Crisis Management Plan
Memorial University is committed to ensuring the safety and
security of everyone within its community -– staff, faculty,
students and visitors to our campuses. The university has therefore
developed a detailed Crisis Management Plan (CMP).
Prepared in conjunction with local emergency agencies and
updated regularly, this CMP provides guidance for mobilizing the
university’s response to any type of emergency or disaster
that affects the well-being of its community members, or threatens
property on a large scale.
The aim of the CMP is to provide a prompt and coordinated
response to any emergency or disaster. It is impossible to plan for
every event, and every emergency situation is different; therefore,
the CMP provides an overarching, flexible plan of action and
establishes roles and responsibilities.
Preparedness, recovery and risk reduction are also important
parts of the CMP. Those who have specific roles in the management
of crisis situations on campus engage regularly in “emergency
exercises” to ensure the plan is effective and up-to-date.
Preparedness includes identifying hazards that pose the greatest
likelihood of risk. This website deals with the emergencies most
likely (though still unlikely) to occur.
However, it is important that all members of the university
community understand the emergency procedures and their
responsibilities. You are encouraged to become familiar with the
basics of this plan, found on this website.
How should you prepare? - Minimum requirements for
members of the university community
- Know how to get out: be familiar with primary and secondary exit routes from the areas you frequent most.
- Emergency evacuation maps are posted in university buildings. Study these maps before an emergency so that you are thoroughly familiar with emergency procedures. If you cannot find the map in your building, call Safety and Environmental Services at 4393.
- Be aware of the location of fire alarms, extinguishers and emergency phones.
- Most campus offices have a first aid kit. Learn the location of the kit, and who in your area is trained in providing First Aid.
- Know the emergency procedures and the appropriate response to the various types of emergency (see below).
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When an incident or disaster occurs – especially one that has caused or could result in serious injury or death – loved ones may hear the news and worry about your safety. As soon as possible, make a single phone call to a relative or friend, letting them know how you are, and ask them to pass the message on. Please make the call brief, and stay off the phones as much as possible. NOTE: In an emergency, phone lines can become overwhelmed. Please limit your use of both land lines and mobile phones to essential, brief calls.
What happens in a large-scale emergency? Understanding the CMP
1. An incident occurs or an emergency is declared; numerous
members of the campus community appear to be affected.
2. The Emergency Operations
Control Group (EOCG) comes together and established, practiced
emergency plans are put in action. This could involve establishing
an Emergency Operations Centre from which to manage the
crisis.
3. If the emergency also affects the surrounding municipality
and a State of Emergency is declared, the university will cease
regular campus operations and/or close so emergency assistance may
be rendered. However, every attempt will be made to maintain
essential campus services.
4. Should travel to/from campus be impossible or other
circumstances warrant, a registration and inquiry area to document
and house those affected will be set up.
5. Special enquiry phone lines for the public may be activated
and staffed to handle public enquiries. The numbers will be widely
publicized.
6. Accurate information will be disseminated as rapidly as
possible through a variety of venues and vehicles to the campus
community – see Communications
in a crisis.
Who's in charge? - see Authority In a Crisis
What should you know? - Emergency
preparedness
Disasters can strike without warning. Emergency response
organizations such as Public Safety and
Emergency Preparedness Canada and the Canadian
Red Cross provide crucial advice to help keep you and your
family safe. Please take some time to prepare now for
emergencies.
