Health and safety information
Campus Safety and Security
Campus Safety and Security—The University of Illinois is committed to providing the safest environment possible for work and study. Part of that commitment involves providing information about campus security to current as well as prospective students and employees.
MTD Saferides—SafeRides provides safe transportation on and near the campus to individuals who are generally traveling alone when no other means of safe transportation is available. SafeRides does not provide emergency transporation to medical facilities and operates only during fall and spring semesters. For further information, call 384.8188.
Division of Environmental Health and Safety—The Division of Research Safety provides on-line and live training to faculty, staff, and students.
Severe Weather
Weather Alerts—from the U.S. National Weather Service
Winter Safety Tips (from the Illinois Department of Public Health) and Winter Storm Advice (from the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross)
Summer Safety Tips (from the American Red Cross) and Heat Index (from the National Weather Service)
Tornado Safety
Tornado Safety—If tornado sirens sound, a tornado warning has been issued for the immediate area and the danger of a tornado is imminent. All Physics students, faculty, and staff are to go immediately to the basement of Loomis Laboratory and remain there for at least 30 minutes. If classes are in session, move all students to the basement. If immediate danger continues to exist, the siren will be sounded again at the end of that 30-minute period, or any time after that 30-minute period if a new, immediate danger develops. No "all clear" signal will be sounded; remain in the Loomis basement until 30 minutes after the last siren sounded. Tornado sirens are tested the first Tuesday of every month at 10 am. Test your tornado knowledge and review the campus tornado preparedness guidelines.
The National Weather Service Tornado Safety Tips
Fire Safety
If the fire alarms sound, all students, faculty, and staff must exit the building, using the nearest available stairs (in Loomis, stairs are located at the northeast, northwest, southwest, and southeast corners of the building).
Fire drills, false alarms, and genuine fire alarms are indistinguishable. EVERYONE MUST EVACUATE THE BUILDING WHENEVER THE FIRE ALARM IS SOUNDED. Even in a "fireproof" building, a small wastebasket fire can quickly fill an area with smoke and toxic gases. (See the results of the last "small" Loomis fire, which nearly destroyed the building in 1984.)
If time permits, close room windows and doors but leave the lights on. Do not use the elevators. Remain outside well away from the building until the alarms are turned off by fire department personnel and an "all clear" is announced.
Areas of refuge and rescue assistance for Loomis Laboratory have been established by the Urbana Fire Department. If you are unable to take the stairs to evacuate the building in case of emergency, go to one of these areas.
Fire Do's and Don'ts
- Do report the fire—don't assume someone else will. Call the Fire Department at 911.
- Do activate the nearest alarm box. Know their locations.
- Do close doors—they will slow the spread of fire.
- Do use the stairs to vacate the building. Assemble outside away from the building.
- Don't use elevators, even if they appear safe. Always use the stairs.
- Don't arbitrarily break windows—falling glass is a serious threat to both pedestrians and firefighters.
- Don't exit through a closed door until you have felt the top of the door and the door knob.
If either are hot, or if excessive smoke prevents your exit, keep the door closed and remain where you are. - Don't go back for your things—just leave.
- Don't congregate in the stairways. Keep to the right and keep moving. Always move down and out.
If you observe a fire hazard, report it immediately to Occupational Safety and Health, Facilities and Services (333.9711; oshs@illinois.edu).
Earthquake Preparedness and Safety
Earthquake Preparedness (yes, we have earthquakes in Illinois):
- Identify what equipment should be shut down if time permits.
- Look around your area and decide where the safe spots are—under sturdy tables or desks, against inside walls.
- Determine where the danger areas are—near windows, hanging objects, bookcases, unlatched cabinets, unsecured appliances, chemicals. Most casualties in earthquakes result from falling objects or materials.
- Move breakables and heavy objects to lower shelves wherever possible (good advice for non-earthquakes, too).
- Make sure latches on cabinets, process tanks, storage tanks, and closets are secured.
During an Earthquake:
- Stay indoors if already there. Do not use elevators.
- Move away from windows and into a safe spot.
- If out-of-doors, stay in the open, away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Don't go near anything where there is a danger of falling debris.
After an Earthquake:
- Check for injuries and follow first-aid procedures.
- Be prepared for aftershocks. Earthquakes often occur in a series of tremors, which could last for several days. Aftershocks, or even a series of aftershocks, are common.
- Exit damaged buildings and do not re-enter them; aftershocks could bring them completely down.
- Be alert for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring, downed electrical lines, or ruptured sewer lines. Wherever possible, turn off the utility at its source.
- Shut down equipment.
Suspicious Packages and Envelopes
Suspicious Packages and Envelopes
Suspicious Persons
To report suspicious but non-emergency behavior, call the Campus Police at 333-9811.
If you feel threatened or perceive immediate danger, call 9-911 from any campus phone or 911 from a non-University or cell phone.