Effective campus response to an emergency depends on being prepared. Just like playing a musical instrument or sport, prior knowledge and practice make a difference in performance. Drills are important to ensure effective response in high-stress situations.
UT has detailed plans for many types of emergencies and trains key personnel on their roles during emergencies. Those plans are evaluated and adjusted based on realistic training and exercises designed to challenge participants and reveal deficiencies in the plan. During the past spring semester, the campus conducted a full-scale exercise simulating a tornado ripping apart Neyland Stadium just before a football game.
First responders from eleven agencies participated in the drill and more than 100 nursing students—the entire junior class—portrayed victims, complete with theatrical makeup that gave them realistic-looking gashes and bruises.
Do you know where would you shelter if you got a UT Alert tornado warning? Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? Learn more at the campus safety website.
The Office of Emergency Management is offering safety tips throughout September for National Emergency Preparedness Month. Read more about each tip below:
Safety Tip of the Week: Severe Weather
Severe weather is a common occurrence in East Tennessee, making it the perfect topic to kick off National Emergency Preparedness Month. It’s easy to forget how dangerous lightning, damaging winds, floods, and hail can be. Do you know how to protect yourself? Learn more on UT’s Safety website.
Safety Tip of the Week: Active Shooter
There continues to be unsettling news stories about violent attacks on unarmed people going about their normal routine. What would you do in an active shooter situation? The difference between being a survivor and a victim could be determined by your reaction, which depends on your knowledge and level of preparedness. Learn more on the campus Safety website.