Planning for Emergencies

Planning in advance for emergencies empowers you to act confidently should a situation arise and can help keep you and others safe.

Take action to prepare yourself:

  1. Make a Plan
  2. Get a Kit
  3. Stay Informed

Make a Plan

As you prepare, tailor your plans and supplies to meet your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. You should coordinate with your friends, family, people you assist, and/or those you rely on for assistance.

Planning ahead is the first step in preparing yourself for an emergency and should include:

  • Designating an out-of-area contact: It might be convenient to text or call after an emergency, so identify an out-of-area friend or relative who can serve as a central connection point. For smaller emergencies, keep local emergency contacts on hand.
  • Deciding where to meet after an emergency: Choose a location near your residence, classroom, or office and another away from campus to meet with your friends, classmates, coworkers or roommates in the event you can't return.
  • Always knowing the locations of emergency exits and escape routes: No matter where you are, take a minute to note the locations of all emergency exits and the paths by which you can exit quickly if needed.
  • Reviewing and practicing your emergency plan: Be sure to review your plan with friends, classmates, coworkers, and relatives and set aside time to practice your plan.

Get a Kit

Recommended items for a basic emergency supply kit include:

  • Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Primary and alternate power sources for charging mobile devices
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio with extra batteries
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Personal hygiene, sanitation items and plastic bags with ties for disposal

Additional recommended items:

  • Complete change of clothing appropriate to the season
  • Blankets or bedding items
  • Copies of important documents
  • Emergency contact information
  • Lists of medications and medical information
  • Dust mask to filter contaminated air
  • A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
  • Maps of all UB campuses and the Western NY region

Recommended items to keep in your car:

  • Blankets
  • Water
  • Small snow shovel
  • Flashlight

Be sure to address any special needs at home including:

  • Pets
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Plans for extended absences
  • Plans for utility outages

Stay Informed

Sign up to receive UB Alert notifications. UB Alert is the university's preferred method for communicating immediate protective actions during an emergency.

Emergency announcements will be made through one or more of the following communication channels:

  • UB Alert will send text messages and emails to all @buffalo.edu email addresses
  • UB will post notices on the homepage www.buffalo.edu 
  • UB will post notices on the emergency page emergency.buffalo.edu
  • MyUB will post notices in your personal portal www.buffalo.edu/aboutmyub  
  • UB's faculty and staff newspaper will post notices www.buffalo.edu/now 
  • Local television and radio stations will broadcast updates
  • Campus traffic radio updates will be broadcast on 1620 AM 
  • Call the UB Campus Road Condition hotline at 716-645-2345
  • Contact UB's information line with inquiries 716-645-NEWS (716-645-6397) 
  • Follow UB's official social media accounts for regular updates

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