The University of Cincinnati is committed to a safe and secure campus environment. As part of that commitment, an Emergency Planning Committee has been established to prepare for emergency situations. This committee is coordinated by Public Safety, and incorporates members from students, faculty, and staff across the various campuses.
Questions regarding the committee may be directed to 513-556-4909.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION
Significant emergencies or dangerous situations involving an immediate threat to students or employees will be communicated by the campus Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS utilizes a combination of communications methods, including public address speakers inside and outside buildings, e-mail, web pages, and text messaging.
These alerts will be initiated without delay, unless in the judgment of the university’s Incident Commander (IC), an immediate alert will compromise efforts to assist victims, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.
Significant emergencies will be identified by the university’s Incident Commander at the scene of the emergency. This is normally the ranking supervisor of the University Police. The IC will notify the university 911 Communications Center of the need to activate the EAS.
Dissemination of emergency information to the larger community, as well as follow up information in emergencies that have a longer duration, will be by the university home page. Students, employees, and the public may also sign up to receive additional safety text messages and/or e-mail messages on the Public Safety web page.
The emergency notification system is tested quarterly by the university. This test is reviewed, and necessary changes in the process instituted by the Emergency Planning Committee.
EVACUATIONS
State law and university policy require that all persons evacuate a building when the fire alarm or other evacuation announcement is made. This requirement is not only law, but good common sense. Because you cannot see a fire in your immediate vicinity does not mean there is no danger present.
A fire could be growing between you and the exit, or a chemical incident could have released dangerous fumes. In the event that you discover a fire, smoke, or a hazardous material emergency; evacuate the area immediately, closing the door behind you. On the way out of the building, pull the nearest fire alarm station (located near stairwells and building exits).
Once you have reached a safe area, call 9-1-1 to report the details of the fire.
EMERGENCY PLANNING
The university has an Emergency Operations Plan, which encompasses overall response to emergency situations on the campuses. Questions regarding this plan should be directed to the emergency planning coordinator at 513-556-4909. The basic plan may be accessed at: http://www.uc.edu/publicsafety/fire_emergency/emergency_preparedness.html. Each college or department of the university is required to have their own emergency plans, which must include evacuation procedures, business continuity, and recovery.
These plans are maintained by the individual units, and are available from their central business offices.
Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to make their own emergency response plans. Emergencies can strike anywhere, and you may not be on campus when one happens. Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours.
More information on individual and family planning is available at:
http://www.uc.edu/publicsafety/fire_emergency/emergency_preparedness.html