Emergency Plans

EMU Emergency Management uses a network of emergency plans that work together to create a comprehensive, all-hazards plan for the University.

Using the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, Continuity of Operations Plan, Building Emergency Plans, and Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, we create a well rounded planning operation to prepare the campus community to respond during emergency situations.

Please explore our plans and learn what to do in an emergency. If you are interested in developing emergency plans for a specific situation, building or event, please contact us and we'd be happy to help.

  • Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Expand dropdown

    Disasters and emergencies will occur and a basic premise of emergency management is that all incidents begin and end locally. Knowing this, safety and preparedness continue to be at the forefront for Eastern Michigan University. Furthermore, the University understands the importance of resiliency and the capability to provide essential services to the campus community. The University’s ability to minimize the impact and limit the interruption to its mission will rely on the existing levels of preparedness among the University’s divisions, faculty, staff and students. 

    The purpose of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) is to identify procedures and organizational structure for response to emergencies that cause a significant disruption to all or portions of the University. This plan will:

    1. Present a proactive response designed to protect students, staff and faculty, as well as the community and the environment in case of a major emergency or disaster.
    2. Outline and assign responsibilities for coping with emergencies affecting the safety and well being of people and/or facilities on campus.
    3. Facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements of Federal, State and local agencies.
    4. Enhance the University's ability to quickly return to normal operations following an emergency or disaster.
      This plan establishes the foundation for emergency management mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery at Eastern Michigan University. It describes the roles and responsibilities of divisions, departments, units and personnel during emergency situations. The basic emergency tasks and responsibilities are designed to protect lives and property through effective use of university and community resources. This includes assessing an emergency situation, coordinating a response effort and, most importantly, ensuring that individuals are informed, safely evacuated or sheltered and accounted for.
  • Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) & Downloadable Emergency Planning Templates Expand dropdown

    COOP is an effort within individual departments and agencies to ensure continuity of their essential functions across a wide range of emergencies and events.  EMU can be equated to a small community. Each unit, department, college, division and campus contributes to University life.  In the event of an emergency, each unit needs to be able to provide uninterrupted basic services to employees, students and visitors.

    Continuity of Operations Planning works to reach the following goals:

    • Ensure timely and orderly continuous performance of essential functions during and after an emergency.
    • Protect facilities, equipment, records, and other assets that support essential functions
    • Reduce or mitigate disruptions to operations
    • Facilitate reconstitution and devolution after an emergency
    • Minimize loss of life, injury, and property damage
    • Provide support for university personnel during an emergency

    COOPs are completed by individual units within the University with help from the Emergency Management Office. 

    Downloadable Emergency Planning Templates

    For help with filling out templates or to request a COOP training please contact the Emergency Management Office.  

  • Building Emergency Plans Expand dropdown

    Building Emergency Plans provide students, faculty, staff and visitors basic emergency response information, to include shelter-in-place and building evacuation, for natural and human-made events.

    The plan provides information that you should be familiar with when there is an emergency in the building. As a member of the Eastern Michigan University campus community, you should also be familiar with the EMU Emergency Response Procedures [PDF]. This document describes the specific procedures to follow for a variety of emergency situations. 

    A copy of the building emergency plan for your location is available by contacting the EMU Emergency Management office or your building administrator.

    Current Plans

    Completed plans are available from the EMU Emergency Management Office or contact your building administrator. 

    If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact the Emergency Management Office.

  • Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Expand dropdown

    Thank you for your interest in Eastern Michigan University’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan will be updated during the 2023 2024 academic year, and we need your help.

    What is a Hazard Mitigation Plan?

    Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters. It begins with identifying natural disaster risks and vulnerabilities that are common in the area. After identifying these risks, long-term strategies are developed for protecting people and property from similar events. Mitigation plans are key to breaking the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction. Some plans include human-caused hazards, too, such as hazardous materials, cyber threats, and pandemics.

    Hazard mitigation plans are required to receive FEMA hazard mitigation grants and must be updated and approved every five (5) years. To be approved, plans must be in compliance with federal hazard mitigation planning standards defined in the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. EMU’s most recent plan was approved in 2013, therefore the plan must be updated to be in compliance.

    How can I help?

    EMU wants your involvement in the hazard mitigation planning process. Please return to this web page often for project updates, event schedules, surveys, and other opportunities to share your knowledge and ideas.

    Learn More

    EMU is currently updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan which will identify natural and human-caused hazards that may impact people, buildings, infrastructure, and research at the University and identify a set of actions that will reduce the likelihood those hazards will impact the University. Actions may include education programs, policy changes, emergency equipment, and structural projects.

    The Hazard Mitigation Plan will be developed through the completion of four planning phases:

    1. Planning Process - The process guides how the plan is developed and who is involved. A mitigation planning committee implements the planning process with participation from stakeholders that have relevant information, which includes students, faculty, and staff.
    2. Risk Assessment – The risk assessment identifies the characteristics and potential consequences of hazards. This includes understanding where the hazard may occur and what people, property or community assets may be in harm’s way.
    3. Mitigation Strategy - The mitigation strategy sets priorities and develops long-term strategies for avoiding or minimizing the undesired effects of disasters. The strategy and mitigation actions are informed by the planning process, the risk assessment and the University’s capability to implement the strategy.
    4. Plan Maintenance - The method and process for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the plan.