GET PREPARED

Emergencies don’t wait for anyone – avoid being the one caught unprepared. Getting yourself, your family, and others prepared can keep you and other safe. Below are 12 different ideas on how to stay prepared in the care of an emergency:

Tips and Tricks for Individuals:

Sign up for Western Connecticut State University's Emergency Notification Services for real-time emergency notifications from the Office of Emergency Management

Students:

  • Sign up for Western Connecticut State University's Emergency notification Services: Everbridge and LiveSafe
  • Review the Emergency Procedure Guides to be aware and informed of how to respond to different types of emergencies and situations on campus
  • Create a Go-Kit for your dorm and/or car to be ready in each environment that an emergency may happen
  • Practice an emergency route exit every semester or after a building renovation to stay aware of your surroundings and exits

Parents:

  • Sign up for Western Connecticut State University's Emergency notification Services: Everbridge and LiveSafe
  • Download the Emergency Procedure guide PDF and sit down with your family to go over what types of emergencies there are, and how to best react when one occurs
  • Create a communication plan with your family with FEMA's Family Emergency Communication Plan. This will include names, phone numbers, emails, meeting places and other forms of communication to set up an emergency network.
  • Review the different types of weather hazards and what to do before, during, and after one occurs

Faculty and Staff:

  • Sign up for Western Connecticut State University's Emergency notification Services: Everbridge and LiveSafe
  • Read and frequently reference the Emergency Procedure Guides to stay up-to-date on how to respond in different emergency situations
  • Review the Weather Hazard pages to be aware of how to react with your class during intense weather
  • Discuss with your family and coworkers what you will do in the case of an emergency
  • Make a plan with your class and discuss what the plan-of-action in the case of an emergency is - what you should do, where you should exit, where you should meet if needed
  • Create a Go-Kit for your classroom and personal self to always stay prepared

Special Considerations:

  • Sign up for Western Connecticut State University's Emergency notification Services: Everbridge and LiveSafe
  • Establish a plan prior to an emergency event. This plan should include communication plans, meet-up locations, sheltering, any necessary medications, and other special accommodations that may be important during an emergency
  •  For students with a mobility impairment, have a plan in place in the event of an evacuation and practice it
  •  Individuals with service or emotional support animals are encouraged to develop an emergency evacuation plan with consideration for their animal
  •  If you are trapped, you should call 911 and report your location, just as you would if you were in a hotel, to ensure that crews attempt to locate you immediately.