Emergency situations require prompt reaction and thoughtful use of available resources. While we can’t prepare for every possible emergency, it is beneficial to discuss what resources are available and what we should be thinking about before and after an emergency.

Medical Emergencies:

When working with biological material, consider what information would be helpful to those assisting the injured. Be sure to discuss possible exposure to human pathogens or other potentially infectious materials.

• Call 911 or 9-911
  • If you can’t call, then delegate task to the nearest individual.
• Where is the nearest AED?
  • Do you know how to use an AED?
• Where are your labs first aid supplies?
  • Have the stocks recently been checked?

Power Failure

Consider where your biological materials are stored and what equipment contains such materials.

• Are your freezers on backup power?
  • How long will the backup power last?
  • If not, where will you get enough dry ice to save your -80C freezers?
  • Post sign and remind everyone to not open the freezer doors.
  • Do you have trays available to catch the water leaking from the defrosting freezers?
  • It’s always good practice to keep your freezers free from ice buildup
• Are your incubators on backup power?

Earthquake

Shaking may cause containment to be compromised. Flasks, culture plates, or other items containing biological material may break when dropped.

• Could your research material create aerosols if dropped?
  • Wait at least 30 minutes before re-entering the lab.
• Your research material may have spilled on the floor
  • Where are your spill clean-up materials?

Flood

You cannot “see” what biological material may be present in flood water. Do not step into water since hazards are unknown. Plan for the following situations:

• Do not wade into water where there is electrical equipment.
• Do you have research animals in the lab?
• Have flood waters reached research material?
• Is the power still on?