UW: Emergency Preparedness Resources

The chances of an emergency occurring either in your space or nearby are low, but crises do happen. Our goal is to help you be aware of key steps you can take and resources you can use to minimize uncertainty and harm in the event of an emergency during your class or in your lab, studio or work spaces.

Check out our new video guide to emergency preparedness and these tips:

1. Know your space. Take time to ensure you know the exits and the evacuation routes from the spaces you work and teach in. A great resource to check is the Fire Safety & Evacuation Plan for your unit or building. This can be found via your department, your unit’s administrative lead or a building coordinator. Individuals with disabilities — who self-identify — should be able to provide information on special assistance needs if an emergency occurs. They may need help leaving a building during an evacuation. UW Environmental Health & Safety has additional information about evacuation options for people with disabilities.
2. Sign up for UW Alert text messages. UW Alerts are issued by the Crisis Communication team at each campus in the event of an incident requiring your awareness and action — to remain in place, leave an area of campus or avoid an area. You may already receive UW Alerts via email, but please check your account to make sure you’re receiving alerts via text message.
3. Don’t hesitate to call for help. In the unlikely event that there is an incident in your classroom, lab, clinic or office area, call 911. A dispatcher will ask you questions and send law enforcement, firefighters and/or medics. If you’re concerned about a student or colleague, but it’s not an imminent threat, SafeCampus can talk through what you’re observing and possible next steps. Additional information about emergency procedures can be found on the UW Emergency Management website.

• Seattle safety resources
• Bothell safety resources
• Tacoma safety resources

• UW in Seattle: A Homeless Outreach Specialist is available to engage with individuals in need. To request assistance, contact the UW Police Department (UWPD) non-emergency line at 206-685-8973.
• UW Tacoma: Campus Safety will coordinate with Tacoma’s Homeless Engagement Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) team. For support, call 253-692-4416.
• UW Bothell: Campus Safety will contact the City of Bothell Police Department to initiate a referral to Hopelink. For assistance, call 425-352-5359.