Emergency Information & Alerts

Inclement Weather and Campus Closures

TTUHSC has established policies and procedures for handling class suspensions and office closures during inclement weather, such as ice, snow, or flooding.

• Notification Methods:
  • STAT!Alert system
  • Local television and radio stations
  • TTUHSC Announcements page

For more details, refer to Operating Policy 10.02, which outlines guidelines for temporary suspensions due to weather, electrical outages, or other emergencies.

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Severe Weather Preparedness

The Texas Tech community faces threats from severe weather, including thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and tornadoes. TTUHSC uses a robust warning and alert system as outlined in Operating Policy 76.15.

• What to Do During Severe Weather:
  • Stay alert to warnings from official channels.
  • Follow precautionary measures when sufficient warning is given.
  • Be prepared for unpredictable conditions.

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Winter Weather

These guidelines explain the dangers of winter weather and suggest life-saving actions you can take. With this information, you can recognize winter weather threats, develop an action plan and be ready when severe winter weather threatens.

• American Red Cross Frostbite and Hypothermia
• American Red Cross Power Outage
• American Red Cross Winter Storms
• National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart
• National Weather Service Winter Storms 2008
• National Weather Service Winter Weather Terms

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Fire Alarm Activation During Severe Weather

Fire alarms may activate due to actual smoke, manual pull stations, or environmental factors like dust, moisture, or severe weather.

Actions to Take During Fire Alarms

1. Always evacuate if threatened by smoke or fire.
2. If severe weather (e.g., tornadoes) occurs during an alarm:
   • Move toward building exits or safe stairwells.
   • Only exit the building if smoke and heat pose an immediate threat.
   • In the Lubbock five-story HSC building, consider horizontal evacuation to another pod, if safe.

During Tornadic Storms

• Taking cover is critical, even if a fire alarm is active.
• Practice situational awareness and prioritize safety based on the most immediate threat.

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Additional Informaiton

For detailed guidance, contact:

• Calvin Shanks, Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Marshal
• Jose Melchor, Emergency Management Coordinator

Essential Personnel Designation Process

Overview
Certain personnel are designated as "essential" to ensure critical operations during emergencies. The process is outlined below to maintain clarity and accountability.

Responsibilities

• President, Vice Presidents, and Deans:

  • Notify administrators in their organization of this requirement.
  • Ensure personnel designations are made annually.

• Administrators:

  • Notify designated "essential personnel" in writing by November 15 each year.

• Human Resources Office / Regional Dean’s Office:

  • Maintain records of designated essential personnel for their respective campuses.

Key Deadlines

Task	Deadline
Notify "essential personnel"	November 15
Submit designations to HR/Regional Dean	November 15

For more details, refer to the Suspension of Classes and Closing of Offices in Emergency Situations Policy.

Emergency Planning and Preparedness

• Emergency Management Plan for El Paso
• Continuity of Operations Plans

Weather and Safety Updates

• Current Weather & Forecast
• Campus Crime Report

Training

• Awareness Training

Statewide Resources

• Texas Division of Emergency Management
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Texas Homeland Security