Readiness

Readiness means we have resources in place to deal with an emergency, we are able to use those resources, take immediate action, and mitigate the negative impacts of an actual incident.  

A readiness assessment is not an inspection; it is a conversation meant for problem solving and improving situational awareness.  Our goal is to complete a readiness assessment for each building on campus and for off-campus affiliate locations.  We conduct a walkthrough of your space, review occupant behaviors, and identify ways to apply RUN-HIDE-FIGHT survivor actions in a real environment.  Email schaible@umbc.edu to schedule a readiness assessment for your facility.  Objectives:

• Identify potential solutions and resources that can improve readiness for all building occupants.
• Verify procedures to use existing resources, take immediate action, and mitigate negative impacts of an actual incident.
• Identify potential changes to the physical environment and to workplace behavior or procedure to promote safety, security, and overall situational awareness.
• Readiness Assessment Overview and Methodology – June 2023

Each of us are responsible for our personal readiness.  Planning for emergencies can feel overwhelming.  Use these on-line guides to help simplify the process,  Resources:

• Disaster Preparedness Guide for Individuals and Families (available in English and Spanish) – The American Red Cross
• Inclusive Preparedness Resources:  Disaster Preparedness Guide for Individuals with Disabilities – The American Red Cross
• Disaster Preparedness Guide for you Pets – The Humane Society of the United States
• Your Personal Emergency Kit Checklist – May 2023
• Hot Weather Safety Guide – September 2021