The Presbyterian Center is operating on a normal schedule.
What to do in case of an emergency
- Dial 911 to call the police, the fire department or ambulance.
- Dial ext. 5625 to report incidents to Building Services.
- Dial ext. 5010 to verify any situation or to report information to security
- Dial ext. 5010 for a security escort within a four-block area of the building. Please call ahead if possible.
- Dial ext. 8000, the staff information line, for building hours, severe weather closings, etc.
- Dial 580-6145 for the Witherspoon garage. For problems please call the Building Services resource line at ext. 5625
- Louisville Metro Police Department/First Division: 574-7167
- Download the emergency procedures manual.
During situations like severe weather, infectious disease outbreaks, disasters and other emergencies you should follow directives issued by local, state or federal authorities first, even if those directives conflict with those issues by the Presbyterian Mission Agency. We urge all staff to follow instructions from local, state or federal authorities in all emergency situations.
When conditions warrant closing the offices and suspending building operations, Building Services will contact designated area representatives. When possible the decisions will be made the night before or at the latest by 6 a.m.
Staff may call the Center's Employee Information Line at (502) 569-8000 for closing information. The message will be updated by 6 a.m. on a work day.
Public service announcements will also be made on Louisville television and radio stations WAVE-TV 3, WHAS-TV 11, 84 WHAS Radio 840 AM and 970FM WAMZ. We will be listed under the heading "Presbyterian Center/Louisville."
One of three messages will be communicated
- Suspended: Only essential personnel are required to work. Essential personnel will be decided by the agencies.
- Delayed: The building is open but operating with a 2-hour delay, employees are not to attempt to enter the building before the delayed opening to allow time for safe clearing of the outside walkways, or other conditions that is the reason for the delay. Please remember, that a 2-hour delay also means employees can arrive up to 2 hours after their normal start time without penalty. Employees will be paid for a full day.
- Closed: The building is closed due to extreme emergency situations.
Self-Evaluation of Flu Symptoms
On a daily basis, before coming to work, ask yourself the following:
- Do I have a fever?
- If you think you have a fever, take your temperature.
- Is your temperature over 100ºF?
If you answered "yes," do you have at least one of these other symptoms?
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Nasal congestion/runny nose
- Feeling ill
If you answer “yes” to having a fever and at least one of the symptoms listed or you feel ill, then:
- Do not report to work; stay at home.
- Notify your supervisor as soon as possible.
- If you have severe illness, call your healthcare provider. Do not go to a clinic/urgent care/emergency room without calling first.
Hand Washing
Thorough and frequent hand-washing is one of the best ways to avoid infectious disease. For details on how to do it right, see the World Health Organization poster.
Preparation and Supplies
It’s a good idea to prepare now for an emergency such as an infectious disease outbreak. See a checklist and download a plan.
One part of preparation is creating a family communication plan and collecting family health information. These preparations will help your family respond to any sort of emergency.
Many people have questions about testing, antiviral medications and face masks. Learn more and visit the CDC Web site.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you have traveled to China, South Korean, Japan, Iran or Italy or if you believe you have been in close contact with someone who has been infected with the Coronavirus virus, please do not come to work. Contact your supervisor before the start of your shift to report your absence, and plan to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
- Symptoms of Coronavirus include fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, runny nose and sore throat. Virus can be spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, touching an object/surface with the virus on it and then touching mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
- Incubation is 0-14 days. You can have no symptoms and be infectious.
- There is currently no vaccine for coronavirus. It will take 12-18 months for development.
How the Coronavirus is Spread
Current understanding about how the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. COVID-19 is a new disease and there is more to learn about how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States.
Information on Coronavirus
More information on Coronavirus can be found at the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control.
How To Protect Yourself from Infection
- Wash your hands, frequently and thoroughly.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick (use sick leave).
- Cover your cough, sneeze with a tissue and dispose of tissue (don’t put it in your pocket).
- Clean using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the virus. CDC does not recommend them for protection.
Infection Control
See these recommendations on avoiding infection from the CDC and the WHO.
Social Media
Stay current with CDC news and updates using social media.
