On March 26, a cross-functional team of nearly 200 staff members from different corners of campus collaborated as part of a large-scale emergency operations exercise.
The mock scenario included multiple ongoing issues during finals week and leading up to a home football game, including a possible cyber attack and severe weather. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team, which includes groups dedicated to human life, information security, communications, finance and administration, and planning and logistics, led the exercise.
“I’m extremely proud of how seriously our colleagues across campus take the opportunity to prepare,” Vice President for University Operations, Events, and Safety Mike Seamon said. “In addition, the direct involvement of Father Dowd, Provost John McGreevy, and Executive Vice President Shannon Cullinan sets the stage to make safety and preparedness a priority across our University campus.”
This drill was designed to validate the University’s emergency response plan and organization. University teams were required to simulate actions from activating the ND Alert system to managing widespread power outages. In a real emergency, all members of the campus community would receive important safety information through the NDAlert system, as well as on the University’s social media channels.
“The dedicated members of the EOC bring immense value, stepping into roles that go beyond their day-to-day responsibilities,” Tracy Skibins, senior director of emergency management and global safety and security, said. “They come together to restore order, fix the issue at hand, and enable the campus to resume its normal activities. Their preparedness and commitment are what make Notre Dame a safer, stronger place.”
Notre Dame has conducted simulated exercises in accordance with the University’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan since 2008. There have been 14 full-scale exercises and more than 40 “tabletop” drills with the EOC team as well as additional exercises within smaller functional teams.