Considered a “city within a city,” a university campus must be prepared to respond to both natural and human-made disasters along with the distinct risks and vulnerabilities that come with hosting a large, diverse population.

In the emergency preparedness arena, Georgia Tech is uniquely qualified due to the diligence of the Police Department's Office of Emergency Preparedness. Not only does the unit develop, maintain and execute Georgia Tech's emergency preparedness plan, staff members also direct emergency communication efforts that include the Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System, SmartRAD(hazardous weather notification) and the System to Create and Relay Emergency Action Messages (SCREAM). What sets the office apart from other campus preparedness offices, however, is its comprehensive training strategy.

Georgia Tech is the only college in the University System of Georgia to offer an Emergency Preparedness Certificate program. Provided in partnership with the Office of Organizational Development, the course is designed to equip participants with the tools that they need for crisis management and prevention. The program consists of five required classes and two electives. An advanced certificate program was initiated in 2008. The training module includes information on first aid, fire safety and weather hazards, and while it is geared toward building managers, anyone on campus may participate. To date, approximately 155 individuals have completed at least one class, with 65 individuals completing the certificate program. There have also been nine “graduates” of the advanced certificate program.

The Emergency Preparedness Certificate program is reinforced by one of the largest collegiate contingents of Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in Georgia. Currently, Georgia Tech has 77 CERT members with four training classes planned for 2010. CERT teams, consisting of students, faculty and staff, can play a critical role following a major disaster when first responders are unable to meet initial demands. CERT members also assist with routine needs. Most recently, CERT members assisted Stamps Health Services with H1N1 vaccine clinics. In 2010 CERT training will also include Georgia Tech's new Leadership Challenge Course – a high-rise ropes course designed to enhance teamwork and confidence among members.

Besides coordinating preparedness training and exercises, Tech's Office of Emergency Preparedness has recently received $600,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding will be used to enhance communication capabilities, purchase high-powered security cameras and secure a replacement K9 that will take the place of Hooch, who recently retired.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our campus community, but it requires a unified effort on all levels,” said Andy Altizer, director of Emergency Preparedness. “We are very fortunate to have support on all levels.”