Power outages may occur for brief periods of time and often times are scheduled because of our necessity to complete repairs or upgrades. In Newfoundland, major power outages are often associated with severe weather. Memorial will implement the steps contained under Severe Weather Appendix when these situations occur.

In the event of a power outage, the emergency lights in the corridors and stairwells will provide minimal lighting, lasting on average 20 minutes. It has been designed so building occupants can evacuate safely.

Procedures

• Remain calm. 
• Report the power failure to CEP and/or Work Control (St. John’s) providing specifics on location, number of occupants and the scope of the power outage if known (Work Control St. John’s 709-864-7600, CEP St. John’s 709-864-4100, CEP Grenfell 709-637-2888). 
• If you are working in an area where you suspect a gas leak or that flooding caused the power outage, cease all operations immediately and pull the fire alarm to initiate a building evacuation.  
• If you are advised by emergency personnel or if the fire alarm is activated, please evacuate to your nearest assembly point and await further instructions from emergency personnel.  
• Do not reenter the building unless advised to do so by emergency personnel. 
• If in an elevator, use the telephone to notify CEP and assistance from emergency personnel will be forthcoming. 
• If in a dark workspace, determine whether or not you can move cautiously to a lighted area. If you are not able to do so, stay where you are. A search of the building will be conducted and you will be assisted to ensure a safe evacuation. 
• If in a residence, await instructions from your residence life advisor.  
• Assist others if necessary. 

Remember

• Emergency wardens have been appointed in all buildings on campus.  
• If its determined that the power outage will last for an extended period of time, an announcement may be made regarding closure. 
• Place an uninterrupted power supply on all electronic devices or unplug all electrical equipment to avoid a power surge upon restoration. 
• It may take a few minutes before full power is restored to your building, and this will need to be considered before turning on all of your electrical equipment/devices at one time. 
• Back-up power may only be a short term or temporary solution. 
• For buildings which contain laboratories, please remember our fume hoods do not operate during a power outage. Please do not resume laboratory work until you know proper ventilation has been restored to the area. Health and Safety personnel should be consulted in all such cases. 
• You may wish to have a flashlight, batteries, portable radio, and/or a small first aid kit depending on the area in which you work or study.

For more information on Power Outage procedures please contact Facilities Management.