What constitutes an emergency? Most people think of hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters when considering the question. But a true emergency can be natural or man-made, and can involve a disruptive situation that unfolds in minutes or takes place over several days or even weeks. Inclement weather, a disease outbreak, fire, a bomb threat or other serious crime—any of these occurrences can prompt an emergency response on the University of Baltimore campus or in the city around us.
Regardless of the nature of any emergency, proper planning can make responding easier for you and those around you. Whether you are visiting campus or are a long-standing member of the UBalt community, your safety and security are the top priorities of the UMB Police Department and the University's Emergency Management Team. Ensuring your well being requires planning, awareness and understanding on everyone's part.
Take a minute to consider the following:
- Who should I notify in an emergency?
- What can I do to be prepared?
- How should I respond in a disaster?
Note that these questions have one thing in common: They all require good, reliable communication. At UBalt, our communication strategy is based on the University's Emergency Text Message System, capable of sending emergency messages instantly to all registered text message capable mobile phones and e-mail addresses. Alerts associated with timely warnings related to serious or ongong threats are issued based on the University of Maryland Baltimore's decision-making process. This system is free and available to all members of the UBalt community. Signing up takes only a few minutes.
Communicating in an emergency involves more than just checking messages. A key component of planning for an emergency is determining how to contact your family, classmates and friends. Establish a meeting place, and arrange a calling tree. Familiarize yourself with both shelter-in-place and evacuation plans and procedures for all UBalt buildings, as well as established evacuation routes from Baltimore. Take a look at UBalt's Emergency Resource Guide—the most important document for our campus response to any situation requiring decisive action.
Above all, your cooperation is highly valued in any emergency. The more you know about handling an unexpected situation involving health and safety, the more likely you are to manage it well and help those around you. We urge you to take time to learn more about the following:
Medical Emergencies and Medical Aid
Fire and Hazardous Materials Emergencies
Utility Failure
Criminal Behavior and Workplace Violence
Emergency Preparedness Plan