When is it necessary to send an emergency notification to the campus community?

Sending an emergency notification to the campus community is necessary upon confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation. This protocol aligns with the Clery Act’s requirements, which mandate timely warnings or emergency notifications when there is a credible threat to the safety of individuals on campus. The focus is on ensuring the community is promptly informed about events that pose an immediate risk, such as active shooter situations, natural disasters, or hazardous chemical spills, allowing individuals to take appropriate action to protect themselves.

Other responses like conducting a fire drill, limiting notifications to severe weather conditions, or sending notifications weekly regardless of circumstances do not meet the critical standards for emergency alerts. Fire drills are preventive measures to practice safety procedures rather than actual emergencies requiring real-time notifications. Similarly, while severe weather can necessitate communication, the act specifies that notifications should be event-driven based on confirmed threats, not restricted to specific types of emergencies or random schedules.