Emergency Operations Plan
14.0 Preparedness Actions
Although the majority of the Emergency Operations Plan discusses response mechanisms and procedures, the ultimate resilience and capability of the University to respond is dependent upon the preparedness of all students, faculty, staff, and departments.
The University Emergency Management Coordinator is the point of contact for all emergency management programs, including preparedness. In coordination with various University departments, the Emergency Management Coordinator will ensure the following preparedness mechanisms are completed on a continual basis:
Emergency Exercises: Exercises are fundamental to the University's emergency preparedness program. Exercises test plan elements, as well as the University's ability to respond to specific incidents. The Federal Emergency Management Agency identifies four types of exercises, each with a significant degree of complexity and involvement. The University will conduct at least one emergency table-top exercise per year. The University should conduct a functional or full-scale exercise at least once every five years. Exercises should involve members of the Executive Group.
Plan Maintenance: The Plan should be reviewed and updated at least annually. This annual plan maintenance may be completed following the exercise schedule.
Emergency Management Relationships: The Emergency Management Coordinator will maintain a positive relationship with Watauga County Emergency Management and North Carolina Emergency Management.
Maintain Record of Incident Command System Training: The Emergency Management Coordinator will ensure that sufficient courses are offered in Incident Command, and ensure that the University complies with all standards established through National Incident Management System guidance documents.
The Emergency Management Committee, chaired by the Emergency Management Coordinator will meet regularly throughout the year and provide oversight for the emergency management program.
Departmental Responsibilities
All University Departments should continually maintain preparedness via the following actions at a minimum:
- Review the Emergency Operations Plan and applicable annexes at least annually and provide recommendations to the Emergency Management Coordinator to be considered in the annual revision.
- Compile and maintain an active call-back list with current phone numbers of all personnel within the department.
- Provide clear lines of succession that identify personnel that may fulfill the agency head's role during a major emergency or disaster.
- Maintain a current and comprehensive resource manual that identifies suppliers and agencies that may assist during an incident where University resources are exhausted.
- Train employees on basic preparedness procedures and general departmental plans for responding to an emergency.
- Establish mutual aid agreements with other local agencies and governments that may provide resources during a major emergency or disaster.
- Provide department personnel the opportunity to participate in Incident Command System training.
- Identify program weaknesses and make recommendations to the University Emergency Management Coordinator.
