Thunderstorm view on Main Street near Davis Center

Preparation and Planning are Critical to Success

One of the best ways to prepare is to plan, therefore we have developed and maintain a comprehensive all-hazards emergency operations plan for the university.  UVM follows the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) framework to verify that we are constantly evaluating, testing, and updating our plans. This process ensures that we are applying best practices and are ready for emerging hazards and threats.  

  • Our Plan

    One measure of an organization's strength is its ability to respond well in an emergency. Since every scenario cannot be predicted, an emergency response plan must be able to quickly adapt to events as they unfold. The University of Vermont's Emergency Operations Plan is an all hazards plan that designates areas of responsibility and defines for the University of Vermont the framework necessary to respond to emergency situations. It is imperative that individual departments develop response plans for unique situations under their purview. The University response needs to be quick, professional, supportive, and meet the emerging demands of any incident, emergency or crisis situation.

    The Emergency Operations Plan Covers:

    1. Executive Authority
    2. Phases of Emergency Management
    3. Types of Emergencies and Activation of Plan
    4. Concept of Operations
    5. Organization and Assignment of Responsibilities
    6. Demobilization and Transition to Recovery

    For additional information about emergency management at UVM please refer to the UVM Emergency Management Policy

Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

We are constantly evaluating potential threats or hazards that may impact our campus community.  This process drives our efforts to prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate against disasters and emergencies in order to maximize the university's resilience.

Hazard Analysis

By understanding hazards and risks, we can ensure that we have the necessary plans, training, experience, and equipment to respond effectively.  Vermont's most frequent threat is severe weather.  UVM is a StormReady® University which means that the National Weather Service has certified our efforts to protect and prepare the campus for severe weather.  

Being prepared for any emergency is as simple as planning ahead.  Understanding how to keep yourself safe and acquiring basic knowledge and equipment can improve the outcome in an emergency.  Ready.gov is an excellent resource to understand how to prepare for various disasters.  UVM Emergency Management is a resource for accessing individual preparedness training on campus and provides information during events through our CATAlert System.

Planning

UVM Emergency Management is responsible for development and maintenance of the University Emergency Operations Plan.  UVM Emergency Management can also facilitate emergency planning and exercise support to include development of event plans, response plans, and other emergency planning needs.