Emergency response simulation set for Jan. 5

As part of ongoing efforts to prepare for campus safety emergencies, UNC Charlotte will conduct an on-campus, live-action exercise that simulates an active shooter on the University campus Tuesday, Jan. 5.

This exercise, sponsored and organized through the University’s Risk Management, Safety and Security Department, is in response to a UNC General Administration initiative, in concert with the Department of Homeland Security. The UNC system has contracted with consulting firm EnviroSafe Consulting and Investigations Inc. The firm is working with UNC Charlotte’s emergency response team and local first responders to carry out the Jan. 5 exercise. A number of University departments are represented in the planning effort.

System-wide Appalachian State University, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke and Western Carolina University already have held “active shooter” simulations, which were custom-tailored events designed by EnviroSafe; the remaining campuses are committed to holding simulations by June 30.

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“The UNC system leadership is committed to enhancing the ability of all campuses to respond effectively to disasters, whether they are natural or man-made. By practicing our procedures and protocols in these mock exercises throughout the UNC system, we will all be able to identify best practices and learn from each other,” said Hank James, associate vice chancellor for risk management, safety and security.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Charlotte Fire Department, MEDIC as well as Presbyterian Hospital and Carolinas Medical Center will be on campus and involved in the Jan. 5 “active shooter” simulation. Students and staff will be recruited to portray victims and onlookers. The exercise will require participating departments to respond as if an actual emergency is occurring.

According to planners, UNC Charlotte and EnviroSafe aim to focus on evaluating four principal capabilities: communication, on-site incident management, emergency public information and warning and emergency public safety and security.
Additional details on the Jan. 5 exercise and its impact on campus operations are forthcoming and will be communicated to staff, faculty, students and organizations/businesses in the vicinity of campus through Campus News, broadcast e-mail, the University Web site (www.uncc.edu), mass media, Facebook, Twitter, signage and other channels.

“It is to everyone’s benefit to become familiar with techniques to prevent and respond to threats that may occur,” James said. “Prior to the Jan. 5 exercise, individual teams and departments should review their emergency response plans.”