What would you do if there were an emergency while you were on campus? During Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW), Sept. 7–11, ACC will conduct drills and test its emergency alert system to help Riverbats practice what to do in different emergency situations.
EPW takes place during the third week of each semester and is a good reminder to know your exits, check your emergency alerts, and learn ACC’s five safety actions before you need them.
“Safety is our number one priority here at ACC. Ensuring everyone has the necessary knowledge and resources during an emergency situation is paramount to our success. Emergency Preparedness Week gives our students and employees an opportunity to practice these procedures before they need them,” says Gizette Disher, ACC Chief of Police.
Know Your Way Out
Emergency drills will take place at campuses throughout the week. You can prepare ahead of time by checking your campus’s emergency egress plans.
These maps are posted throughout ACC and show important information, including:
- Building exits and alternate routes
- Evacuation rally points
- Areas of Rescue Assistance
- Shelter locations
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Take a minute before your next class to notice the exits around you. Knowing where to go ahead of time can make it easier to respond quickly during an emergency.
Make Sure You Get Emergency Alerts
On Wednesday, September 9, ACC will test its Emergency Alert System. Now is the time to make sure your contact information is up to date. During the test, you’ll receive warning messages through text and email.
To get ready, verify or update your contact information. Test messages also will be posted on the ACC website and Facebook page.
Know ACC’s 5 Safety Actions
ACC uses five safety actions to help students and employees know how to respond to different emergencies:
- Hold: “In Your Room or Area” | Stay in your room or area until further notice to keep hallways clear for emergency responders.
- Secure: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors” | Secure building exteriors to keep potential threats out while maintaining normal internal activities.
- Lockdown: “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” | Lock interior doors, turn off lights, and stay hidden out of view.
- Evacuate: “Get Out” | Move swiftly and safely to designated exterior rally points or safe areas during fires, chemical spills, or physical hazards.
- Shelter: “State the Hazard and Safety Strategy” | Follow specific guidance for environmental hazards such as severe weather or hazardous material incidents.
You can find Safety Action guides in classrooms and other areas across ACC.
4 Things You Can Do Now
1. Save ACC Police’s number. For an emergency, call 911. When you’re on an ACC campus, you can also contact ACC Police directly at 512-223-1231.
2. Check your emergency alerts. Make sure ACC has your current contact information so you receive emergency notifications.
3. Find your exits. Take a look at your campus’s emergency egress map and know where you would go if you needed to evacuate or shelter.
4. Bookmark austincc.edu/emergency. Keep ACC’s emergency information handy so you can quickly find safety procedures, campus plans, and emergency resources.
Attend a Preparedness Event Near You
September is National Preparedness Month, and Austin Community College is partnering with local emergency agencies to help keep our Riverbat community safe and ready. Whether you want to build your first emergency kit, connect with local first responders, or learn vital safety skills, there are several free, family-friendly events happening across Central Texas this month. Check out the schedule below to find an event near you, including the City of Austin’s annual fair hosted at our ACC Eastview Campus!
Leander Emergency Preparedness Fair
- Date: Saturday, September 5
- Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
- Location: Leander (Check Leander Calendar for venue updates)
- Details: Free community safety and preparedness event.
Hays County 9th Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair
- Date: Saturday, September 12
- Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Location: La Verde Park, Kyle
- Details: First responders, demonstrations, food trucks, and children’s activities.
5th Annual Get Ready Central Texas Emergency Preparedness Fair
- Date: Friday, September 18
- Time: 2 – 6 p.m.
- Location: ACC Eastview Campus, Bldg 8000, 3101 Webberville Rd, Austin
- Details: Free, family-friendly event with Spanish and ASL interpretation, emergency kit tips, and kid-friendly activities.
Meet the Emergency Management Team on Campus
Throughout September, the ACC Emergency Management team will table across campuses. Drop by to say hello, learn key emergency procedures, and pick up your SRP guides and safety materials to keep you prepared all semester long.
Learn more about ACC emergency preparedness at austincc.edu/emergency.