Emergency Management

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Providing an Integrated, Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan

The UNC Asheville Office of Emergency Management is responsible for the mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from incidents and natural disasters that impact the UNC Asheville campus. This includes preparedness training and coordination of emergency response and recovery efforts for natural, manmade or technological hazards that could adversely affect all members and sustainable operations of the campus community. We strive to support a coordinated and collaborative program to systematically assess campus vulnerabilities and develop solutions that make UNC Asheville more disaster resilient.

Through collaborative internal and external partnerships the office works towards ensuring a disaster resilient environment for faculty, students, staff and visitors. Emergency Management partners including the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, the State of North Carolina, federal agencies, and other higher education institutions.

Our Services

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Bulldog Alert

Bulldog Alert is UNC Asheville’s emergency alert messaging system, utilizing several emergency notification channels to ensure that emergency notifications are sent quickly and reach as much of the University community as possible. In addition, the University acknowledges the significance of its role in providing consistent, reliable and accurate follow-up communication throughout the crisis.

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Emergency Operations Plan

The University of North Carolina Asheville Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) serves as an all-hazard emergency management guidance document. The EOP procedures are designed to protect the lives of students, faculty, staff, and visitors and to protect University property through the effective use of University and community resources and personnel.

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Hazard Mitigation Planning

Hazard Mitigation Planning is defined by FEMA as planning that “reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters.” This includes identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are likely to impact your community, mitigating and potentially eliminating the damage and recovery efforts required from a disaster. UNC Asheville's Hazard Mitigation Plan is approved by FEMA and complies with the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, as contained in 44 CR 201.6

Emergency Procedures

There are a variety of incidents that may occur on campus that the university has the resources to respond to and take care of. All threats should immediately be reported to University Police at (828) 232-5000 or through the SafeZone App. If you see a fire, activate the fire alarm and call 911.

Have you taken steps to prepare for an emergency? According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), three elements of good preparation are:

  1. Being Informed. Learn about the potential emergencies that can happen where you live and know the appropriate ways to respond to them.
  2. Making a Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan what you would do in different situations. How would you get to a safe place? How would you contact one another and get back together?
  3. Building a Kit. Find a list of suggested items to include in an emergency supply kit.

Taking these steps could help you and your family in the event of an emergency.

Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats are serious until proven otherwise. Act quickly, but remain calm and obtain as much information listed below as possible.

  • Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. Do not hang up, even if it sounds like the caller does, as the caller may still be on the line.
  • Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.
  • Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information.
  • If possible, write a note to a colleague to call the authorities or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify them yourself.
  • If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display.
  • Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to transcribe the exact wording.
  • Immediately upon termination of the call, do not hang up, but from a different phone, contact 911 immediately with information and await instructions.

Helpful information about the caller include traits about the caller’s voice (male/female, estimated age, calm, excited), background sounds, and the type of language used for the threat (was it well-spoke, incoherent, irrational?).

Questions to Ask

If a caller stays on the line try to ask the following questions:

  • Where is the bomb located? (The more specific the better. Try to get a building, floor, or room number)
  • When will it go off?
  • What does it look like?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What will make it explode?
  • Did you place the bomb?
  • Why?
  • What is your name?

Signs of a Suspicious Package

  • No return address
  • Excessive postage
  • Stains
  • Strange Odor
  • Strange Sounds
  • Unexpected Delivery
  • Address is poorly handwritten
  • Misspelled words
  • Incorrect titles
  • Foreign postage
  • Restrictive notes

Do not:

  • Use two-way radios or cellular phones near the package. Radio signals have the potential to detonate a bomb.
  • Evacuate the building until police arrive and evaluate the threat.
  • Activate the fire alarm.
  • Touch or move a suspicious package.

Fire Alarms and Building Evacuation

When the fire alarm sounds:

  • Ensure your safety and leave immediately. Evacuate the building via the nearest exist. Do not waste critical time in leaving.
  • If possible, render assistance to others, especially those who have functional needs.
  • Try to get to the pre-selected meeting area for your building.
  • Feel the doors before opening. If the door is hot, do not open the door. If it is cool, open it slightly, and if heat or heavy smoke are present, close the door and stay in the room.  Go to the nearest exit. Crawl if there is smoke.
  • If the nearest exit is blocked by fire, heat, or smoke, try another exit. You may have to step in a room to escape fire, heat, or smoke. Follow instructions for if you get trapped.
  • Do not stop to investigate if the alarm is real or false. Evacuate immediately.
  • Do not use an elevator during a fire emergency
  • Do not re-enter the building for any reason until the all clear signal is given.

If you discover a fire, visible smoke, the odor of smoke, or evidence of fire, the fire alarm should be pulled and University Police (828.232.5000) called from a safe location. Do not pull the fire alarm in the event of a gas leak.

If you get trapped

  • Keep the doors closed and place a cloth around and under the door to prevent smoke from entering
  • Signal for help by hanging an object at the window (jacket/shirt/blanket) to attract the attention of others
  • Call University Police at 828.232.5000 or 911 and give them your room number and location if possible
  • If you are on fire: Stop, drop, and roll to smother the flames

Fire Classifications & Extinguishing Methods

If you have not been trained on extinguishing methods, or the fire is significant, do not try to extinguish it and call for assistance immediately. Dial 911 or call University Police at 828.232.5000. Using the incorrect extinguishing method may case the fire to spread rapidly.

  • Wood, paper, textiles & rubber – ABC extinguisher can extinguish this type of fire
  • Flammable or combustible liquids, greases, petroleum products, or solvents – Carbon dioxide or dry chemical ABC extinguishers should be used. Water should not be used as it may result in spreading the fire
  • Live electrical equipment involved in a fire – If possible, turn off the power to the devices and then use either dry chemical or a carbon dioxide or halon extinguisher.
  • Sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium and other metals (laboratory fires) – If sodium, potassium, magnesium, or any other flammable metal powders are to be used in a laboratory, call EH&S for guidance on the appropriate dry powder-extinguishing agent. A specific “Class D” (dry powder) extinguishing agent such as graphite, limestone, sand or sodium carbonate must be made available for fire emergency before work is started.

DO NOT USE pressurized water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or halon extinguishers on metal or organometallic fires. The use of these extinguishers may introduce substances that are very reactive with the burning metal that may either make the fire grow or trigger an explosion.

Hazardous Material Spill or Release

Immediately report accidents that involve chemical spills, leakage and emission of gasses, radioactive material or other dangerous substances to the University Police Department by calling 911 or at 828.232.5000.

  1. When reporting, be specific about the nature of the involved material and the location. The University Police will contact the necessary specialized authorities and medical personnel.
  2. A professor or supervisor should evacuate the affected area at once and seal it off to prevent further contamination until the arrival of police personnel.
  3. Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill should avoid contact with others as much as possible, remain in the vicinity and give their names to the University Police officer. Required first aid and clean up by specialized authorities should be started at once.
  4. If necessary or if directed to do so by police personnel, activate the building fire alarm.
  5. The senior UNC Asheville Police officer will immediately notify the following:
    • Local Fire Department
    • Hazardous Materials Response Team
  6. The Fire Department has concurrent and overlapping responsibility and authority with the University to protect life and property.  Fire department personnel are specially trained and possess technical knowledge of dangerous chemicals.
  7. Personnel working in the affected area should use a self-contained breathing apparatus.
  8. Water or chemical fire retardants should NOT be used without Fire Department approval (these could result in poisonous fumes).

Biological (Blood) Spill Procedures

Health care or custodial personnel trained in spill clean up should follow established protocols. For blood or body fluid spills in residence halls, academic buildings, administrative buildings or on outside surfaces, contact Facilities Management at 828.251.6564.

  • Wear disposable gloves and absorb fluids using a blood-spill kit.
  • Clean area of all visible fluids with detergent (soap/water).
  • Decontaminate area with an appropriate disinfectant, e.g. bleach.
  • Place all disposable materials into a plastic leak-proof bag.
  • Always practice “Universal Precautions” when handling human blood fluids.

Knowing what constitutes an emergency, where to get help and what to do while you’re waiting for help can save a life.

When in doubt, it’s best to call an ambulance or university police for assistance even if you think you can get to the hospital faster by driving yourself.

Recognize Emergency Warning Signs

Some warning signs of a medical emergency include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
  • Fainting
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Weakness or change in vision
  • Confusion or change in mental status
  • Sudden severe paid
  • Bleeding that won’t stop
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Coughing up or vomiting blood
  • Suicidal or homicidal feelings

Know Who to Call and Where to Get Help

You can always dial 911 to be connected to emergency services. In Buncombe County you will be immediately connected to Fire/EMS dispatch. If you are on campus, you can also contact University Police at 828.232.5000 to dispatch an officer and call the ambulance for you.

It’s important to tell dispatchers your exact location. Calling from a cell phone does not always display your information and location accurately. Try to look for nearby street signs or room numbers. Stay on the line with the dispatcher until you are instructed to disconnect. You may be asked to provide the following information:

  • If the injured is male or female
  • Type of injury or problem. How did the injury occur? (feel, struck by a vehicle, accident, etc.)
  • The individuals present condition (unconscious, etc.)
  • The phone number you are calling from

Faculty/Staff Work Injuries

Emergency treatment for job-related work injuries or medical illnesses should be reported to University Police. Medical attention will be proctored if necessary, and all incidents will be reported to the Human Resources department and Environmental Health and Safety for investigation.

What to Do Until Help Arrives

Knowing CPR and choking rescue procedures is important. It’s also important to know the basics of first aid to stop serious bleeding, manage shock, or handle fractures until emergency help arrives.

You can find emergency first aid, CPR, and other classes offered locally through the Asheville Area Red Cross. The local area chapter building is located less than a mile from campus at 100 Edgewood Rd., Asheville, NC 28804. There is a campus shuttle route located less than a block away at the intersection of Merrimon Ave./Edgewood Rd.

What Not to Do

  • Never move anyone who is unconscious or has struck their hand or was injured in a car crash, unless they are in danger.
  • When treating burns, don’t use ice, butter, or petroleum jelly. If burns blister, are large or deep, get immediate help.

 

 

 

 

 

The safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors is our priority. Civil disturbances have the potential to disrupt campus operations and present with safety concerns for the university community.  Civil disturbances are also commonly referred to as civil disorder and examples include, but not limited to: riots, disruptive demonstrations, criminal activities, or public nuisances.

Civil disturbances should immediately be reported to University Police at 828-232-5000 or through the SafeZone app.

What to do in the event of a civil disturbance:

  • Report the disturbance to University Police at 828-232-5000 or through the SafeZone app
  • Avoid the area
  • Do not provoke the disturbance
  • If the disturbance is outside, remain indoors and away from windows or doors
  • If you are inside, secure your immediate area
  • Secure your personal belongings
  • Log off any computers

Public Safety personnel will evaluate and monitor the situation to determine next steps. Public Safety will provide updates, instructions, or other critical information through the Bulldog Alert Emergency Notification System.

What to do if you are confronted by an individual involved with the civil disturbance:

  • Remain calm
  • Do not provoke
  • Be courteous
  • Be respectful
  • Alert University Police immediately if a treat exists

Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to download the UNCA SafeZone app. SafeZone is a mobile safety application that allows UNC Asheville students, faculty, and staff to contact University Police for emergency and non-emergency assistance while on campus. In the event of an emergency, you can use this app to quickly share your location and profile details with University Police staff to ensure a timely response and connection to the appropriate resources.

 

 

 

 

Watch vs. Warning

  • Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorm or tornado development. Be aware and monitor weather information.
  • Warning means a severe thunderstorm or tornado is occurring or is imminent based on radar information. Take protective actions, such as sheltering in place.

In some situations, it may be safer to remain inside at your current location rather than to evacuate (i.e., severe/tornadic weather or the release of chemical, biological, or radiological contaminates). In these situations, leaving may put you in greater danger. If you receive instructions to shelter in place:

  • Immediately stop classes or work, wherever you are. If you are outdoors, go indoors. If there are others in the vicinity, provide for their safety by asking them to stay indoors. Do not leave.
  • Select interior room(s) with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary.
  • Monitor the BulldogAlert messages, radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.
  • You should always be alert to changing conditions and be prepared to take additional actions to ensure your safety.

Severe Thunderstorms and Tornados

A severe thunderstorm is one which may produce large hail (dime sized or larger) or damaging winds (gusts of 58 mph or more). Although lightning can be deadly, it is not a criterion for what the National Weather Service defines as severe since any ordinary thunderstorm can produce a lot of lightning. Likewise, excessive rainfall may lead to flash flooding, but heavy rain is not a criterion for the term severe.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing a tornado, while a tornado warning means a tornado is occurring or imminent.

Preparing for a Thunderstorm

  • Get an emergency supply kit.
  • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
  • Use the 30/30 lightning safety rule. If you see lightning and you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, go indoors. Then stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

Have a Thunderstorm Plan

  • If a thunderstorm is likely in your area, postpone outdoor activities.
  • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
  • Avoid showering or bathing during a thunderstorm. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
  • Watch for darkening skies, lightning, increasing winds.
  • Go quickly inside a home, building or hard top automobile, if possible.
  • If shelter is not available go to the lowest area nearby and make yourself the smallest target possible but do not lie flat on the ground.

Flood Precautions

Flooding is the nation’s most common natural disaster. Flooding can happen anywhere. However, all floods are not alike. Some can develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or in a warming trend following a heavy snow. Others, such as flash floods, can occur quickly, even without any visible signs of rain. Be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding.

Prepare for Flooding

  • Get a kit of emergency supplies and prepare a portable kit in case you have to evacuate.
  • Unplug electrical appliances, moving them to higher levels, if possible. However, do not touch an electric appliance if you are wet or standing in water.
  • If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.

Stay Informed

  • Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
  • If it has been raining hard for several hours or if it has been raining steadily for days there may be the potential for flooding. Use common sense and available information. If water is rising quickly or you see a moving wall of mud or debris, immediately move to higher ground.
  • Stay out of flood waters, if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged. However, should you find yourself trapped in your vehicle in rising water get out immediately and seek higher ground.
  • Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

 

 

 

 

During inclement weather, university leadership determines whether classes will be delayed, canceled, or held as scheduled. When bad weather occurs overnight or early in the morning, every effort is made to make this decision in a timely manner using the most up-to-date information available. For evening classes (typically starting at 6 p.m. or later), the decision to cancel is usually made by 3:30 p.m. However, unexpected snow, ice, or worsening weather conditions may alter this timeline.

Adverse Weather Guidelines for University Employees

To see Human Resources policies that apply when campus operations and work schedules are affected by adverse weather or emergency events, consult the Human Resources webpage on Adverse Weather Guidelines.

Notifications

Late starts and class cancellations are announced on the UNC Asheville website homepage with a notification stripe, and an email announcement and text message are sent to students, faculty and staff through Bulldog Alert. You can confirm that you are signed up to receive Bulldog Alert messages at bulldogalert.unca.edu.

Winter Weather Safety Tips

Winter storms are know as deceptive killers because they cause power outages, downed tress, traffic jams and accidents that leave lasting impacts. Most deaths are not directly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads or of hypothermia from lengthy exposure to cold. There are 3 simple steps to get ready for a winter emergency:

  1. Have a plan
  2. Have an emergency supply kit
  3. Have a way to access up-to-date information

Basic winter safety tips

  • Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
  • Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep any electric generators OUTSIDE and away from any open windows or doors to prevent deadly carbon monoxide fumes from poisoning your family. Never burn charcoal indoors.
  • Keep fresh batteries on hand to use with flashlights and weather radios.
  • Always keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food in your home.
  • Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing to stay warm.

Drive Safely

  • If you must travel during a winter storm, store an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes: blankets, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, battery booster cables and flares, a tire repair kit and pump, a road map, a sack of cat litter (for tire traction), a tow rope, bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods such as granola bars, extra clothing to keep dry, and a windshield scraper and brush. Here is a winter driving supply checklist.
  • If driving on snow- or ice-covered roadways, reduce your speed. Driving at the regular speed limit will reduce your ability to control the car if you begin to slide. Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.
    • If conditions worsen and you can no longer drive safely, pull off the highway.
    • Stay calm and remain in your vehicle.
  • Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.

Emergency Management Education

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Emergency Management Education

You are encouraged to take a more active role in emergency preparedness. FEMA offers a list of universities and colleges offering emergency management programs, Homeland Security programs, and related programs at the certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Masters, and Doctoral levels. Additionally, FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers self-paced courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. All are offered free-of-charge to those who qualify for enrollment.

FEMA’s Independent Study Program offers courses that support the nine mission areas identified by the National Preparedness Goal: Incident Management, Operational Planning, Disaster Logistics, Emergency Communications, Service to Disaster Victims, Continuity Programs, Public Disaster Communications, Integrated Preparedness, and Hazard Mitigation.

FEMA Higher Education College List FEMA Training

Resources

UNC Asheville Ready

Prepare to keep you and your family safe. Basic steps you can take to prepare for an emergency are:

  1. Have a plan
  2. Build a kit
  3. Stay informed  (sign up for local, state, and national Emergency Alert programs )
  4. Monitor current weather conditions

Additional Ready Information

Regional Information

Fire Safety

Traffic

  • DriveNC.gov – Official real-time traffic and travel information from NCDOT. Road closures, accidents, congestion, and work zones.

Weather

Severe weather is a serious concern. Be prepared by learning about your resources. Staying up to date on forecasts and warnings will give you more time to prepare for severe weather.

  • Rays Weather Center. A wonderful resource for weather forecasting in Western North Carolina
  • Ready NC Mobile App. Use the free ReadyNC mobile app to find the latest weather, traffic, and hazard information to help you prepare for everything from minor traffic emergencies to severe storms.
  • NC Emergency Management X Feed. Stay up to the minute on the latest happenings and news.
  • National Weather Service. View complete website radar and forecasts on a continuous feed.
  • AccuWeather. Complete website radar, live feeds and forecasts,  severe weather maps

Our Staff

Matt Petty

Director of Emergency Management

Office: 278 Governors Hall
Phone: (828) 258-7676
Email: mpetty1@unca.edu

Matt Petty

Questions?

Bulldog Alert University Police Security & Event Staffing Request Form