Skip to main content

Weather Related Emergencies

Weather Related Emergencies with at least 48 hours Warning (Hurricane, Snow/Blizzard, Tornadoes, Flooding, etc.):

  • Ensure that animal husbandry supplies for up to 1 week (or the duration of the storm) are available.  Depending upon circumstances additional considerations regarding conservation of supplies (food, water, bedding) and equipment (caging, hoods, sanitization) may be appropriate.  Specific questions or concerns should be directed to Steve Niemi, DVM (617-816-1938), or Tracie Ferreira, Ph.D. (x6537).
  • Notify Facilities Dept (x8171).
  • Ensure that documented essential equipment is plugged into emergency outlets.
  • Dispose of any frozen carcasses.  To arrange for an unscheduled pickup of dead animals, call Wayne LeBlanc (x8242).
  • Review work schedules and staff contact information, university methods of communication during emergencies, and laboratory staff responsibilities.  Designate individual(s) responsible for animal welfare during weather emergency.
  • If travel is impossible, then animals must be checked as soon as safety permits.

Weather Related Emergencies with less than 48 hours Warning/ Acute Situation (Hurricanes, Snow/Blizzards,Tornado, Earth Quake, Flooding):

Safety of personnel takes priority-

Report any injuries to UMassD Police (x9191).

  • if required by UMassD, evacuate all personnel to designated locations as directed by UMD emergency response and wait until given “all clear” to return.
  • Once the “all clear” has been given, staff should assess any damage to the facility and make sure it is safe to enter. Report potentially unsafe conditions to UMassD Police (x9191).  If conditions are safe to enter, conduct a complete cage check. Animals in severe distress should be reported immediately to Dr. Steve Niemi, DVM (617-816-1938).  Animals that are not in severe distress but are injured should be recorded and the cage identified. A summary of all cases should be provided to Dr. Niemi for further directions (617-816-1938).
  • Provide a summary of the incident to the Tracie Ferreira (x6537) or Andrew Karberg (x9880) as soon as possible. This will be shared with all appropriate UMD departments involved in emergency response.
  • Provide necessary care to the remaining animals using emergency supplies and available equipment. PIs should consider altering frequency of cage changing and non-direct care tasks to maximize supplies and available utilizes such as water and power without compromising the health of the animals.

Earthquakes

Preventive Measures:

  • In order to be protected from falling objects, be familiar with safe areas, such as sturdy desks, tables or inside walls, where staff can stand or crouch during future earthquakes.  Be aware that heavy doors can swing open dramatically during shaking. It is also important to stay clear of windows. “All clear” may not immediately be granted since shaking can return even after an extended break.

Response Plan: Earthquakes

  • Immediately look for the nearest safe area (sturdy desks, tables or inside walls).
  • Once shaking has stopped, survey co-workers and determine if anyone is injured.  Do not move anyone who is seriously injured. Call UMassD Police (x9191) and report the injured person, the injury and person’s location.
  • Once building safety has been determined by Public Safety, evacuate using the posted evacuation routes.  DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. Evacuate all personnel to designated locations as directed by UMD emergency response and wait until given “all clear” to return.
  • Once the “all clear” has been given, staff should assess any damage to the facility and make sure it is safe to enter. Report potentially unsafe conditions to UMassD Police, If conditions are safe to enter, conduct a complete cage check. Animals in severe distress should be reported immediately to Dr. Niemi (617-816-1938).  Animals that are not in severe distress but are injured should be recorded and the cage identified. A summary of all cases should be provided to Dr. Niemi (617-816-1938).
  • Submit an incident report to Tracie Ferreira (x6537) or Andrew Karberg (x9880).
  • Provide necessary care to the remaining animals using emergency supplies and available equipment.  PIs should consider altering frequency of cage changing and non-direct care tasks to maximize supplies and available utilizes such as water and power without compromising the health of the animals.