Continuity of Operations Plan
September 28, 2007
To: Deans, Directors, & Department Heads
From: Chancellor Loren Crabtree
Colleagues,
I am asking for your help in adding a critical new element and vital safeguard to the campus emergency management plans.
With tragic violence at other universities as well as a serious fire and residence hall evacuation on our own grounds, members of the campus community recognize that emergencies of all types occur. Protecting the health and safety of the campus community along with our facilities and other resources, is our primary concern. Planning ahead and providing the structure that allows us to think and act expeditiously is key to this goal.
The university’s Emergency Management Plan is the primary document for addressing a variety of emergency issues that may affect our campus. The main plan involves the work of many people throughout the campus community.
I am asking every college, department, and unit to help us take this a step further by creating their own of Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). This plan will complement the main campus plan by serving as a guide for all responders managing an emergency in specific buildings or areas of campus. The COOP will also be the means by which you communicate with staff and either discontinue or resume operations when an emergency occurs.
Because this is a new procedure, we’re recommending that key personnel including but not limited to department heads, business managers, and directors attend an upcoming training session to help lead the process in each department. UT’s Health and Environmental Safety will conduct the one-hour sessions.
It is only necessary to attend one program and seating is limited. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Suzanne Holmes at 974-1966 or smc@utk.edu.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
University Center, Suite 223
10:00-11:00 am
Friday, Oct. 5, 2007
University Center, Suite 223
1:00-2:00 pm
Monday, Oct. 8, 2007
University Center, Suite 225
9:00-10:00 am
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007
University Center, Suite 225
12:00-1:00 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007
University Center, Suite 225
9:00-10:00 am
12:00- 1:00 pm
Monday, Oct. 15, 2007
University Center, Suite 225
9:00-10:00 am
Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007
University Center, Suite 225
12:00-1:00 pm
A completed COOP document must be returned in electronic format to Brian Browning, campus emergency management coordinator, no later than, November 2, 2007. If you have any questions or a problem with meeting this deadline, please contact him at brian-browning@utk.edu or 974-3061.
I understand that all faculty and staff are busy dealing with the many demands associated with the start of a new semester and academic year. It is, however, imperative that we all take the time to plan ahead and prepare a COOP for all university departments. The document and the accompanying training will ensure that we all manage any situation in the best manner possible for all members of the campus community.