Cotopaxi Contingency Plan

The Emergency Committee of the University will convene to quickly assess the situation once the official agencies decide to go from alert to orange. The rules established by governmental and municipal authorities, including whether it is possible to stay on campus, will be adhered to.

Unless there is a government decision that specifies otherwise, USFQ operations won't be stopped during the orange alert. The USFQ Emergency Committee will be in touch with the appropriate authorities constantly.

Members of the USFQ community must have an emergency backpack and a Family Emergency Plan when the orange alert is activated and for the duration of this phase.

Backpack for Emergencies

The emergency backpack or suitcase is critical for mitigating potential risks that may arise during an emergency. It is recommended that each person have an individual backpack, which should be kept at the point of contact, in the vehicle, or in the location specified in the Family Plan. Below is a table of items that should be in the emergency backpack:

First Aid Kit	Toiletries	Equipment/Miscellaneous
N95 Masks	Soap	Glasses
Latex Gloves	Toothpaste	Flashlight with batteries
Gauze	Toothbrush	Candles
Scissors	Toilet paper	Matches
Tape	Antibacterial Gel	Warm clothing
Cotton	Sanitary Towels	Blanket
Physiological Saline Solution		Food and water for at least 3 days
Band-Aids		Comfortable shoes
Bandages		Can opener or razon
Continuous medication		Copy of keys
		Cash

 

All members of the community must always carry the following items with them:

• Mask
• Glasses
• 2 bottled water bottles

Family Contingency Plan

The University recommends that students, academic and administrative staff, and workers create a Family Emergency Plan that includes contact information as well as detailed plans for where to go in the event of an eruption. You can also use the Municipality of Quito's template, which can be found at the following link: http://www.quito.gob.ec/documents/plan_familiar.pdf

The National Risk Management Service website contains official information on the meaning of warnings, alarm tones corresponding to the warnings, recommendations and maps of evacuation routes and safe zones. It is recommended that members of the community become acquainted with the information on this page. https://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/volcancotopaxi/

It is also recommended that you identify the safe zones on your daily route. The authorities’ risk map and safe zones can be found at the following link: http://www.quito.gob.ec/documents/mapa_cumbaya_tumbaco_vcotopaxi.pdf

Stage during the day: from 07h00 to 21h00

If the governmental authorities declare a red alert and do so between 07h00 and 21h00, USFQ operations will be halted. Furthermore, the following policies will be followed:

On campus:

• USFQ alarms will be activated during the transition from orange to red alert.
• On-campus academic and administrative activities will be suspended.
• In the event of an ash fall, wear a face mask in open areas.
• Students, faculty, staff and administrators will be given instructions in the event of an immediate red alert.
• When the red alert is issued, instructions will be given for an orderly evacuation of the university, and the PSF parking lot will be opened for easy evacuation.
• Students, academic and administrative personnel and workers who, due to force majeure, cannot leave the campus, must go to the "Safe Zones" of the USFQ, identified in the "Map of Risk and Safety Zones".

 

 

Stage in the evening: from 21h01 to 06h59

If the governmental authorities declare a red alert and do so between 21h01 and 06h59, USFQ operations will be suspended.

On campus:

• USFQ alarms will be activated during the transition from orange to red alert.
• Security and constant monitoring will be strengthened.
• No one is permitted to enter the university because it is closed.

Off-campus scenario: If you are not on campus when a new heightened risk alert is issues or during an eruption:

• If an eruptive event occurs while any USFQ community member is outside the University, authorities’ instructions must be followed, especially if the person is in a risk zone. Any evacuation must be conducted in a controlled and calm manner, in accordance with the instructions of the competent governmental authority.
• If you are close to your home and it is not in a danger zone, it is advised that you return home and stay there.
• If you are close to the USFQ, you should go to the nearest refuge area (provided for in your family plan).
• Follow the plan outlined in your family plan.