Emergency Management

Talk to your family about the hazards that could affect your area and what you should do if it happens.

• Decide on a place to meet – one in your neighborhood and one outside your neighborhood – in case you cannot return to your home.
• Write down your plan and make it part of your emergency supply kit.
• Texts, email and social media posts are more likely to get through when cell networks are overloaded.
• Plan for your pets. Most evacuation shelters allow service animals only. (See more about pets below.)
• Ask an out-of-town friend or family member to serve as a point of contact for all the members of your household. Often during an emergency, long-distance calls will go through when local networks are overwhelmed.
• If you are instructed to turn off your home’s utilities, teach family members where and how to turn them off. Keep tools near the location. If you turn off the gas, a professional must turn it back on – do not attempt to do it yourself.

If you’re in your vehicle when a disaster strikes, it is important to listen to the radio for any updates or instructions. Only drive if you absolutely have to and ensure that you have a substantial amount of gas before you leave your home.

Listen to local TV or radio for local weather forecasts and road conditions. If bad weather is forecast, drive only if absolutely necessary. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order with at least a half tank of gas.

• Do not drive through a flooded area – Six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car; 12 inches can make it float away.
• Where floodwaters have receded – Roads may be weak and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• If a power line falls on your car, you are at risk of electrical shock – Stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.

An emergency supplies kit is simply a collection of items your family may need in an emergency. You likely have most of the items around the house, so it’s just a matter of gathering them together.

Assemble the kit before an emergency in case you need to evacuate. Also, be sure every member of your household knows where the kit is kept.

Keep enough water, food and supplies for three to seven days for each person and pet. You may be on your own for several hours or even days after a disaster since local officials and relief workers cannot reach everyone immediately. Also, basic services like water, gas, electricity, sewage treatment and phones may be out for several days, a week or more.

Being prepared not only increases you and your family’s ability to survive, but also reduces the workload of first responders, emergency medical services, firefighters and law enforcement.

Having an emergency supply kit is essential to making it through a disaster safely. Make sure to have supplies on hand to last each person at least three days. We’ve outlined a great list for you to start with.

• Water – 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
• Food – non-perishable and canned food supply for 3 to 7 days
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Cell phone with charger
• First aid kit and first aid book
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Manual can opener for food
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Blanket or sleeping bag per person
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies
• Extra house and car keys
• Important documents – insurance policies, identification, bank account records
• Fire extinguisher – ABC-type
• Cash and change
• Books, games or cards

You can receive important lifesaving alerts no matter where you are – at home, at school, or at work.

Public safety officials use reliable systems to alert you and your family in the event of natural or man-made disasters. Guilford County utilizes several systems to relay important information during emergencies and disasters. Explore below to learn about the systems used in Guilford County.

Guilford Emergency Alert, Notification, and Information System

The Guilford Emergency Alert, Notification, and Information System (“G.E.A.N.I.”) is an automated system to notify you of urgent and emergency information through your cell phone, home phone and/or email. The system provides time-sensitive, geographically-based public safety messages through voice, text, and email, and is available to all residents and businesses within Guilford County (including City of High Point residents in Forsyth, Davidson, and Randolph Counties).

The system is activated by public safety personnel to provide you with information about evacuations, shelter-in-place incidents, severe weather response and recovery efforts, law enforcement events, and other urgent incidents that affect your safety.

Additional Information

If you have a traditional landline telephone number which is not marked as “unpublished” you are automatically enrolled in G.E.A.N.I., and will receive notifications affecting your area.

Cellular and VoIP telephones are not automatically added to the system database. If you would like to receive notifications on your cellular or VoIP device too, you must self-register on the G.E.A.N.I. system.

Participation is voluntary and your number will not be shared for any other purpose.

Although this is a free service, you may be charged a standard fee from your cellular phone service provider if you exceed your current data plan for receiving voice calls or text messages. The agencies involved in G.E.A.N.I. are not responsible for any charges that may be incurred as a result of receiving these alerts.

Voice notifications will be sent to your designated phone from telephone number 336-641-8100 and we recommend adding this number to your phone’s contact list.

If you wish not to receive notifications, you can opt-out of the system by sending an e-mail to gcemsupport@guilford-es.com.

For general questions about G.E.A.N.I. you can contact Guilford County Emergency Management at 336-641-2278.

For technical questions about G.E.A.N.I. you can contact gcemsupport@guilford-es.com.

• American Red Cross
• Center For Disease Control
• FEMA READY Government
• Ready NC
• Ready GUILFORD

• Student Health Center
• Counseling & Testing Center
• Dean of Students Office
• Human Resources

• Alerts sent through AggieAlert! (text message)
• Updates sent through mass email to community.
• Posting on the University’s website. A red campus alert bar will appear across the top of the home page.
• Recording on the Aggie InfoLine: 336-334-7325.
• Notification through the University's official Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) accounts.

While rare, it is important to prepare for an active shooter situation just as you prepare for other types of emergencies. An active shooter is defined by a person actively threatening lives in a populated area, and generally involves the use of firearms. These situations evolve very rapidly, and require individuals to make decisions very quickly. Each situation is unique, and how to best respond to an active shooter situation will be determined by the specific circumstances at the time of the event. 

If you find yourself faced with an active shooter situation, try to remain calm and use the general guidelines outlined below to help make the best plan possible. Follow Instructions provided by AggieAlert! in all emergency situations 

Inside Your Building or Outside of Your Building: 
Go to a room that can be locked, and lock the door behind you. If you cannot locate a room that will lock, find a room that you can barricade the door. Barricade the door with tables, book cases, and other heavy items. Ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked. Turn off the lights. If possible, get everyone on the floor so no one is visible from outside the room. Silence cell phones and similar devices. Contact University Police (334-7675) and inform them of what is happening and where you are. Remain in place until you are instructed by the police that it is safe to leave the room. 

• Note: Do not respond to any unfamiliar voices until you can verify their identity, as it may be the shooter attempting to lure victims from safety.
• Remember: Always follow the instructions of law enforcement. Keep your hands visible, and do not make any unexpected movements.

If there is absolutely no opportunity to escape or hide, attempting to “fight back” or “overpower” the shooter may be your only option. This should be considered as a last resort. If the shooter leaves the area, immediately proceed to a safer location and contact University Police: 334-7675. Provide as much information as possible. 

If you decide to flee:
Do not attempt to carry anything. Move quickly, keep your hands visible, and follow the instructions of any police officers you may encounter. Do not attempt to move injured people. Contact University Police immediately, and notify them of the situation and the location of the injured individuals. 

A bomb threat may be presented in a number of ways including a note or phone call. 

The most important things to remember are to remain calm, and immediately contact University Police (334-7675). If received by phone, listen to the caller carefully. Be polite and show interest. Try to keep the caller talking so you can gather as much information as possible. If possible, have someone else contact University Police while you are talking with the caller. If you receive a note, contact University Police immediately. Follow the instructions of the police officers. Do not evacuate the building unless instructed by University Police, or unless there is an immediate threat to your health and safety. Do not pull the fire alarm. Record time, date and phone number if possible of call or receipt of the written message. 

• Who or what are you attempting to harm? 

• What is to happen? 

• When is it to happen? 

• Where is it to happen? 

• How is it to happen? 

Listen closely for background noises Listen closely for voice type (male, female, voice quality, accents etc.) 

Why are you making the threat? Note if caller knows area by description of location. Note caller’s phone number if you have a display phone. 

When the caller hangs up on you call University Police immediately: 334-7675. Provide them with as much of the above information as possible. If necessary, quietly have a co-worker or someone nearby contact University Police while you are on the phone with the caller. Do not touch any suspicious or unfamiliar objects. Do not conduct any type of search. 

While fires are rare on campus, they do occur both on and off campus each year. Prevention is the key to fire safety. Remember, it only takes a few minutes for a small flame to become an out of control fire that consumes an entire room, apartment, or other space. 

If a burning odor, smoke and/or flames are present, evacuate the building Immediately. Feel doors with the back of your hand for heat before opening them. If the door is hot, do not open it. Find a different way out, such as a window or alternate hallway. As you leave the building, pull a manual fire alarm box to activate the fire alarm system. If it is safe to do so, close doors as you leave the building to help contain the smoke and fire, as well as secure your office space or room. Remember: Do not use elevators.

Remember:
If there is smoke, crawl on your hands and knees as you leave the building. If possible, keep your mouth covered as you leave the building. Report to the building’s assembly point, or follow the directions of emergency personnel. Be prepared to assist others as you evacuate. Once you are a safe location, contact University Police (334-7675), and advise them of the situation (location, what you saw, if someone is trapped, etc…). Do not re-enter the building for any reason. Stay away from the building, parking lot and roadway around the building for your safety. Emergency personnel or University Police will provide further instructions and inform you when it is safe to re-enter the building. DO NOT re-enter the building for any reason. Stay away from the building, parking lot and roadway around the building for your safety. Emergency personnel will provide further instructions and inform you when it is safe to re-enter the building. Fire Alarms: If the audible fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately. Remember: There is never a false alarm. The fire alarm is going off for a reason. While it may not be a fire, you do not know that until the building is searched. Always treat fire alarms as if there is a real fire. Do not wait until it is too late to leave; your life could depend on it. 

Prevention:
Simple steps can help keep you and those around you safe by preventing a fire. While you are on campus, remember that items with an open flame (such as candles) or an open heat source (such as hot plates) are prohibited. Household extension cords should never be used, and only commercial extension cords are approved for temporary use. Appliances (such as toasters and coffee makers) that are designed for household use only are also prohibited. Make sure you keep your workspace or living area clean, allow at 36 inches of space around any heat source (such as a space heater). Ensure that emergency exits are not blocked by boxes, bags, or other items. Finally, you should never leave any food being cooked unattended. This includes food being prepared in microwave ovens. While off campus, many of the same rules used on campus apply in the same ways. While items such as candles may not be prohibited, they can still be dangerous if not used properly. Never leave open flames or heat sources unattended. Items such as household extension cords can pose a fire a hazard, and should be avoided. Remember to regularly check your smoke detectors, and replace the batteries. Are you insured? - Make sure you have insurance to cover property damage. For example, if you rent an apartment or a house, you should have renters insurance.

Visit http://www.ncdoi.com/ for more information. For more information on fire safety, contact the following:

• On-campus:
  Environmental Health and Safety: 334-7992
  Emergency Management, oem@ncat.edu 
• Off-campus:
  Greensboro Fire Department, 336-373-2177 

In the event of an emergency, some occupants may require some degree of assistance in evacuating the building, taking shelter, etc. If you encounter someone who needs assistance during an emergency you should attempt to assist the individual, if it is possible to do so without endangering the health and safety of either yourself or the person needing assistance. If you know or have reason to believe that you will need assistance during an emergency you should report that information to your Building Emergency Coordinator, Resident Advisor or others close to you as soon as possible. This information will be kept confidential unless otherwise expressed by you.

Emergency Evacuation for Persons with Disabilities:

General
This section provides general guidance on evacuation guidelines for persons with disabilities. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors with disabilities should develop their own emergency plans, which should identify primary and secondary evacuation routes. Further assistance can be requested through the Office of Emergency Management, who will coordinate the appropriate resources. Be familiar with evacuation options. Seek individuals who may be willing to serve as evacuation assistants assist in case of an emergency. Ask supervisors, instructors, building emergency coordinators, Environmental Health and Safety, or the Office of Emergency Management about evacuation plans for buildings. In some cases, it may be beneficial to have a pre-assigned “buddy” to assist during emergencies. During an emergency, especially fires and/or fire alarms, the nearest exit stairs should be used for evacuation unless otherwise instructed. Unless instructed, elevators should not be used.

Evacuation Options
Persons with disabilities should evacuate to the nearest exit. Persons with disabilities have four basic evacuation options:

• Horizontal: Using building exits to the outside ground level Go to the nearest exit stair landing, and wait for emergency personnel. If you can, contact emergency personnel and let them know your location. 
• Stairway: Use exit stairs to reach ground level exits from the building.
• Shelter-in-Place and wait for information from AggieAlert!: Unless danger is imminent, remain in a room with an exterior window, a telephone, and a solid or fire-resistant door. This option should be reserved if it is too dangerous to leave the area you are located. Keep in contact with emergency personnel by contacting University Police (334-7675) and reporting your location directly. If the phone lines fail, signal for help from the window by waving a cloth or other visible object.

Area of Refuge
Go to a marked area of refuge away from obvious danger. Note: Not all facilities will have these areas. Notify emergency personnel. This can be done by calling University Police (334-7675) and pushing the emergency assistance button. 

Mobility Impaired
Wheelchair Persons using wheelchairs should stay in place, or move to an area of refuge based on the emergency. Notification to emergency personnel should be made as soon as possible if the individual remains in the building. If the person with a disability is alone, he/she should contact University Police (334-7675) with their present location and/or the area of refuge they are headed to. If the stair landing is chosen as the area of refuge, please note that many campus buildings have relatively small stair landings, and wheelchair users are advised to wait until the heavy traffic has passed before entering the stairway. Stay to the side of the landing so the stairs remain open to ensure both the safety of occupants evacuating and yourself. Stairway evacuation of wheelchair users should be conducted by trained professionals. The fire department and emergency medical services have equipment to move individuals down stairs. Only in situations of extreme danger should untrained people attempt to evacuate wheelchair users. Moving a wheelchair down stairs is never safe. 

Mobility Impaired
Non-Wheelchair Persons with mobility impairments, who are able to walk independently, may be able to negotiate stairs in an emergency with minor assistance. If danger is imminent, the individual should wait until the heavy traffic has cleared before attempting the stairs. If there is no immediate danger (detectable smoke, fire, or unusual odor) or the person cannot evacuate, the person may choose to stay in the building using one of the other evacuation options mentioned above. 

Hearing Impaired
The majority of buildings on campus are equipped with fire alarm strobe lights to warn of a fire or fire alarm. All campus facilities have audible fire alarms, and most have some form of mass notification system (classroom intercom, etc...) Persons with hearing impairments may not hear audio emergency alerts and will need to be alerted of emergency situations. The strobe lights may provide some warning. Emergency instructions can also be given by writing a short explicit note explaining what action(s) to take. While a person who has a hearing impairment can take shelter or evacuate on their own, it may be necessary to assign someone to remain with them to help relay instructions on what to do as the emergency progresses. 

Visually Impaired
Most people with a visual impairment will be familiar with their immediate surroundings and frequently traveled routes. Since the emergency evacuation route is likely different from the commonly traveled route, persons who are visually impaired may need assistance in evacuating. The assistant should offer their elbow to the individual with a visual impairment and guide him or her through the evacuation route. During the evacuation the assistant should communicate as necessary to assure safe evacuation. 

Psychological Impairment
Emergencies can be very stressful experiences for anyone. Some individuals may experience a greater level of stress when confronted with an emergency than others. This may cause them to not process information as clearly or correctly, and therefore not function as well during an emergency situation. They may become excited, confused, appear to make irrational decisions, or even appear to freeze and not move. These individuals may need extra assistance in comprehending information and instructions, as well as taking steps such as evacuating. In many cases, talking the person through what is happening and helping them to safety will resolve any problems. It is important to remain calm, and speak at a normal tone (calm and clear). If you cannot help the individual or helping the individual will place you in greater danger, leave the area and contact University Police at 334-7675. Provide them with as much information as possible. This includes a description of the individual, their location when you saw them, what is wrong, etc… For more information on this topic, contact the Office of Emergency Management oem@ncat.edu

Tornadoes are possible throughout the year in North Carolina. For this reason, it is important to always be prepared for severe weather and the possibility of a tornado. While tornadoes are potential during the entire year in North Carolina, they are mostly likely during the spring season (March through May). Knowing what to do when a tornado occurs could mean the difference between life and death. When a tornado is spotted or a warning is issued, you may have only a few critical moments to make some crucial decisions. Understanding the basics of tornado safety and preparing now could help reduce the chances of injury or death for you and your family.

• Tornado Watch – Means the potential exist for a tornado to develop. When a tornado watch is issued, you should take the time to make sure you are prepared. Be aware of rapidly changing conditions, and be ready to take immediate action. Monitor local media outlets for up-to-date weather information. Review where you will go should there be a tornado.
• Tornado Warning – Means a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar. During a tornado warning, you should take evasive action. Remain in shelter until the danger has passed and the warning has expired. Monitor local media outlets for up-to-date weather information. 

What to do during a Tornado: 

• Go to an interior room, away from windows. 
• Go to the lowest level possible. 
• Do not open or close windows. 
• Crouch on the floor, and cover your head as much as possible. 
  

• Go to lowest level possible, and find an interior room or hallway without windows. 
• Avoid large open spaces such as gyms and auditoriums. 
• Crouch on the floor, and protect your head. 
• Look for severe weather shelter areas (located in select facilities) marked by a sign. 

Did you know that North Carolina is one of the leading states for lightning related injuries in the United States? Severe weather is possible throughout the year in North Carolina, and it is important to be prepared when it occurs. While the potential exist throughout the year, severe weather is most common during the spring. Knowing what to do when severe weather occurs could mean the difference between life and death. When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, you may have only a few minutes to make the right decisions. Understanding the basics of severe weather safety and preparing now could help reduce the chances of injury or death for you and your family. 

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Means the potential exist for a severe thunderstorm to develop. When a watch is issued, you should take the time to make sure you are prepared for severe weather. Be aware of rapidly changing conditions, and be ready to take immediate action. Monitor local media outlets for up-to-date weather information. Review what actions you will need to take should there be severe weather.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Means a “severe” thunderstorm has been detected. When a warning is issued, you should take shelter immediately. Severe thunderstorms are classified as storms producing winds ≥ 58 MPH and/or hail 1” or greater is diameter (quarter size).  

What to do during Severe Weather: 
At Home: 

• Go inside of a permanent structure. 
• Locate an interior room, away from windows. 
• Avoid open areas such as porches. Lighting can still reach you! 
• Do not use corded phones. 
• Avoid plumbing. Do not do things such as washing hands, taking a shower, etc… 
• Stay off items that are directly connected to electricity (stoves, computers, etc…). 
• Remain inside until the storm has passed (see below for more information). 
• If you cannot find a permanent structure, you can take shelter inside of a fully enclosed vehicle (excluding convertibles). Be cautious not to use radio equipment/electronic devices. 
• If you cannot locate a safe area or are too far from a vehicle/structure, remember to avoid tall objects, isolated trees, water, wet items, metal objects, open fields, and the tops of hills/ridges. 

• Go inside of a permanent structure. 
• During high winds or tornadoes, avoid large open spaces such as gyms and auditoriums. 
• Stay off of electrical equipment that may be directly connected to electricity (computers, corded phones, etc…) 
• Avoid plumbing. Do not do things such as washing hands, taking a shower, etc… 
• If necessary, look for severe weather shelter areas (located in select facilities) marked by a sign. 
• Remain inside until the storm has passed. 
• If you cannot find a permanent structure, you can take shelter inside of a fully enclosed vehicle (excluding convertibles). Be cautious not to use radio equipment/electronic devices 

N.C. A&T and the surrounding region are presented each year with the threat of winter storms. While some winters may pass with little or no winter weather, the unique geographic location of the Piedmont makes this region susceptible to significant winter weather events on occasion. These events may include ice storms, snow or a mixture of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. It is important to be aware of the various types of winter events that impact this region, as well as the various hazards associated with winter storms. Many of the injuries and fatalities seen from winter storms occur from associated hazards such as vehicle accidents, fires, and other related hazards. Taking the time to prepare now could help to ensure the safety of you and your family during the next winter storm. 

• Winter Weather Advisory – Cold, ice and/or snow are expected to impact the area that may result in a “significant inconvenience” and require extra caution.  

• Winter Storm Watch – Means that there is a potential for significant winter weather to impact the area within 48 hours.  

• Winter Storm Warning – Means significant winter weather is either impacting the area, or is expected to impact the area within 24 hours.