Annual crisis management drill tests University’s response

No one wants to focus on what could happen in a disaster; memories of incidents ranging from health scares to the shootings at Virginia Tech to the flooding that hit the University of Iowa this summer are just not happy thoughts.

Thankfully, a number of people at Baylor are doing that thinking for us, planning ahead so that the University will be prepared to respond in an actual emergency situation. Last week, Baylor conducted its annual crisis management drill to test the school’s response plan to an unforeseen emergency or crisis.

Baylor personnel who serve on integrated response, support and management teams were given a real-time scenario: a small plane crashed into the Dutton Avenue Office and Parking Facility, causing several casualties and severely damaging the University’s Internet network. The simulated incident tested Baylor’s ability to communicate with various Baylor groups, take care of people (including evacuations and notifications), and respond to the media, all while continuing the University’s normal education and business operations.

A post-incident review of those involved will ensure that the lessons learned during the drill are incorporated into Baylor’s crisis management plan. Baylor faculty, staff and students are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date in order to assure receipt of emergency notifications through phone calls, e-mails and text messages. The University has also recently added loudspeakers for use in such situations.

Sic ’em, Baylor staff, for making sure that the University is prepared for emergency situations, and for thinking about all this so we don’t have to worry!