Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Each member of our campus community, including staff and faculty, should take proactive steps to become informed about emergency resources and response protocols.One of the most important steps you can take is to understand the resources available to you. Being informed now helps ensure that you, and those around you, can respond appropriately in a crisis. Please take a moment to review the key resources and information summarized below. By doing so, you are contributing to a culture of safety and readiness at Western Carolina University.Together, we can be better prepared.
WCU Department of Emergency Services Preparedness ResourcesEmergency preparedness begins with awareness. The WCU Department of Emergency Services provides a variety of resources to help all campus community members understand how to prepare before an emergency and what to do if one occurs. These include:WCU Emergency GuideFaculty and Staff Preparedness ChecklistGeneral Hazard Preparedness Information from the National Weather Service.These materials and additional preparedness tools can be accessed at: WCU Emergency Services.In addition, the University Police Department’s webpage contains additional information regarding Active Assailant preparedness, including the nationally recognized Run, Hide, Fight video.Building Emergency Action PlansAll WCU buildings with 10 or more occupants are required to maintain Building Emergency Action Plans (BEAPs). These plans outline building‑specific procedures, evacuation routes, shelter locations, and other critical information to support safe and effective responses during emergencies.Faculty and staff can access these internal plans, along with the list of Building Coordinators, through the secure Single Sign-On link: WCU Building Emergency Action Plans.Emergency Notification SystemsIf an emergency occurs on campus, WCU will alert the campus community quickly through multiple channels. Depending on the situation, WCU may use:Text alertsUniversity email notificationsOutdoor emergency siren systemPop‑up notifications on campus computersUpdates on the main university websiteSocial mediaThese systems work together to ensure you receive timely, accurate information during critical events. You can learn about these systems at: More informationWCU LiveSafe AppThe LiveSafe App is a free safety tool available to all students, faculty, and staff and can be downloaded through the Apple Store or Google Play.LiveSafe provides:Immediate access to emergency procedures and safety informationQuick‑dial contact information for campus resourcesCampus mapsA tool to submit crime tips or safety concernsThe SafeWalk feature, which allows your contacts to monitor your walk in real time for added safetyIntegration with the WCU Emergency Notification SystemDownload the app: Apple Store | Google PlayThank you for Supporting Campus Preparedness!Your commitment to preparedness helps keep our entire community safe. Thank you for taking the time to review these resources and for doing your part to create a culture of preparedness at Western Carolina University.
