Welcome to the spring/summer edition of the SDSU Emergency Management Newsletter! We are thrilled to embark on a journey to explore the latest trends, strategies, and stories in the field of emergency management. Staying informed is the first step towards building a stronger and safer campus.

Quiz

Here is a quick quiz to start off the newsletter to test your knowledge of Emergency Management.  Answer's can be found in the newsletter below!

1. What does the acronym "FEMA" stand for?
   a) Federal Emergency Management Agency
   b) Emergency Management Association
   c) Federal Emergency Mobilization Agency
   d) Foundation for Emergency Management and Assistance
2. What is the purpose of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC)?
   a) To store emergency supplies
   b) To coordinate and manage response efforts during emergencies
   c) To provide medical assistance during disasters
   d) To serve as a community meeting point after disasters
3. What is the "Incident Command System (ICS)" used for in emergency management?
   a) To predict natural disasters
   b) To manage resources and respond to incidents
   c) To conduct damage assessments after emergencies
   d) To provide financial assistance to affected individuals

Answers for Quiz

Event Emergency Action Plan

Emergency planning for events at South Dakota State University is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees, staff, and volunteers. The Emergency Management Team at SDSU has determined thresholds from best practices to ensure events have an Event Emergency Action Plan. 

If your event that you are planning meets any of these thresholds listed below, please reach out to Emergency Management to assist you with developing an Event Emergency Action Plan (EEAP) for your event.  

Event Thresholds are:

• 500+ in attendance and/or;
• Alcohol at the event and/or;
• a Youth Minor Program and/or;
• Any Outdoor Event.

Emergency Management has a template to assist with building a plan.

Click link below to see a comprehensive checklist of things to help you think about emergency planning and help you prepare for emergencies at university events:

More Event Emergency Action Planning checklist for During and Post-Event is located on the Event Emergency Action Plan (EEAP).  

Severe Weather Awareness

Every year, hundreds of people are killed and thousands injured because of the weather.  Dangerous weather can take many forms, ranging from violent tornadoes to crippling winter storms.  With the notable exception of hurricanes, South Dakota can experience any of these dangerous phenomena.  

While there is nothing we can do to stop dangerous weather from affecting us, there are things we can do to stay safe when the weather gets nasty.  Weather safety and survival, no matter what the hazard, depends on the following key items:

1. Know the hazards - Be aware of the hazards that you might face during a weather event.
2. Know when to expect dangerous weather - Monitor forecasts and information from your local National Weather Service Forecast Office.  
3. Pay Attention - Be aware of all watches, warnings, and advisories affecting you.
4. Have a plan to stay safe - Think about it before it happens and be ready to act to survive.

Tornado Safety

Thunderstorms

Lightning

Floods

Heat

Winter Weather 

Droughts

Wind

Fog

 Emergency Notification System

Your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to keeping you informed and prepared in any emergency. Our robust Emergency Notification System is designed to provide timely and accurate information directly to you.

What is the Emergency Notification System (Everbridge)?

Our Emergency Notification System (Everbridge) is a state-of-the-art emergency communications tool that enables us to rapidly communicate important safety information and updates to the entire university community. It serves as a crucial link between you and campus authorities during emergencies.

Upon the report of a dangerous or emergency situation, campus officials will confirm the existence of the threat. These situations may include but are not limited to law enforcement issues; hazardous material release; and hazardous weather affecting SDSU campus. As soon as SDSU officials have confirmed that a significant emergency or dangerous situation exists, SDSU officials consider the safety of the campus community; determine what information to release about the situation; and begin the notification process. The University may not immediately issue a notification for a confirmed emergency or dangerous situation if doing so would compromise efforts to assist a victim; contain the emergency; respond to the emergency; or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

This process is similar to each of the BoR campuses.  If your location (work or school) is closer to another BoR campus you can "Opt-In" to receive emergency notifications from that campus.  This would also include Timely Warnings.

Go to Campus Alert System and choose to edit your profile, once in the system you can choose which Universities you want to "Opt-In".  Make sure you click Save before exiting.  

SDSU conducts two test messages during the school year, one each semester!

How to ensure wireless emergency alerts are enabled on your phone!

iPhone: Settings, Notifications, scroll to the bottom, Government Alerts, Toggle on/off alerts.

Android: Settings, Search Option (Emergency Alerts), Toggle on/off alerts.

Training

Active Shooter Preparedness

1. Run, Hide, Fight:
   • Run: If possible, escape the area and encourage others to do the same. Leave your belongings behind and find a safe place.
   • Hide: If running isn't an option, find a secure location to hide. Lock or barricade doors, turn off lights, and silence your phone.
   • Fight: As a last resort, if confronted by the shooter and escape isn't possible, be prepared to defend yourself. Act aggressively to incapacitate the shooter and protect your life.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Surroundings:
   • Know the layout of buildings and escape routes. 
   • Identify areas where you can take cover or hide if necessary.
3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings:
   • Pay attention to your environment and those around you.
   • Report any suspicious activity to campus security or authorities.
4. Stay Informed:
   
   • Update your contacts in the university's Emergency Notification System to receive timely alerts about potential threats.
5. Training and Drills:
   
   • Participate in active shooter training sessions and drills organized by the university.
6. Report Threats:
   
   • If you come across information suggesting a potential threat, report it immediately to the authorities.
7. Mental Preparedness:
   
   • Mentally rehearse your response to an active shooter situation to reduce panic.
8. Communicate Safely:
   
   • Silence your phone to avoid drawing attention if you're hiding.
9. After the Event:
   • Follow instructions from law enforcement personnel.
   • Be prepared to provide information that could help the authorities.

Administrative/Classroom Buildings Fire Drills 

Fire drills for all academic and administrative buildings will begin in June 2024 and conclude no later than July 31, 2024.

This is an annual requirement.  

These drills will be unannounced drills.  Although we will take into consideration special events planned and do our best to not interrupt them.  If you have a special request please contact Emergency Management.  

Reminder that if an alarm sounds, you are required to evacuate your facility as per your Building Emergency Plan.  

List of useful online resources

• Ready.gov
  • Ready.gov provides comprehensive information on emergency preparedness for various types of disasters. It offers guidelines, checklists, and resources for creating emergency plans.
• CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response:
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Emergency Preparedness and Response website offers resources on public health emergencies, including infectious diseases and natural disasters.

• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency):
  
  • FEMA provides resources for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Their website includes educational materials and tools for individuals and communities.
• National Weather Service (NWS):
  • The National Weather Service provides up-to-date weather forecasts, warnings, and advisories. Staying informed about weather conditions is crucial for emergency preparedness.
• Mesonet at SDSTATE
  
  • A mesonet is a network of automated weather stations that provides high definition weather coverage: areas of just a few hundred square miles and time intervals of several times per hour. This can be contrasted with the typical coverage that is thousands of square miles and hourly. Mesonets excel in providing high precision data particularly with highly variable elements like wind and precipitation.
• Emergency Alert System (EAS):
  • The EAS is a national public warning system that allows the President to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency. Check with your local authorities for regional alerts.

Important Emergency Contacts 

• VOIP On-Campus Phone: 111 or 911
• On-Campus Phone: 9-911 or 111
• Off-Campus Phone: 911
• UPD – After Hours Campus Trouble Calls: 605-688-5117
• Facilities and Services: 605-688-4136
• Emergency Management: 605-688-4251
• Environmental Health and Safety: 605-688-4264
• SDSU Student Health Clinic and Counseling: 605-688-4157
• Brookings Hospital: 605-696-9000
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Suicide Hotline: Call or Text 988

Jayme Trygstad

Emergency Management Specialist

Email: Jayme.trygstad@sdstate.edu

Phone: 605-688-4251

Office:  Morrill Hall, Room 306

Tracy Greene

Chair, SDSU Emergency Management Team

Email: Tracy.greene@sdstate.edu