevails.
-
Salaried classified and unclassified employees may use available annual leave (vacation), compensatory time, available holidays, or leave without pay to cover inclement weather absences. An employee and the employee's supervisor may agree that the employee can account for the time of the absence in another manner consistent with the professional nature of the employee's work assignment.
-
When the Governor closes State government offices this DOES NOT mean the UW System or UW-La Crosse.
IN CASE OF TORNADO
A tornado watch/severe weather watch means tornadoes are likely to develop. Employees are expected to be alert to changing weather situations and be prepared to take action if upgraded to a warning. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted in the immediate area. Employees/students are expected to take the following action.
-
If you receive notification of a tornado warning or sight a tornado, move to the lowest level in an interior hallway of the building as quickly as possible.
-
Stay away from windows and areas with a large expanse of glass.
-
Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums, and other large rooms with free-span roofs.
-
DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
-
If persons with disabilities cannot safely move to the lowest level, assist them to an interior hallway away from windows and areas with a large expanse of glass.
-
Protect your head and face. If possible, get under a sturdy table or other structure.