Austin Community College District (ACC) conducts Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW) September 7-11, allowing students and employees to practice emergency response procedures and learn how to respond during an emergency on campus.
Held during the third week of each semester, EPW includes campus drills, an Emergency Alert System test and resources designed to help the ACC community know where to go, what to do and how to receive emergency information.
“Safety is our number one priority here at ACC. Ensuring everyone has the necessary knowledge and resources during an emergency situation is paramount to our success. Emergency Preparedness Week gives our students and employees an opportunity to practice these procedures before they need them,” says Gizette Disher, ACC Chief of Police.
September is National Preparedness Month, making Emergency Preparedness Week an opportunity for the ACC community to build preparedness habits at the start of the fall semester.
Campus Drills
Emergency drills will take place at campuses throughout the week. ACC encourages students and employees to review their emergency egress plans before a drill or emergency.
Maps are posted on campuses and in classrooms and identify:
- Building exits and alternate routes
- Evacuation rally points
- Areas of Rescue Assistance
- Shelter locations
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Emergency Alert System Test
On Wednesday, September 9, ACC will test its Emergency Alert System. Students and employees will receive test messages through text and email.
Before the test, members of the ACC community should verify or update their contact information. Emergency message boards and campus PA systems also may be activated, and ACC will post a test message on its website and social media channels.
Know ACC’s 5 Safety Actions
ACC’s emergency response procedures are built around five actions that provide clear guidance for different emergency situations:
- Hold: “In Your Room or Area” | Stay in your room or area until further notice to keep hallways clear for emergency responders.
- Secure: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors” | Secure building exteriors to keep potential threats out while maintaining normal internal activities.
- Lockdown: “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” | Lock interior doors, turn off lights, and stay hidden out of view.
- Evacuate: “Get Out” | Move swiftly and safely to designated exterior rally points or safe areas during fires, chemical spills, or physical hazards.
- Shelter: “State the Hazard and Safety Strategy” | Follow specific guidance for environmental hazards such as severe weather or hazardous material incidents.
Save ACC Police: 512-223-1231. Call 911 for emergencies; when on an ACC campus, the ACC Police direct line can provide a fast response.
Visit austincc.edu/emergency to review emergency procedures and safety resources.
Tags: Emergency Preparedness Week, EPW, Police, safety
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