The Emergency Planning Program supports the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s commitment to protecting life, property, research, academic operations, and the environment through proactive planning, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery activities. Effective emergency management relies on coordination among University departments, local and state agencies, and the campus community to ensure that hazards are identified, risks are reduced, and appropriate response measures are established before an emergency occurs.
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for emergency planning activities related to fire and life safety, hazardous materials incidents, shelter-in-place procedures, and hazard mitigation initiatives. EHS works collaboratively with University departments and external partners to identify hazards, assess risks, develop mitigation strategies, and enhance campus resilience to natural, technological, and human-caused emergencies.
EHS also serves as a liaison with state and local agencies regarding community emergency planning and shelter-in-place activities that may affect the University and surrounding region. The program supports preparedness efforts for a variety of emergency scenarios, including hazardous materials releases, laboratory incidents, utility disruptions, severe weather events, flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and other environmental or public health emergencies.
The Department of Public Safety maintains the University’s Emergency Operations Plan, Emergency Preparedness Resource Guide, emergency notification procedures, active threat and active shooter response programs, and other campus-wide emergency response functions. EHS works closely with Public Safety to ensure that emergency planning efforts are coordinated and aligned with institutional preparedness objectives.
The Emergency Planning Program emphasizes preparedness through risk assessment, hazard mitigation, emergency procedures, training, exercises, and continuous improvement activities. By identifying vulnerabilities and implementing preventive measures before an incident occurs, the University can reduce potential impacts to people, facilities, operations, and the environment.
