As part of the Division of University Safety, the Office of Emergency Management coordinates emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities. Using an all-hazard approach, we’re responsible for the development, implementation, training and review of UConn’s Emergency Operations Plan. The Office of Emergency Management coordinates preparedness efforts and emergency training of staff, faculty, and students across every UConn campus.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the University of Connecticut Office of Emergency Management is to utilize a proactive and comprehensive leadership approach in all-hazard preparedness, response, recovery, and prevention planning. The coordination of these resources thereby ensure assistance and support for the protection of life and property, incident stabilization and business continuity to the University’s campuses and communities.
The University’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located at the University Safety complex in Storrs, CT. When an emergency occurs, the EOC is activated and staffed with appropriate University professionals. These individuals allocate and direct University resources to address any issues the crisis at hand may present across all campuses. This allows for one central agency to most effectively, efficiently coordinate all response and restoration efforts. The EOC provides a variety of communication methods that are linked to the statewide Office of Emergency Management. Examples that could result in EOC activation include severe weather events, violent acts on campus, increased threat levels, evacuation, etc. All members of the UConn EOC are trained in their particular roles, allowing for immediate activation if required.
UConn's Emergency Management Program has earned a “StormReady” designation from the National Weather Service, the first awarded to a college or university in Connecticut. To be recognized as StormReady, a university must have a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center; have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public; create a system that monitors weather conditions locally; promote the importance of public readiness; and develop a formal severe weather plan.
