1. Introduction

As stated in our strategic plan, UNO will "provide a learning environment that promotes academic success". Establishing an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) supports this objective and the welfare of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. The plan also demonstrates our commitment to preserve our facilities and critical information should a disaster occur.

The UNO ERP predetermines to the extent possible, actions to be taken by the responsible elements of UNO and local agencies to:

• minimize injuries to University members or visitors
• prevent and minimize property damage
• preserve vital records and information
• respond effectively to the actual occurrence of disasters
• serve as media representatives of the University through effective communication
• meet regulatory obligations
• provide for the well-being of the Omaha community
• provide for rapid recovery from the emergency
• coordinate emergency plans with University departments and outside agencies
• provide for psychological services to meet trauma needs after the emergency

2. Scope

The Emergency Response Plan is put into effect whenever a crisis, man-made or natural, disrupts operations, threatens life, or creates major damage within the University.

This Plan focuses on the following types of crises:

• Bomb Threat
• Bio-terrorism
• Chemical Release
• Earthquake/Building Collapse
• Fire/Explosion
• Severe Weather/Tornado
• Utility Interruption
• Workplace Violence or Criminal Activity

3. Authority/Implementation

The ERP will be initiated when the incident has significant wide-ranging effects. The authority to declare a campus state of emergency lies with the Chancellor or designees. The Campus Security Manager or Lieutenant will notify the Chancellor or designees when it is apparent the ERP may be initiated. If the ERP is activated, Campus Security will contact the Telecommunications Officer who will in turn contact the Crisis Management Team. The Crisis Management Team includes the following:

• Chancellor
• Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs
• Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance
• Director, Communications
• Emergency Operations Team (EOT) Director

4. Crisis Management Team

The Crisis Management Team is the core of the emergency operations organization. The team’s duties and responsibilities relate closely to their normal authority and functions. In the event of a crisis, however, coordination and organization of all operations especially internal and external communications at the University shall be directed by the Crisis Management Team.

A. Execution

The Crisis Management Team will convene in the Crisis Management Center. The extent to which the Emergency Operations Center is activated depends upon the type of emergency situation, its potential for escalation, its geographical extent, and other factors.

The decision-making responsibility of the Crisis Management Team includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Activate the Emergency Operations Center, as required.

Monitor emergency operations and provide guidance on matters of basic policy and decision-making authority.

Authorize the evacuation and/or closing of University facilities.

Coordinate the release of all official information and instructions to the public.

Keep the University President informed.

Request emergency response support from outside agencies.

Solicit aid from any other group or department as necessary.

B. Emergency Operations Team

The Emergency Operations Team (EOT) is under the direction of the Director for Facilities Management and Planning. The Director of the EOT will determine which departments are required for the initial response to the emergency. The Telecommunications Officer will contact one member from each department per the EOT Director’s instructions.

1. Members of the Emergency Operations Team (EOT) may include:

Director (EOT) - Director, Facilities Management & Planning

Role/Responsibility: Direct the overall emergency response operations and coordinate mutual aid requests. Decide what level of department response is initially required.

Campus Security - Assistant Manager, Campus Security

Role/Responsibility: Direct access and security control, and coordinate for fire/rescue and the Omaha Police Department services. Verify the EOC is supplied with appropriate equipment.

Chemical/Radiological Protection - Environmental Safety Specialist

Role/Responsibility: Assess/direct efforts to control hazardous materials. Determine status of radioactive materials. Coordinate with Omaha Fire Department HAZMAT Team and UNMC Chemical Spill Team if required.

Facilities - Assistant Director, Facilities Management

Role/Responsibility: Assess building safety with the Manager of EHS. Utilities will be secured if an unsafe condition exists, restoration of utility service will be made when appropriate. A damage report will be forwarded to the Crisis Management Team

Faculty/Staff Assistance Program - Counselor

Role/Responsibility: Provide counseling to those in need. Make arrangements for additional support as required.

Financial Services - Assistant Vice Chancellor, Finance

Role/Responsibility: Initiate a record-keeping system for all expenditures associated with emergency operations. Coordinate with Purchasing on procedures for handling emergency expenditures. Collect cost estimates of damage to facilities.

Food Service - Manager, Food Services

Role/Responsibility: Direct/arrange for emergency food supply. Coordinate efforts with Red Cross and other agencies. Coordinate with Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs and Directors of Student Housing.

Health and Welfare - Coordinator, Student Health Services

Role/Responsibility: Assist emergency medical response agencies as required. Maintain records of activity.

Human Resources - Director, Human Resources

Role/Responsibility: Arrange for expedited services of temporary employees when required. Notification of affected employees, families.

Information Technology & Data Services - Chief Information Officer

Role Responsibility: Maintain operation and prioritize use of computer mainframes. Provide computer and data line repair services as needed.

Landscape and Environmental Services - Director, Landscape & Environmental Services

Role/Responsibility: Provide equipment and staff as necessary to support the emergency response effort.

Legal Counsel - University General Counsel

Role/Responsibility: Provide guidance regarding potential legal implications of a campus crisis.

Media Communications - Assistant Director, Communications and Media

Role/Responsibility: If appropriate, Director of Media Relations is at the emergency scene and keeps in contact with the Director of Communications, who is with the Crisis Management Team. Coordinates with the Director of Communications media information and interviews and establishes a room to meet with the media.

Purchasing - Purchasing Facilitator

Role/Responsibility: Initiate/process emergency purchases. Coordinate the distribution of supplies. Arrange for contract services and locate required equipment and supplies. Initiate record-keeping system and coordinate with Financial Services regarding cost recording. Initiate/process insurance claims. Coordinate with University Affairs to obtain video team to document damage

Risk Management - Coordinator, Risk Management

Role/Responsibility: Tracks property damage events, contacts insurance carriers as required.

Safety and Health - Manager, Environmental Health & Safety

Role/Responsibility: Assists the Director of the Emergency Operations Team as required.

Student Housing - Assistant Vice Chancellor, Student Development Services

Role/Responsibility: Provide emergency housing and food services as necessary.

Telecommunications Officer - Manager, Telecommunications

Role/Responsibility: Contact members of the Crisis Management Team to assemble. Contact one member from the departments as requested by the EOT Director. Ensure communication center equipment is functional and ready for use.

2. Duties and responsibilities of the Emergency Operations Team:

a. Each member will prepare a Departmental Plan of anticipated responses tailored to the specific responsibilities and resources available. Departmental Plans including annual updates, will be forwarded to the EHS Manager for coordination and amendment. Plans will include:

1. Assignment of general duties and responsibilities to employees, perceived to be required for each type of emergency.
   
2. Specific location and to whom each employee will report in the event of a crisis/emergency.
3. Guidelines for use of emergency equipment and supplies.
   

b. Familiarization of key staff with the overall Plan and the specific requirements of the Departmental Plan.

c. Maintain appropriate call-in lists for emergency staff designated as essential personnel.

5. Preparedness

The requirements of this Plan necessitate that the University maintain a constant state of readiness to assure the efficient and orderly transition from routine activities to those associated with crisis/emergency situations. This can be accomplished only through annual Plan reviews, discussions, and exercises.