The major problems to be overcome in the event of a severe snowstorm or blizzard are related to receiving animals and supplies, and having sufficient personnel get to the campus to care for animals. Other effects of snow storms are handled as indicated in the following sections:
In the event of protests or picketing (by animal rights groups, for example) or a work stoppage, all AF personnel are to report to work as usual. In doing so, they are to avoid confrontations if they pass through picket lines or protest marchers. The University Public Relations specialists handle the dissemination of information and answer questions about our research. University Police handle security. AF should request increased security measures for all animal housing and support facilities and may participate in keeping all facilities secure.
Loss of communication systems may interfere with animal ordering, recordkeeping, and notification of emergencies. In the event of a communications system loss, priority is given to communications which directly effect animal health or well-being. Alternatives which may be considered include use of other systems which are functioning (if the paging system is down but phones are working, phone calls or emails may temporarily substitute). For extreme animal health crises (e.g., reporting a seriously ill animal) hand-delivered messages can be used.
The following indicates actions to be taken if animal facilities are flooded. If flooding affects the surrounding area, but not the facilities themselves, actions should follow those outlined under Section 25.12 - Snow Storm/Blizzard/Ice Storm.
In the event of an evacuation of animal facilities, AF personnel are to gather at the predetermined regrouping site, which is the porch outside the Office of Health and Safety, or outside the entrance to the UM Vivarium Receiving Dock.
Loss of electrical power may create problems such as: loss of lighting; loss of electrical equipment such ventilated cage racks, cagewashers, sterilizers, surgery/intensive care equipment, sump pumps, and communication systems. Top priority is given to addressing critical animal needs. Additional emergencies should be handled as addressed in other sections:
Contamination of the environment within an animal facility is reported by the Animal Care staff member who observes or discovers the problem. In an acute emergency, any staff member at the scene must warn co-workers, evacuate to a safe location, and notify the Hazardous Materials Response Team (915-5433) and the Supervisor or Section Head. If Animal Facilities (AF) is notified of a contamination in adjacent space, we will follow instructions from the appropriate Safety Office.
If a bomb threat is received by Animal Facility staff, the call should be immediately reported to the University Police. The University Police and Security will determine what action should be taken in the event of a bomb threat (evacuation of building, etc.). Animal Facility Supervisors of personnel working in the affected building should be notified and placed on stand-by alert for further instructions. If facilities are evacuated, AF personnel should meet at the designated regrouping area: the porch at Environmental Safety.
The primary goal is to restore adequate supply and/or exhaust as rapidly as possible. The Director or his/her designee (on-call Supervisor) contacts the Physical Plant or Zone Maintenance team of the affected facility (see Emergency Phone contacts for a list of contact numbers). After the appropriate group has been informed so that repairs can proceed, the Animal Facilities (AF) Director/designee is notified and coordinates all AF activities related to the emergency/disaster.