Emergency Preparedeness : Miscellaneous Questions and Answers

A:  The Federal Government has developed an advisory system that uses color codes to inform citizens about the risk of potential terrorist threat nationwide. Typically these codes apply to the nation as a whole and do not reflect specific threats against a city or a region. At this point, three codes seem especially relevant: Code Yellow indicates that, nationwide, there exists a significant risk of a terrorist incident. Code Orange indicates that the risk is high. Code Red indicates that the risk is severe. The University of Toledo has tailored many of its emergency preparedness strategies with this Federal system. This means that the University takes certain actions based on the Federal code designation.

Yellow Level: Elevated condition. Significant risk  

• Increase surveillance of critical locations .
• Coordination plans with other jurisdictions.
• Assess further refinement of protective measures within the context of the current threat information.
• Implement, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.

Orange Level: High risk of terrorist attack  

• Increase awareness level of law enforcement officers.
• Take additional precautions at public events.
• Prepare to work at alternate site or with a dispersed work force.
• Restrict access to essential personnel only.

Red Level: Severe risk of terrorist attacks  

• Police go to 12 hour shifts.
• Activate the University's Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
• Cancel classes for the day.
• Increase or redirect personnel to address critical emergency needs.
• Provide information to the public.

Q:  Does the University have an Emergency Operations Plan?

A:  Yes, it does. Coordination of the Emergency Operations Plan is the responsibility of the UT Police Department. UTPD and many other operations staff have been working together to coordinate efforts for emergency responses. Standard procedures for many emergencies, including evacuation, bomb threat, biological spill, fire and medical emergencies, can be found in our Emergency Procedures flipcharts. On the Health Science Campus, employees should familiarize themselves with Disaster Procedure Policy # EP-08-001.

Q:  How will I know if the University closes? Or if a major event is canceled?

A: The University very rarely closes. However, if changes are necessary, we will provide specific instructions to the local television, radio and print media in addition to posting notices on the internet (both here, and on the UT homepage, at www.utoledo.edu).

Q:  Should I come pick up my student or spouse in the event of an emergency?

A:  That is an individual decision. We don’t have any information at this time that indicates there is a specific threat to the University. We all should continue to conduct our daily business of learning, teaching, researching and enjoying University events. In the meantime, keep in touch with family and friends and discuss what you would do if things do escalate.

Q: Where should students or faculty/staff go in an emergency?

A: The answer will vary depending on the kind or nature of the emergency.

• Depending on the emergency, it will be important to decide whether to stay put or leave. Use available information to determine your action.
• Follow instructions from emergency personnel and building coordinators.
• If the emergency is more widespread, instructions for possible re-location or shelter may be distributed through local television, radio and print media in addition to posting notices on the internet (both here, and on the UT homepage, at www.utoledo.edu), and/or special bulletins through University officials, and emergency personnel.