September marks National Preparedness Month and the UCCS Office of Emergency Management is ready for it.
Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the Department of Homeland Security, National Preparedness Month encourages individuals to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.
As part of Preparedness Month, the Department of Public Safety teamed with the Pikes Peak American Red Cross to host a CPR “flash mob” during the UCCS Club Fair to raise awareness about hands only CPR.
Tim Stoecklein, program director, Department of Emergency Management, shared his thoughts about National Preparedness Month and what the UCCS community can do to prepare in response to several questions.
What is the purpose of Preparedness Month?
The intent is to highlight small steps each of us can take to make large strides to incorporate ways to be better prepared for natural and man-made disasters and emergencies in our everyday routines.
What events and/or trainings does Emergency Management have planned for the month?
During the last fiscal year, our division provided more than 59,000 contact hours in training and planning within our campus community. Our dedication to preparedness at UCCS extends well beyond the month of September. However, during National Preparedness Month we plan to encourage campus and personal preparedness through participation in the Club Fair, Homecoming bonfire, providing CPR and First Aid training, providing several department-specific preparedness training opportunities, an information table in the University Center, deploying a focused social media campaign, ending the month with a preparedness focused campus scavenger hunt, along with various planning and exercises for the coming month of October.
You mentioned CPR and first aid training, when are those?
On Sept. 17 there will be an Adult CPR/AED class running from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., and another Adult CPR/AED class on Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. These classes are open to the campus community, and a fee of $35 will cover the two-year American Red Cross certification they will receive upon completion of the class. In terms of additional CPR, or first aid classes, folks can always stay apprised of upcoming classes by visiting http://www.uccs.edu/pusafety/police/prevention/fall-2014.html.
What can faculty, staff and students do to prepare themselves for an emergency?
Be informed, create a plan, make a kit, and get involved. Better preparing ourselves does not need to be a cumbersome task. Taking action, in small steps, can lead to big results when it comes to our personal preparedness at work, in class, and at home. We are always willing to assist departments, clubs, classes, and individuals to better explain and train any element of emergency preparedness. Give me a call at 255-3106, or email me at [email protected] to discuss how we can help you become more prepared in any environment.
UCCS was recently named a “Storm Ready” university, what does that mean?
UCCS has been a StormReady University since 2011, we recently re-applied to continue our commitment to our campus community. StormReady is a program sponsored by the National Weather Service to highlight communities that are more prepared to save lives during severe weather through advanced planning, education, and awareness before, during, and after a significant weather event. UCCS was one of the first 100 universities in the country to earn the designation and remains the only university or college in Colorado to be listed on NOAA’s StormReady University list.
What resources are available for those interested in learning more about preparedness?
First, and foremost, we want the campus community to know we in the Department of Public Safety are here to assist you in your efforts to become more prepared on campus, at home, or in any setting. Aside from the training resources we can offer you, I encourage folks to reach out to our local city and county emergency management agencies. We have some great partners in these agencies, and they have resources available to enhance your personal preparedness specific to the hazards we face in the Pikes Peak region. Additionally, I encourage everyone to visit the following web sites:
Folks can also stay aware and informed day to day by following our various social media accounts on:
- Twitter: @UCCS_Prepared, @UCCPolice, @UCCSEHS
- Facebook: UCCS Emergency Management, UCCS Police
- Instagram: UCCS Emergency Mangement
- Google +: UCCS Emergency Management
— Video by Philip Denman and Jeff Foster
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