Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Contacts & Blue Light Phone Information

EMERGENCY

Call 9-911 from any VIMS campus phone or 911 from a cellular phone.  

• Be prepared to tell the operator your exact location, which building you are in or near and where you are in the building.
• Give the operator all the details of the incident.
• Stay on the line until the operator ends the call.

In Gloucester County, a 911 call is directed to the Gloucester County Sheriff.  On the Eastern Shore, calls are transferred to local Sheriff's Offices, Virginia State Police or the appropriate fire and EMS agencies.  

The VIMS landline telephone system is programmed to allow identification of the 911 emergency location of a caller. Do not move a landline phone to a new office or workspace as this may pose a threat to a caller’s safety in case of emergency.  When you dial 9-911 from a VIMS phone the appropriate emergency management staff are also notified that an emergency call has been placed.

The RED button on the Emergency Blue Light phones on the Gloucester Point campus may be used to make 911 calls to the Gloucester County Sheriff.   The RED button is for 911 calls, only.  The phones are located at nine locations across the Gloucester Point campus as shown on the VIMS Campus Map.   Please DO NOT use the RED button for non-emergency calls. The BLACK button on a Blue Light emergency phone will call VIMS Security.

The Gloucester County Sheriff’s Department phone number for non-emergencies is (804) 693-3890.  On the Eastern Shore, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Department phone number for non-emergencies is (757) 787-1131.

Emergency Management & Response Guidance

Quick link: VIMS Chief Operations Officer; W&M Emergency Response Guide

William & Mary's Emergency Management Team (EMT) is responsible for overall coordination of the university's emergency preparedness efforts.  VIMS' Chief Operations Officer is a member of the W&M EMT and oversees emergency responses on the VIMS campus, working in close coordination with the VIMS Dean & Director, other members of the Dean & Director's cabinet, and unit directors and chairs, as appropriate.  

William & Mary's Emergency Response Guide assists the university community in responding to emergency situations.  When the information provided is specific to the Williamsburg campus, additional information for the VIMS campus is provided in this section of the VIMS Faculty and Staff Information & Resources Portal.

For questions, please contact the VIMS Chief Operations Officer.

Emergency Notifications

Quick links (W&M, external): Emergency Notification System; Banner Self-Service

VIMS and William & Mary use an Emergency Notification System to notify the campus community that an emergency exists. Messages are broadcast using public address speakers, e-mail notifications, and optional notifications based on personal contact information entered using the Personal Information tab in Banner Self-Service. Fire alarms are separate from the Emergency Notification System. Depending upon the situation, part or all of the system may be used.  Be aware that notices may be sent that pertain only to the campus in Williamsburg, or only to the VIMS campus.  A notification states that an emergency exists, briefly describes the situation, and then provides basic guidance on action(s) to be taken.

Most VIMS buildings have fire alarm systems independent of the Emergency Notification System. Fire alarms are both audio and visual (strobe light). Unless you have specific knowledge that the alarm is being tested, activation of a fire alarm means that you must leave the building immediately. Each individual is an important component of the Emergency Notification System. Especially in an on-campus emergency, be sure that your office and lab neighbors are aware of and are responding to the situation.  Buildings on the VIMS campus have diagrams posted that show emergency evacuation routes and assembly areas outside of the building. 

To receive notifications through the emergency notification system, please log into Banner Self-Service and make sure that your contact information is accurate and up to date.

Environmental Health & Safety

Quick links: Office of Safety and Environmental Programs (OS&EP); Health & Safety Plans & Guidance Documents

The VIMS Office of Safety and Environmental Programs (OS&EP) is committed to ensuring that all members of the VIMS community and visitors to the VIMS campus have a safe working and learning environment.  OS&EP provides safety training to all new employees as part of VIMS orientation.  Supervisors must ensure that all new or reassigned personnel are instructed in safe methods of performing particular tasks prior to starting and during the early stages of each new job.  

Supervisors should be familiar with relevant safety plans and guidance documents, such as VIMS' Occupational Safety and Health Plan and the VIMS Chemical Hygiene Plan.  Ultimately, it is the responsibility of Principal Investigators to ensure that research personnel have the appropriate training and follow procedures.  

Prevention of accidental spills requires the utmost attention to proper handling procedures by the user. The VIMS HAZCOM Training Program stresses the importance of handling hazardous material correctly and ensures that the required Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available for every hazardous chemical or material used by VIMS/SMS personnel.  

In case of a hazardous material spill on the VIMS campus, follow appropriate protocols and contact Eric Fidler, Safety & Security Manager, Office of Safety & Environmental Programs.
Office: (804) 684-7322; Cell: (804) 625-2780

Incidents in the Field or on the Water

Quick link: Emergency & After Hour Contacts (Marine Operations)

Field Operations - In case of emergency, call 911.  additional information coming soon

Marine Operations - Individuals are available to respond to after-hour incidents including vessel breakdowns, and concerns regarding failure of field personnel on research vessels to communicate with land-based personnel regarding change of return time or having secured vessel activities for the day.  Visit Marine Operations Emergency & After Hour Contacts for details.

If someone needs immediate medical attention or your boat is on fire or in danger of sinking, the U.S. Coast Guard can be reached using VHF-FM radio Channel 16.

Reporting Incidents or Behavioral Concerns

Quick link: VIMS - Report an Incident;  W&M Report Concerns

VIMS - Report an Incident

To report an incident of loss of property, misconduct, or other VIMS campus concerns, click on the button below, or use the QR code to send a confidential report to the Director of Facilities Management and Chief Operations Officer for investigation:

Submit an Incident Report

If you are concerned about an unaccompanied member of the public in a VIMS building during or outside of working hours, please call VIMS Security at (804) 684-7300.  And, of course, do not unlock or prop open outside doors after hours or on the weekend.  

W&M - Report a Behavioral Concern

Following the W&M guidance, you may choose to communicate a concern through the Report Concerns website (W&M)*.  Early intervention and support may help a person struggling with their issues to avoid long term problems, better manage their condition and reestablish their behavioral stability. Reporting your concerns, individually or with comments from others, allows the university to offer the individual assistance, address worries and make necessary decisions regarding our community’s safety.

If there are immediate health and safety concerns surrounding a person’s behavior because of written or spoken threats, previous violence or abuse, violations of the law or university policy, or possession of firearms or other weapons, you should call 911.  

*Note: W&M also has a Care Concerns system that provides outreach, supports, and services to students who are experiencing significant challenges.  Members of the community are encouraged to submit a care concern if there is a significant concern about a student’s wellbeing. Care Concerns are NOT for crisis response or mental health triage.

Risk Management (Insurance, Liability, Claims, excluding Worker's Comp)

Quick links: W&M Risk Management; VIMS Risk Manager

As an agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia, VIMS is insured through the Commonwealth's Risk Management Plan. The Plan provides coverage anywhere that university business takes the faculty and staff. This coverage includes liability, property, vehicle and employee theft. The Commonwealth's Division of Risk Management (DRM), within the Department of the Treasury, administers the Plan.

The VIMS Risk Manager is responsible for the management of claims against and for the university, which could involve bodily injury, property damage and other types of loss. Losses may arise from fire and water damage, liability claims, theft and other causes.

The W&M Risk Management website provides detailed information on policies and procedures that apply to risk management through the Commonwealth's Risk Management Plan.  These policies and procedures also apply at VIMS.  

For any questions and support on the VIMS campus, contact the VIMS Risk Manager, Carol Tomlinson x7014.

Severe Storm Preparedness

Quick link: Storm Preparedness

From time to time, the Institute experiences severe storms. The VIMS Dean & Director makes closure decisions for VIMS, which may or may not align with W&M closures.  Eastern Shore Lab closure decisions are made by the ESL Director.  Information on Storm Preparedness is provided to help VIMS personnel prepare for storms, to stay safe and to stay updated via emergency and other announcements.  Advanced planning and good communication will help VIMS safeguard equipment, resources, and personnel.

VIMS Security

Quick link: VIMS Security

Security may be reached by calling (804) 684-7300. This extension is monitored 24 hours, 7 days a week. After hours, officers can also be reached at (804) 694-7300. Assistance will be provided for services such as escorting to/from buildings and vehicles, (un)locking buildings and rooms for special events, and investigating incidents (theft, property damage, etc.). Requests for assistance from the Security Office may be made in advance by e-mail to security@vims.edu.

Visit VIMS Security for additional information, including how to report an incident of loss of property, or other concerns.   

Workers' Compensation

Quick link: Workers' Compensation

All employees at William & Mary and VIMS are eligible to receive benefits under the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act for an injury and/or illness which is incurred in the course of official work-related duties. This includes faculty, full-time staff, part-time staff, student workers, and hourly employees.  

In case of a workplace accident emergency, call 911 (or 9-911 from a VIMS campus phone).

For non-emergency treatment,  the injured employee will choose a physician from an approved list.  Physician lists are provided for Gloucester County, Virginia's Eastern Shore and other locations.  

Employees should report ALL accidents, no matter how small, to their supervisor immediately and provide specific details regarding the injury. Details should include the body part injured and the exact location where the injury occurred.  Additional information and required steps are available on the W&M Workers' Compensation website.

The supervisor should ensure the employee has emergency medical treatment if necessary and is required to provide additional information as detailed on the W&M Workers' Compensation website.