Department or Unit Administrative Officers such as chairs or directors’ partner with the WSU Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and community partners to respond appropriately to disasters. Follow the WSU Emergency Preparedness Plans. Adhere to guidance from the Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT), Emergency Operation Center (EOC)and local health jurisdiction.
Sign up for WSU Alerts through myWSU and manage your notifications and contacts.
If WSU decides to close campus or delay classes, you will get notified through WSU Alerts, and information will be available on the WSU Alert page and social media.
Tune into local television or radio stations for up-to-date information.
Be aware of developing weather risks. Follow the local weather services for weather watches, warnings, and updates.
Charge your cell phone and make sure there are fresh batteries in flashlights and radios.
In the event of an internal disaster (e.g., fire, structural damage, systems failure, bomb threat, or external disaster with potential damage to our building), students and employees will evacuate to the predetermined designated assembly area. When evacuating, if safe to do so, designate an employee to grab the departmental/unit first aid kit. If the assembly area is unsafe, gather at a secondary predetermined assembly area. Decisions regarding continuity of operations will be decided by the CIMT and/or the EOC.
Assess your personal situation. Follow all directives for your personal safety provided by authorities.
Generally, if you are indoors, move away from windows and objects that could fall.
Stay safe, warm, dry and calm.
Generally, if you are outdoors, seek shelter inside a safe building.
Do not go outside if you don’t have to.
Do not drive unnecessarily. Of deaths related to ice and snow, 70% occur when people are stranded in cars or involved in accidents. If you must drive, bring necessary supplies.
Listen to a portable radio and/or WSU communications tools (if on or near campus) for emergency instructions.
Recovery
Call 9-1-1 only to report a life-threatening emergency.
Monitor a radio and/or WSU Alert/communications tools for instructions or an official “all-clear” notice.
Some events (e.g., active threat, explosions, medical emergencies) can have long-term impacts on individuals. Being able to talk about your experience in a safe, supportive environment may be helpful. If you are interested in confidential counseling and referral services, please speak with your supervisor and/or HRS about the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Student care resources are available through the Student Care Network.