Initiatives
Emergency Management and Preparedness
USF is undertaking an Emergency Management Initiative to strengthen preparedness and enhance the university’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies across its campuses. The Department of Emergency Management (EM) is a university-wide function based out of the Tampa campus that coordinates activities to protect, prevent and mitigate against; respond to; and recover from disasters and emergencies affecting the University. Using an all-hazards approach, USF EM coordinates emergency operations to enhance a safe and secure environment at USF that is conducive to living, learning, and working. Building on USF’s unified approach to public safety and emergency resources, the initiative will further strengthen coordination, communication, and preparedness across the university.
Why This Initiative Is Important
The safety of our community is our top priority. Continuous evaluation and associated adjustments to our comprehensive prevention, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation programs allow us to incorporate lessons learned to further strengthen these critical areas. This initiative will build on existing practices and program insights by strengthening comprehensive emergency management plans, coordination, communication and response protocols to support a consistent and well-coordinated approach to emergency preparedness.
Scope
Throughout the year, we will continue to evaluate and enhance our University preparedness measures with a strong focus on.
- Risk assessments and evaluation.
- Comprehensive emergency plans and procedures.
- Coordination and response practices.
- Emergency communication strategies and channels.
- Outreach and change management strategies to support emergency preparedness.
- Training for emergency personnel and the broader university community.
- Testing of plans and strategies.
- Continuous improvement programs.
The work will consider both university-wide needs and the unique operational requirements of USF's campuses and units.
TIMELINE
- Phase 1: (We are here) Evaluate current state of program
- Phase 2: Refine programs accordingly in partnership with stakeholders
- Phase 3: Train and exercise. Continually evaluate and improve
Project Governance
The initiative will bring together university leadership, emergency management professionals, public safety partners and representatives from key operational and academic areas. This collaborative approach will help ensure plans and protocols reflect the needs of the broader university while establishing clear responsibilities and coordination across units.
Subject-matter experts and key stakeholders will be engaged throughout the initiative to review current practices, consider findings and opportunities identified through program reviews, and help shape strategies.
What to Expect
The initiative will begin with an assessment of current emergency plans, protocols, communication practices and readiness, incorporating relevant findings.
As plans and protocols are developed or refined, the university will support implementation through communication, training, exercises, and readiness assessments. Lessons learned from exercises, real-world events and ongoing evaluation will help guide future improvements.
Contact for Questions
Questions about the Emergency Management Initiative can be directed to Grant Gundle, Director of Emergency Management.