Being prepared isn’t just about responding to an emergency—it’s about protecting yourself, supporting those around you, and helping our ACC community stay safe.
Austin Community College District (ACC) invites students and employees to participate in Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW), June 15–19. Throughout the week, the College will conduct campus safety drills, test its Emergency Alert System, and share resources to help everyone understand what to do if an emergency occurs on campus.
Whether you’re attending class, working on campus, or visiting one of ACC’s locations, knowing how to respond during an emergency can make a critical difference.
“Emergencies can happen anywhere, but when people understand their role, know where to find information, and take a few simple steps to prepare ahead of time, they’re better equipped to protect themselves and support others,” says Chief Gizette Disher, ACC Police Department. “Emergency Preparedness Week happens every semester. It’s an opportunity for all of us to learn, practice, and strengthen our commitment to keeping our ACC community safe.”
What to Expect: Drills & Tests
Drills are scheduled at campuses throughout the week. Before participating, take a few minutes to review your campus Emergency Egress Plan. They’re posted on every campus and in classrooms and identify:
- Building exits and alternate routes
- Evacuation rally points
- Areas of Rescue Assistance
- Shelter locations
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Knowing where to go before an emergency occurs can help you respond quickly and confidently when it matters most.
On Wednesday, June 17, ACC will test its Emergency Alert System. Now is the time to make sure your emergency contact information is up to date. During the test, you’ll receive warning messages through text and email. To get ready, verify or update your contact information.
Things to Do Now
Below are steps you can take to get ready for the semester ahead.
- View the ACC Emergency website for detailed information about various types of emergencies.
- Get connected to ACC on social media. Most emergency alerts that are distributed through our Emergency Alert System also are posted to the College’s homepage and its Facebook and X pages.
- Know who to call when there’s an emergency on campus. 911 is always an option, but when you’re on campus, you can call ACC Police directly for even faster support. Save the number on your phone: 512-223-1231.
- Learn ACC’s 5 Safety Actions. These actions are uniquely designed to address specific emergency scenarios. Resource guides with details about each step are available in every classroom and office suite. Each guide offers details for every action step, including:
- Hold: “In Your Room or Area” | During a Hold, individuals are instructed to remain in their current room or area until further notice, ensuring that hallways are free for emergency responders or to isolate a specific area.
- Secure: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors” | The Secure protocol directs everyone to get inside and lock exterior doors to prevent potential threats from entering the building while maintaining a safe environment inside.
- Lockdown: “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” | Lockdown protocol asks occupants to lock their doors, turn off lights, and remain out of sight, making it difficult for intruders to find them.
- Evacuate: “Get Out” | The Evacuate directive, which may be followed by a specified location, is used to move people from one area to another, either within the building or outside, for swift and orderly evacuation in case of fires, chemical spills, or other emergencies.
- Shelter: “State the Hazard and Safety Strategy” | For situations like severe weather or hazardous material incidents, the Shelter protocol is activated. The specific hazard and corresponding safety strategy are clearly communicated to ensure appropriate protective measures are taken.
For more information on ACC’s emergency response and procedures, visit austincc.edu/emergency.