Our academic and administrative units must continually assess and plan for those events that may cause an interruption in the ability of the University of Wisconsin -Stevens Point (UWSP) to carry out its mission. Having witnessed the aftermath of severe weather, fires, and other disasters that have adversely affected the ability of other American institutions to carry out their missions it is clear that UWSP needs to be prepared for interruptions in University operations.

This plan was developed to assist the campus to proactively manage campus emergencies. The elements of emergency management planning are preparation, prevention, response, and recovery. Effective emergency management requires time, thought, allocation of resources, training, and testing. Deans and Division Heads must critically assess what essential services their areas provide and how to maintain or recover these services in times of an emergency.

This document outlines the UWSP Emergency Management Plan, addresses preparation, prevention, response, and recovery for the university.

The University has an inherent responsibility for minimizing danger to life, property, and University operations arising from emergency situations. In order to meet these responsibilities the University has developed this plan. The Emergency Management Plan is distributed to designate university personnel (see the below distribution list) and is made available to the campus at large via the World Wide Web here. All requests for procedural changes, suggestions, or recommendations will be submitted in writing to the Department of Safety and Loss Control. Safety and Loss Control has the responsibility for maintaining the plan. The Director of Safety and Loss Control, with input of the Environmental Health and Safety Committee, must annually review the contents and produce any necessary changes. Revisions are to be reviewed with the Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs. Approved changes will then be posted on the World Wide Web and distributed to all holders of this Plan for substitution and appropriate re-training, if indicated.

Hardcopies of the plan will be distributed to the following positions:

Wisconsin statutes 101.055, UWS Chapter 36; Board of Regents letter, titled: "Emergency Response Program" dated October 30, 1970; Governor's Executive Order #194; and this document titled University Of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Emergency Management Plan provide the authority and responsibility to management emergencies at UWSP.

The authority to declare a campus state of emergency rests with the Chancellor, or appointed designee (Board of Regents Rules, UWS).

Emergency: Any unplanned incident that has the potential to affect personal health or safety, property damage, or to disrupt normal university operations. Examples might include severe weather, civil disturbances, power outage, a building fire or chemical spill. Outside emergency services will probably be required, as well as major efforts from campus support services. Major policy considerations and decisions will usually be required from the University administration during times of crises.

Emergency Personnel: Trained and authorized personnel responding to an emergency call and having authority over operations. This may include, but is not limited to: Fire Department, Paramedics, Police, Sheriff, UWSP Protective Services, FEMA, FBI, etc.