SAFETY AND SECURITY
50.40
Revised 10-09
Office of Emergency Management
335-7471
PDF link
POLICY
In accordance with state regulations, the Washington State University President or designee may suspend the operation of all or any part of the institution whenever the President or designee determines that public health, property, or safety is jeopardized due to an emergency. (WAC 357-31-260)
The President provides written delegation of authority to designees to suspend University operations. Copies of the written delegations of authority to suspend operations are maintained in the Human Resources Services office at WSU Pullman.
Typical designees include, but are not limited to, chancellors of regional campuses and directors of research and extension stations. The Dean of WSU Extension is typically delegated authority to close extension offices.
NOTIFICATION
In times of crisis or when critical information must be shared, the University provides emergency information and guidance to WSU personnel and students. Based upon the nature of a given event, the University may use one or more of the methods described below:
- WSU Crisis Communication System provides direct emergency notification to students, faculty, and staff through land line and cellular telephone using voice and text messaging and e-mail. In order to receive notifications, WSU personnel and students must register their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses through the zzusis portal.
- WSUALERT provides direct e-mail notices to all faculty, staff, and student e-mail addresses that appear in the WSU online telephone directory.
- WSUALERT provides notice on the WSU Alert website at:
- Campus Emergency Information in the zzusis portal provides emergency information and/or directions when a situation affects many parts of campus.
Select links in the Campus Emergency Information area to view emergency information and/or directions, as applicable.
- Targeted notices in the zzusis portal are used for emergency messages for specific units on a WSU campus. Select a campus/division in the "My Preferences" settings to receive targeted notices for relevant groups.
- WSU Today website carries information regarding emergencies as soon as information can be posted.
- WSU Announcements provides emergency notices and references to WSU Today articles to all subscribers of WSU Announcements.
- Supervisors and others in charge of WSU units provide direct verbal information and instructions to WSU personnel. Likewise, other appropriate leaders such as residence hall counselors, provide such information to students.
- AnswerLine service responds to questions as appropriate. Access the AnswerLine website at:
WSU Pullman
At WSU Pullman, WSUALERT provides emergency messages on the WSU Alert telephone hotline at 509-335-2345.
WSU Spokane
WSU Spokane provides alert notification at the following website:
The WSU Spokane alert telephone hotline is 509-323-2474.
WSU Tri-Cities
WSU Tri-Cities provides alert notification at the following website:
WSU Vancouver
WSU Vancouver provides alert notification at the following website:
WSU Extension
The Associate Vice President and Dean, WSU Extension determines whether or not to shut down extension offices in the event of an emergency. The Dean sends an e-mail message suspending operations to all affected non-Pullman Extension faculty and staff.
Research and Extension
A research and extension center (REC) director who has received delegated authority from the President determines whether or not to shut down a REC in the event of an emergency. Each REC shares suspended operations information and updates with personnel by telephone tree.
The REC director notifies the CAHNRS Dean's office (509-335-4561); the Extension Dean's Office (509-335-2933) and if possible the Agricultural Research Center (509-335-4563) of the situation and the decision.
The director ensures that all areas of the REC are secured (e.g., laboratories, chemical storage sheds).
During an emergency situation, each REC main office is the information center for any updates or instructions, rather than the REC's safety committee.
STAFFING DURING EMERGENCY CLOSURES
See 60.40.