University Of Alaska Anchorage: Update On Annual Tests Of Emergency Response Plans

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

December 3, 2021

Dear UAA-Anchorage Community,

During the fall semester, the UAA Office of Emergency Management (OEM) conducted federally
required annual tests of the University’s emergency plans. More specifically, UAA
tested its emergency evacuation capabilities.

During the week of Sept. 13-17, UAA conducted evacuation drills in our academic, office,
and residence buildings. Advance notice was given through announcements in the Seawolf
Daily and by email to Building Managers. By activating the fire alarms, evacuations
began and occupants were directed by drill volunteers to emergency assembly areas.
At the same time, drill staff checked to ensure that interior horns, bells, and strobe
lights were working. Educational pamphlets were distributed to evacuees before they
returned to the buildings. Volunteers from UAA Police Auxiliary, Building Managers,
Health & Safety, Facilities, Residence Life and other campus groups assisted.

On Nov. 11, OEM facilitated a building evacuation tabletop exercise and worked through
several scenarios to test our understanding and usefulness of Emergency Operations
Plan (EOP) evacuation plans, crisis communication, and continuity plans. Scenarios
involving evacuation of Student Housing and the entire campus were discussed as well.
An After Action Report and Improvement Plan was created, and University leadership
will be implementing those recommendations during the coming year.

Summary of the Emergency Operations Plan

UAA maintains an Emergency Operations Plan that outlines responsibilities of campus
units during emergencies. This plan outlines incident priorities, campus organization
and specific responsibilities of particular units or positions. University units are
responsible for developing emergency response and continuity of operations plans for
their areas and staff. Campus emergency management provides resources and guidance
for the development of these plans. Additional information can be found in the Emergency Operations Plan. Questions or concerns can be directed to emergencymanager@alaska.edu or (907) 786-1149.

The Incident Management Team (IMT), consisting of members from Student Affairs, University
Police, Facilities and Campus Services, and University Advancement meets regularly
during the academic year to discuss, plan, and address either current or potential
incidents which may affect the Anchorage or Aviation Technology Complex campuses.
The IMT is charged with managing the emergency from onset to recovery. The IMT has
both the decision-making and financial authority to address emergencies on campus.
Both UPD supervisors and IMT members have received Incident Command System (ICS) training.
ICS training is also provided to other selected University employees who IMT may call
upon to help them manage an emergency. The IMT regularly sends email messages to staff
and students to educate the campus communities about seasonal safety issues and what
to do in the event of specific emergencies.

Summary of Emergency Response Evacuation Procedures

At the sound of a fire alarm or if you are instructed to evacuate, leave your work
area immediately and proceed to the nearest exit, and leave the building. If you are
the first to recognize a fire situation, activate the alarm, evacuate to a safe location
using the nearest exit, and notify UPD (907-786-1120) Police Emergency or dial 911.

1. Remain Calm
2. Do NOT use Elevators, Use the Stairs.
3. Assist the physically impaired. If any individual is unable to exit without using
   an elevator, secure a safe location near a stairwell, and immediately inform UPD or
   the responding Fire Dept. of the individual's location.
4. Proceed to a clear area at least 50 feet from the building. Keep all walkways clear
   for emergency vehicles.
5. Do not re-enter the building.

In the event that a building needs to be evacuated, the occupants will be directed
to the emergency assembly area by building safety coordinators. IMT may provide information
regarding where events scheduled for that building have been relocated. In the event
that an entire campus needs to be evacuated, the IMT may recommend to the Chancellor
to close that campus. In the event of a campus-wide evacuation, on campus residents
would be asked to stay with relatives or friends in Anchorage. If on campus residents
do not have local relatives or friends off campus, University Housing will coordinate
alternate housing for on campus residents. In the event of an emergency, the IMT may
ask everyone to "shelter-in-place."

Shelter-in-Place Procedures - What it Means to "Shelter-in-Place"

If an incident occurs and the buildings or areas nearby become unsafe, or if the air
outdoors becomes dangerous due to toxic or irritating substances, it is usually safer
to stay indoors, because leaving the area may expose you to that danger. Thus, to
"shelter-in-place" means to make a shelter of the building that you are in, and with
a few adjustments, this location can be made even safer and more comfortable until
it is safe to go outside.

Basic "Shelter-in-Place" Guidance

If an incident occurs and the building you are in is not damaged, stay inside (seeking
an interior room) until you are told it is safe to come out. Seal doors and window
openings to keep bad air out. If the building is damaged, take your personal belongings
(purse, wallet, WolfCard) and follow the evacuation procedures for your building (close
your door, proceed to the nearest exit, and use the stairs instead of the elevators).
Once you have evacuated, seek shelter at the nearest University building quickly.
If police or fire department personnel are on the scene, follow their directions.

How You Will Know to "Shelter-in-Place"

A shelter-in-place notification may come from several sources, including University
Police (UPD), Housing or Residence Life staff members, other University employees,
Anchorage Police (APD), or other authorities.

How to "Shelter-in-Place"

If you receive a notification to shelter-in-place, do the following:

1. If you are inside, stay where you are. Collect any emergency shelter-in-place supplies
   and a telephone to be used in the case of emergency. If you are outdoors, proceed
   into the closest building quickly or follow instructions from emergency personnel
   on the scene.
2. Locate a room to shelter inside. It should be:
   • An interior room;
   • Above ground level; and
   • Without windows or with the least number of windows. If there is a large group of
     people inside a building, several rooms may be necessary.
3. Shut and lock all windows (tighter seal) and close exterior doors.
4. Close vents to ventilation systems if you are able. (University staff will turn off
   ventilation as quickly as possible.)

—UAA Office of Emergency Management

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.