Emergency Management
Gardner-Webb University strongly believes in a comprehensive approach to protecting our community and being prepared for emergencies. We work every day to make all of our locations safer. In an emergency, good communication is a key element for successful management. Gardner-Webb is committed to providing information to the community if there is an emergency, disaster, or potential disaster immediately upon determining the nature of the emergency.
Gardner-Webb University has a number of communication tools that can be used to notify students, faculty, staff, and visitors in the event of a significant emergency or dangerous situation on campus that may involve an immediate threat to the health or safety of the campus community. Gardner-Webb will initiate these communications, without delay, once first responders confirm a significant emergency or dangerous situation exists.
The LiveSafe alert system provides simultaneous notification of an emergency via text message, email, and website. The system accommodates multiple contact numbers for each person registered in the system. A single message can be sent to all participants in the system or special messages can be directed to specific populations such as the Emergency Management Team, Emergency Operations Team, students, faculty, staff, or those associated with specific locations that are affected. Students, faculty and staff members must download the app
In considering the safety of the campus community, the emergency manager, with student life and university police will determine the content of the notification system and initiate communication unless, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise the efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.
Gardner-Webb University assesses its emergency response plans and systems through scheduled drills and exercises and appropriate follow-through activities designed for assessment and evaluation of emergency plans and capabilities.
A primary goal of the University Emergency Management Team is to provide a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff members. The emergency response plan documents the framework, processes and communications required for a success response to and recovery from an emergency incident. The plan includes descriptions of categories for classifications of emergency incidents, as well as specific responsibilities and actions by level. The emergency plan will be employed only when there is an actual or imminent threat to a large population. If or when an emergency or crisis strikes, Gardner-Webb University will need to be prepared to address the initial impact of the disaster until further assistance can be given. Following the plan means the number of casualties and the amount of destruction suffered during an emergency can be reduced and order maintained. Upon notification of an actual or impending disaster, the University President or designee will activate the emergency operations plan and initiate the specific emergency response phase of operations. The emergency operations center may also be activated and other appropriate actions taken.
