Power Outage

Whether caused by wildfire or heavy storms, power outages are a common issue. Here are steps to take when an outage occurs on campus.


What to do in a power outage

  • Assess the extent of the outage in your area.
  • During the day, report the outage to your Building Coordinator or Facility Services.
  • In the evening, report the outage to University Police, 6-2281.
  • Turn on battery-powered radios and listen to Emergency Alert Radio Stations (920 AM, 1400 AM, 98.1 FM) for further information if the outage is an area event.
  • Use auxiliary light supplies (flashlights) conservatively.
  • Unplug all electrical equipment not protected by surge protectors and turn off office light switches unless needed.
  • If relocation is necessary, follow directions from authorized campus personnel.
  • Help persons in darkened rooms move to safety.
  • Keep refrigerators/freezers closed during outage.
  • Open windows for additional light and ventilation.
  • Laboratory personnel should secure experiments or activities which may be dangerous without power or when power is abruptly restored. When mechanical ventilation is interrupted, chemical vapors may reach hazardous concentrations.
  • Open windows and doors. Clean up any spills, store chemicals and close containers.
  • Remain at your work location and, if needed, work with your vice president's/executive director's office to relocate employees and classes to areas where there is natural light.

Campus response to a power outage will rely heavily on the situation. Daytime class dismissal will be at the discretion of the instructor. Check your email and phones for any PolyAlert communications.