In Case of Disaster

Whether natural or man-made, a disaster can strike at any time and in m any ways. It can come in the form of a fire, flood, bomb, biological attack, epidemic, or other event.

Emergency Response Plans

Due to the wide scope of possible catastrophes, the University of Chicago and its Medical Center each have created emergency response plans to ensure effective and efficient response systems for diverse scenarios. In conjunction with these response systems, it is important that all members of the University community know the role they would play in the event of an emergency.

• University students should become familiar with the emergency plan for their residence hall or residential building, and academic unit.
• University employees should become familiar with their department’s emergency plan.

During a Disaster

During a disaster, it is possible you may not be able to return to your home or local residence right away. Some University employees will need to remain at work long after their normal work hours to assist with the University’s emergency response. If you are expected to stay at work, it is important to anticipate the impact your extended work day may have on your personal life. Likewise, students must be prepared for a delay in returning to their local residence and must also anticipate the impact a campus or local emergency could have on family members concerned for their well-being.

Personal Preparedness

All members of the University community are encouraged to create a personal emergency response plan to guide the communication and actions between them and their loved ones during a disaster. Having such a plan can lessen the feelings of anxiety that may accompany such situations.

Storing an emergency supply kit in your home, your residence hall, at work, and/or in your car can also lessen feelings of anxiety. Suggestions for some items to include are bottled water, prescription medicine, copies of important documents, phone card, change of clothes, non-perishable food, first aid kit, extra cash and credit card, flashlight, and blanket or sleeping bag.

In addition to having a personal emergency plan, it is important to maintain current contact information with the University to ensure prompt communication in the event of an emergency. The University has created an electronic emergency notification system that requires individuals to provide emergency numbers. To enter your information, visit visit calert.uchicago.edu/.

For additional information about emergency supply kits and emergency planning, visit emergency.uchicago.edu/.