Protective Actions
What You Need To Do
In an emergency at the lab, Lab Alert, the Public Address system , and the Building Emergency Teams will instruct you which of three actions you should take:
Evacuate -- generally used for when exiting the building is the best choice, such as a fire or an earthquake.
Shelter-in-Place -- generally used for a chemical or other air-borne release.
Lockdown -- generally used when staying inside the building is the best solution; this may be an active threat such as an armed person.
In all cases please be prepared to listen and follow the instructions of first responders or designated Lab personnel.
In Some Situations There Is No Time To Wait
In an earthquake, your first notice will be the shaking of the earth. Do not wait for instructions. Immediately take cover under a strong desk and hold on until the shaking stops. Then quickly exit the building and gather at the assembly area. Do not return to the building.
In some emergencies, such as an active shooter, you will need to make your own decision. There will not be an initial message from Lab Alert or the PA system since the event is most likely localized.
You will have to decide whether it is best to run, hide or fight. There is no right answer, but you can prepare for this unlikely event by watching this video and think about what you would do if the unthinkable would happen at work or when you are out in the community.
Three Common Protective Actions at the Lab
Evacuate
Remain calm.
• QUICKLY gather your car keys and cell phone, if possible, but do not search for these items.
• Alert others of the evacuation in case they have not received or heard the notification.
• Exit the building using the shortest and safest route.
• Make note of any injured or otherwise incapacitated people and report this to your Building Emergency Team but do not stop to help.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the hazards that may be present inside and outside the building.
• Proceed to the Emergency Assembly Area (EAA).
• Report any life threatening injuries (yours or that of others) or major safety concerns (fires, releases, etc.) to your BET.
Shelter-in-Place
Remain calm.
• QUICKLY gather your car keys and cell phone, if possible, but do not search for these items.
• Alert others to the shelter-in-place order in case they may not have received or heard the notification.
• Move to an interior part of the building, closing windows and doors behind you.
• Allow anyone from the outside to enter the building, but separate them into another area if possible.
• Do not eat, drink, take medications or apply cosmetics unless medically necessary.
• Seal off doorways with clothing, towels, or plastic sheeting if possible.
• Wait for further instruction from your Building Emergency Team or emergency responders.
Lockdown
Remain calm.
• As instructed:
Move away from windows or get down on the floor.
Protect yourself from any possible debris.
Lock or barricade the doors of the room you are in.
• Wait for further instruction from emergency responders.
If you are at a Lab offsite location, your emergency will be handled by the local jurisdiction when you dial 911. You may want to sign up for their emergency alerts so you can be informed about emergencies near to your location.
Emery Station East and Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Emeryville Police Department and Alameda County FIre Department
Potter Street