Emergency Communication Systems

  1. Issued:August 3, 1981
  2. Revised:January 7, 2013
  3. Last Reviewed:January 7, 2013
  4. Policy Number: FO-30
  5. Responsible Office:Department of Public Safety
  6. Policy Contact: Executive Director of Public Safety
    police@illinois.edu
  8. Print Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to clarify and delineate responsibilities and authority for communications with the campus community during various campus emergencies. This policy addresses who has responsibility and authority to authorize and trigger the use of emergency communication systems intended to inform the campus community of verified situations that pose an imminent or ongoing threat to health/life/safety. Such communications would include information necessary to increase the safety and security of the campus community and the general campus environment.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of the campus community.

Authority

The Chancellor and/or his/her designees have the ultimate authority on the use of or decision to send emergency communications.

As the senior public safety official, the Executive Director of Public Safety, and his/her designees, may initiate the use of any and all communication mechanisms deemed appropriate in support of the safety of the campus community or in response to a campus emergency.

Policy

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is committed to a safe and nonviolent environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. The actions of the University in response to a campus emergency and/or disaster must place the safety of human life above all other concerns. The procedures for responding to a campus emergency and/or disaster will be guided by this principle. If a condition arises that presents an imminent threat to health/life/safety of the campus community, the campus will utilize any/all communication resources available to mitigate the situation as efficiently and safely as possible. The University will rely on multiple duplicative emergency communication systems as deemed appropriate in order to disseminate timely communications during an emergency and/or disaster. To the degree possible, all members of the campus community will be automatically provisioned to receive emergency communications.

Definitions

  • DisasterAn occurrence or threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or technological cause, including but not limited to fire, flood, earthquake, wind, storm, hazardous materials spill or other water contamination requiring emergency action to avert danger or damage, epidemic, air contamination, blight, extended periods of severe and inclement weather, drought, infestation, critical shortages of essential fuels and energy, explosion, riot, hostile military or paramilitary action, or acts of domestic terrorism [20 ILCS 3305/4].
  • EmergencyA sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action.
  • Emergency CommunicationAny informational notification, message or instruction pertaining to an ongoing campus emergency and/or disaster.

Processes/Procedures/Guidelines

Suspicious behaviors and/or actions, violent acts and threat of violence should be reported to the campus police immediately by calling 9-1-1 (See Prevention and Response Planning).

In service of its commitment to the welfare, health and safety of all those in its campus community, the Division of Public Safety has developed and maintains a comprehensive Standard Operating Guideline that defines specific roles, responsibilities and procedures that shall be followed during an emergency and/or disaster that may affect campus. This Standard Operating Guideline is held within the Division of Public Safety.

The Executive Director of Public Safety is designated the following responsibilities under this policy:

  • The creation and maintenance of all emergency communication standards, procedures and is authorized to execute them.
  • Designating the official systems for emergency communications and the standards and procedures for their use and operation.
  • Documenting, communicating, and maintaining operations information (procedures, integration requirement, etc…) related to emergency communications.
  • Requiring, as appropriate, the integration of campus communication systems (such as web sites) with emergency communication systems.

The Associate Chancellor for Public Affairs is responsible for public statements, press releases, or other electronic means of disseminating information to the broader public about a campus emergency and/or disaster, including web publishing. The Office of Public Affairs also plays a consultative role, time permitting, in the creation of any emergency messages sent to the campus community.

Contact

Executive Director of Public Safety (police@illinois.edu)

  1. Issued:August 3, 1981
  2. Revised:January 7, 2013
  3. Last Reviewed:January 7, 2013
  4. Policy Number: FO-30
  5. Responsible Office:Department of Public Safety
  6. Policy Contact: Executive Director of Public Safety
    police@illinois.edu
  8. Print Policy
  1. 9-1-1 Service As Used For Emergency Response
  2. Access Security Systems
  3. Accident Investigation Procedures
  4. Acquiring Energy-consuming Equipment
  5. Aerial Activities Over, On, or In Campus Property
  6. Alcohol Management Policy
  7. Appropriate Use of Information and Technology Resources
  8. Approval of Project Involving the Addition, Modification, or Deletion of Physical Facilities (“Site Approvals”)
  9. Art in Public Spaces
  10. Assignment of Campus Car Pool Vehicles to Departments
  11. Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
  12. Banner (Vexilla) Displays
  13. Bicycle Regulations
  14. Building Emergency Action and Business Continuity Plans
  15. Building Regulations
  16. Building Signage
  17. Campus Demonstrations and Protests
  18. Campus Environmental Health and Safety
  19. Campus Threat Assessment
  20. Carpeting and Drapery
  21. Clery Act
  22. Computer Security
  23. Connection to IllinoisNet
  24. Decorations, Displays, and Christmas Trees
  25. Department-Owned Non-Passenger Vehicles and Equipment
  26. Disaster Recovery Contract for Services Activation
  27. Disposal of Magnetic Media
  28. Distribution of Building Plan Documents and Architectural Drawings
  29. Division of Responsibility
  30. Emergency Communication Systems
  31. Emergency Plans
  32. Expressive Activity on Campus
  33. Fire Safety
  34. Fire Safety Compliance, Reports, Information, and Education
  35. Fire Safety Regulations for Scenery and Set Decorations
  36. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) in Campus Buildings
  37. In-Line Skates, Roller Skates, Skateboards, e-Scooters, and Self-Balancing Personal Transportation Devices
  38. Information Security
  39. Installation of Equipment Requiring Special or Controlled Climatic Conditions
  40. Lawn Signs
  41. Limited Use and Reservation of the University Quadrangle
  42. Loaned Art
  43. Low Voltage Media Installation
  44. Motor Vehicles in Buildings
  45. Net Zero Space Growth
  46. Open Flames
  47. Operating Unlicensed Motorized Vehicles on Pathways
  48. Operation of Electronic Devices While Operating University Vehicles and Equipment
  49. Organization and Responsibilities of Facilities & Services
  50. Outdoor Displays
  51. Parking Regulations
  52. Personal Property Used on Campus
  53. Personal Protective Equipment
  54. Possession of Weapons
  55. Procurement of Construction Services
  56. Project Management Fees on Capital Construction Projects
  57. Property Security
  58. Public Health Emergency Response Policy
  59. Radio Frequency Spectra
  60. Radio Licenses, Applications and Renewals, and Federal Communication Commission Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
  61. Requesting Work Order Service
  62. Scattering of Cremated or Human Remains on University Property
  63. Security Cameras
  64. Service, Emotional Support (Assistance), and Other Animals
  65. Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus
  66. Storm Sewer Usage
  67. Three-Wheel Scooters
  68. Underground Utility Damage Prevention
  69. Unit Risk Management Coordinator
  70. University Resources for Political Campaign Activities
  71. University Security Alarms
  72. University Vehicle Signage
  73. Utility Services
  74. Vehicle Accident Reporting Requirements
  75. Vehicles Using University Grounds
  76. Violence Prevention and Response
  77. Working Alone