Austin Community College District (ACC) continues to make safety on campus a priority, recently conducting another successful Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW). This semester marked a significant milestone for safety operations at the College: it was the first EPW overseen by the ACC District Police Department (ACCDPD).
Activities included a districtwide test of the ACC Emergency Alert System, a critical tabletop exercise to test emergency procedures, and fire drills at multiple campuses.
A Coordinated Approach to Safety
Emergency Management was recently placed under ACCDPD to foster closer alignment between the two critical units. The week’s events were a collaborative effort to enhance the College’s readiness and ensure the safety of our entire community.
“Emergencies are complex events that require coordination, public safety functions, and security at the same time,” says ACC District Police Chief Gizette Disher. “By aligning Emergency Management with ACCDPD, we improve response effectiveness through faster decision-making and better resource coordination. Ultimately, we share the same mission: to ensure a seamless transition during an incident and to protect the safety and well-being of our staff, faculty, and students.”
By the Numbers: Testing Our Reach
On Wednesday, February 4, the College conducted a successful test of the ACC Emergency Alert System. The test demonstrated our capability to quickly communicate vital information across the district.
- More than 53,000 emails and text messages were sent.
- Notifications were pushed to 5,000 desktops and 1,400 digital displays.
- Alerts were broadcast through 12 outdoor speakers.
If you did not receive a text or email, you can verify or update your information at ACC Emergency Alert.
Putting Plans into Practice
Throughout the week, the College conducted a series of evacuation drills across the district, along with a systemwide test of its emergency notification systems. These activities provided an opportunity for campuses and departments to practice coordinated response actions and validate emergency communication processes in real-world conditions.
Following the drills and notification test, campus and district stakeholders communicated observations, confirmed effective practices, and identified enhancements to further strengthen preparedness and system performance. The week’s activities reinforced the College’s commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining a high level of readiness across all campuses.
Stay Prepared: Know Your Resources
Emergency preparedness is an ongoing effort. We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the College’s safety protocols and resources.
- Standard Response Protocol (SRP): ACC uses the SRP to provide clear, consistent language — Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter — for various crisis situations.
- ACC Emergency Website: This website is your primary source for information on handling different emergencies. It includes important resources, such as how to respond to an active shooter.
- ACC on Social Media: For real-time alerts and updates, follow ACC on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
- Emergency Evacuation Plans: Familiarize yourself with the emergency evacuation plans posted in classrooms and hallways near the Emergency Procedures posters. You will find locations for rescue, rally points for gathering, shelter areas in case of severe weather, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).