FAIS Network Sites > Office of Emergency Management > Utility Problem

Utility Problem

Prevention

  1. Campus Facilities Services or Operations perform scheduled preventative maintenance and invest in infrastructure improvements.

Protection

  1. Have a flashlight available.
  2. Plug critical equipment into uninterrupted power supplies, or outlets served by emergency feeders or building generators. These outlets are often red in color.
  3. Preform annual fire safety inspections for lighting along egress routes.

Mitigation

  1. Identify utility cutoff switches/valves and who can operate them.
  2. Coordinate with Facility Services or Operations for pre-planning when utility interruptions could significantly affect critical functions.

Response

Facilities Service Dispatch/Contact Number

  • Pullman: 509-335-9000
  • Spokane: 509-358-7760
  • Tri-Cities: 509-372-7000
  • Vancouver: 360-546-9000
  • Everett: 425-315-4014

In the event of extended utility loss (power, water, sewage, etc.) to a facility, certain precautionary measures should be taken depending on the geographical location and environment of the facility:

  1. Contact Facilities Services to report the problem.
  2. For facilities equipped with backup power, ensure the backup generator or power has started.
  3. Find a flashlight or use your cellphone or other device to illuminate your path if necessary.
  4. Help people in your immediate area when needed.
  5. If stuck in an elevator, use the elevator intercom to request assistance.
    1. Remain calm.
    2. Use a mobile phone or call out for help if the intercom does not work.
    3. DO NOT attempt to exit the elevator without the elevator contractor or emergency responders present.
  6. Be prepared to provide fire monitors if occupancy is permitted during a power outage affecting life safety (fire alarm, smoke control and sprinkler) systems.
  7. Building re-entry:
    1. If the building DOES NOT have backup power, and the life safety/fire detection systems are not powered, a Fire Watch must be implemented if the building is to be re-occupied while the power is out. A Fire Watch must:
      • Be competent to identify fire hazards.
      • Be able to communicate to the fire department if the response is needed.
      • Be familiar with the structure and emergency plan.
      • Perform patrols every 15 minutes to look for instances of fire.
      • Keep a log sheet; Person’s name, time each activity was conducted, description of activity.
  8. If the building has a backup power for life safety/fire detection systems, confirm the backup power is operational and continue/resume occupancy of the building.
  9. If the building has laboratory hoods, confirm they are operational before proceeding with work. Otherwise, stop experimentation leaving equipment (off/de-energized) and reactants in a safe condition, close the fume hood sash and leave the laboratory until HVAC resumes operation.

Recovery

  1. Electronic equipment should be brought up to ambient temperature before energizing to prevent condensate from forming on circuitry.
  2. Fire and portable water piping should be checked for leaks from freeze damage after the heat has been restored to the facility and water turned back on (Depending on the exterior temperature).