Emergency Preparedness on Campus

Prepare for anything!

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZjSQn1fzLw

What is preparedness?Defined as a state of readiness to respond to a disaster, crisis, or any other type of emergency situation.

Natural vs. Man-Made

Why is preparedness important?

• April 16, 2007– Virginia Tech Shooting– 33 killed– Began in a residence

hall before moving to an academic building

• April 25-27, 2011– Largest tornado

outbreak ever recorded– Touchdown within a

mile from campus– 348 total fatalities

April 27, 2011 Damage in N. Georgia

Emergency Alert and Notification

• How will I find out information if there is a campus emergency?

• What if I am in class?• What if I am off campus?

How will I find out information if there is a campus emergency?

UTC has the ability to alert through multiple methods on campus:• UTC Alert• Classroom Alerts• Emergency Signage• Fire Alarms• UTC Email (UTC INFO, UTC URGENT)• PA system • Social Media• Word of Mouth

Emergency Alerting• What is UTC Alert?

UTC ALERT

• UTC Alert is a system that allows the university to send SMS text messages with critical instructions during an emergency

• Only those who are signed up will receive the messages.

UTC ALERT

• Messages will ONLY be sent when an immediate threat exists, i.e.:– Acts of violence– Severe weather threat– Bomb threats

UTC ALERT

• WILL NOT BE USED to announce delayed openings due to inclement weather; WILL BE USED to announce closings due to sudden inclement weather as needed, i.e. midday snow storm

• Updates via News/Media OR Call 423-425-4SNOW

How do I sign up?

1. Go to www.utc.edu/edu

2. Click Emergency Preparedness at the bottom

UTC Alert

3. Register

What if I am in class?

1. Alert Beacons will issue a classroom alert, in addition to other building alarms, i.e. fire alarm.

2. At that time, the professor should stop class to take emergency action.

3. Please follow the emergency procedures listed in the emergency alert.

4. Follow emergency procedures until the campus sends an “All Clear” message.

What if I am off campus?

1. Remain alert to all situations. 2. If you are at a place of business, pay attention to their

emergency signage to learn the fastest evacuation route and shelter locations.

3. If you are at a residence, ask the home owner where all exits are located and the location of the best shelter at the home.

4. Evacuate or seek shelter if an emergency arises. 5. Stay out evacuated or sheltered until the emergency is over.

Emergency Procedures

What do I do in the event of a campus emergency?

Evacuation

• WHY would you evacuate a building?– In the case of Fire, Bomb Threat, Explosion,

Chemical Incident• If you hear an alarm or receive an ALERT to

evacuate:1. Evacuate calmly (DO NOT use elevators)2. Report location of persons who cannot exit 3. Go to your emergency assembly area (at least

500 ft. away from the building)4. Wait for the ALL CLEAR

Evacuation

• Academic buildings have evacuation and shelter signage to indicate exit routes and assembly areas.

• Residence halls have evacuation and shelter signage in every room.

Evacuation

Tornado

• Tornado Watch- tornadoes are possible; remain alert

• Tornado Warning- tornado has been spotted

UTC will notify you if there is a tornado warning that affects the campus area; ONLY

watches/warnings that affect the campus area will be disseminated.

Tornado Shelters

• North Campus Housing1. Take shelter in your dormitory restroom or

closet space2. Duck into the tornado safety position3. Cover yourself with heavy objects4. Wait for the ALL CLEAR

Tornado Shelters

• South Campus Housing1. Go to the lowest floor of the building2. Take shelter the hallway and fire exit stairwells

(stay away from glass)3. Duck into the tornado safety position4. Cover yourself with heavy objects5. Wait for the ALL CLEAR

Tornado Shelters• Campus Wide/General tips

1. Get to the lowest floor possible (basements, even)

2. Avoid rooms with exterior walls, seek interior spaces

3. Avoid rooms containing glass or windows4. Avoid rooms with wide roofs that could collapse

easily, such as the gym and auditoriums5. If you are outside and you cannot get inside,

crouch for protection beside a strong structure, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your arms or clothing

How can we be better prepared on campus?

Personal Preparedness

Get a KITMake a PLANBe INFORMED

Personal Preparedness

• Water• Food• Flashlight• Radio/Weather

Radio• First Aid Kit• Batteries• Personal Documents

• Emergency Contact Info

• Emergency Blanket

• Cash• Map• Cell Phone• Multi-Purpose

Tool

Get a KIT

*Be sure to include any regular medications*

Make a PLAN

• How will I evacuate from my housing unit in the event of a fire?

• Where is my emergency assembly area when I am in class? In the residence hall?

• Where should I go during a tornado warning?• How will I let family know I am “okay”?• Where will I keep my disaster kit(s)?

Be INFORMED

• Sign up for UTC ALERT• Pay attention to Evacuation and Shelter Maps• Note location of EXIT lighting and stairwells• Purchase a Weather Radio

What resources are available?

• www.utc.edu “Emergency Preparedness”– Current Weather (radar, warnings, etc.)– Supplemental guides, resources• How to build an emergency plan for your dorm

room• How to build a disaster kit• Active shooter response videos• Fire and safety interactive education games• Multicultural preparedness• Disability preparedness

What resources are available?

• (Online) Abnormal Conditions Preparedness Guide

• Unsafe Conditions• Injury or Illness • Suspicious Mail• Fire• Emergency Evacuation• Inclement Weather Info• High Winds/Tornado• Bomb Threats

• Acts of Violence• Students in Distress• Reporting a Crime• Hazardous Waste • Chemical Release/Spill• Building Modifications

Contact Information

(423)425-2297Emergency-Management@utc.edu