Virginia Tech® home

Explosion

An explosion is caused by a rapid expansion of gas from chemical reactions or incendiary devices. Signs of an explosion may be a very loud noise or series of noises and vibrations, fire, heat or smoke, falling glass or debris, or building damage.

  1. Get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible. Call 911.
  2. If items are falling off of bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy table or desk.
  3. If there is a fire, stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
  4. If you are trapped in debris, tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
  5. Assist others in exiting the building and move to designated evacuation areas. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
  6. Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

The emergency services Incident Commander will make decisions regarding the control and abatement of the explosion incident, and will determine if it is safe to re-enter or occupy the building.

Depending on the nature and degree of the explosion incident, other support agencies and university resource units may be brought in for services or assistance.