Salisbury University’s Emergency Preparedness Plan outlines the procedures followed by campus personnel to assess the nature and magnitude of an emergency, determine and implement the appropriate courses of action, and provide clear, timely and accurate public information. This plan is based upon the National Incident Management System (NIMS) that was established by the Secretary of Homeland Security in 2004 to provide a national, intergovernmental approach to emergency management. The SU plan is in compliance with the Incident Command System protocols that are a standard element of national emergency response.

In the event of a major or severe emergency, the President of the University (or, in her absence, the Provost) immediately convenes Salisbury University’s Emergency Management Team (EMT), which includes all members of the Executive Staff, the Chief of University Police, the Director of Media Relations, and any other individuals deemed necessary for effective response. Salisbury University’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located within the University Police offices at the center of Wayne and Power Streets, is activated immediately upon the President’s direction. Senior representatives from the following departments will report at once to the EOC:

University Police Department
Environmental Health and Safety
Housing and Residence Life
Student Health Center
Counseling Services
Physical Plant
Office of the Provost
Information Technology
Administration and Finance
University Dining Services
Student Affairs

The EOC serves as Salisbury University’s communications and control center for the duration of the emergency. It coordinates all emergency response activities undertaken by Salisbury University, and serves as the primary conduit of information to the campus, the community, news media and federal, state and local government agencies.

Upon confirmation of a current or potential emergency, Salisbury University’s Office of Media Relations will immediately begin working to provide vital information to all print, broadcast and interactive outlets available, including but not limited to:

The Salisbury University Web Site (www.salisbury.edu)
Campus e-mail
Gull Line (410-546-6426)
Campus Radio Outlets (WSCL-FM, 89.5; WSDL, 90.7; WXSU, 96.3 FM)
Campus signage
Local News Outlets (WBOC-TV 16, WMDT-TV 47, Salisbury Daily Times, etc.)

Information provided through these and other outlets will include the nature and magnitude of the situation; cancellations, closures or delays as appropriate, and employee leave policies; evacuation and lockdown protocols if appropriate, personal safety instructions, and frequent status updates.

Meanwhile, there are several steps that each of us can take to help ensure the safety of the campus community. To report a life-threatening police or fire-related emergency, dial 911. To report suspicious activity or a potential safety threat, contact University Police at Extension 36222 or 410-543-6222. To learn more about procedures that should be followed in the event of an emergency, as well as additional safety tips, please consult our University Emergency Preparedness Handbook (see link below). The handbook is also available at SU’s Office of Student Affairs, located in the Guerreiri University Center.

To view Salisbury University Emergency Preparedness Handbook in its entirety, click here to download the PDF document.