Austin Community College District (ACC) continues to make safety on campus a priority, holding a successful Emergency Preparedness Week this September. The week’s events were a collaborative effort to enhance our readiness and ensure the safety of our entire community.

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.

By the Numbers: Testing Our Reach

On Wednesday, September 10, 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 55,000 emails and 54,000 text messages were sent.
  • Notifications were pushed to 6,000 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

A key event of the week was a Clery Act-required tabletop exercise held on Tuesday, September 9, to test its emergency response and evacuation procedures. The exercise simulated a campuswide power outage and evacuation at the Highland Campus, bringing together HLC Campus Management, ACC Police, and ACC Emergency Management.

The drill successfully assessed the College’s emergency response plans and overall preparedness. An after-action review highlighted opportunities to further strengthen our protocols, including developing event-specific checklists and enhancing training and collaboration among all stakeholders.

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 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).

WATCH: Stay Safe During an Emergency—Tips, Drills & Advice

Join ACC Executive Director for Safety & Emergency Management, Dr. Michael Garcia, and Emergency Management Coordinator, Nicholas Caspers, for a discussion on how to keep yourself safe in a natural disaster or other emergency, such as having a safety plan, participating in drills, and being aware of your surroundings.