Do you know what to do if there’s an emergency on campus? Austin Community College District (ACC) hosts Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW) September 7 through 11 with drills, tips, and resources to help every employee and student practice our emergency response procedures.
EPW is held during the third week of every semester. 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.
Campus Drills
Drills are scheduled at campuses throughout the week. You can get prepared ahead of time by reviewing our emergency egress plans. These maps are designed to help you figure out where to go if there’s an emergency. 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)
Emergency Alert System Test
On Wednesday, September 9, ACC will test its Emergency Alert System. Now is the time to make sure your 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. Emergency message boards and PA systems around campus also may be activated. Additionally,We’ll also post a test messages will be posted on the ACC website and on our Facebook page.
4 Quick Steps You Can Take Now
Below are four simple steps you can take to get ready for the semester ahead.
- Save ACC Police Direct Line: While calling 911 is always an option, calling ACC Police directly provides the fastest response when you are on campus. Save their direct number in your cell phone today: 512-223-1231.
- Review ACC’s 5 Safety Actions: Resource guides detailing these actions are posted in every classroom and office suite across the district. Refresh your knowledge on each protocol:
- Hold: “In Your Room or Area” | Stay in your room or area until further notice to keep hallways clear for emergency responders.
- Secure: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors” | Secure building exteriors to keep potential threats out while maintaining normal internal activities.
- Lockdown: “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” | Lock interior doors, turn off lights, and stay hidden out of view.
- Evacuate: “Get Out” | Move swiftly and safely to designated exterior rally points or safe areas during fires, chemical spills, or physical hazards.
- Shelter: “State the Hazard and Safety Strategy” | Follow specific guidance for environmental hazards such as severe weather or hazardous material incidents.
- Bookmark the ACC Emergency Website: Visit austincc.edu/emergency for comprehensive guides, campus plans, and safety protocols.
- Follow ACC Official Channels: Emergency alerts distributed through the Emergency Alert System are also posted directly to the ACC Homepage and the College’s official Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts.
For more information on ACC’s emergency response and procedures, visit austincc.edu/emergency.
Attend a Preparedness Event Near You
September is National Preparedness Month, and Austin Community College is partnering with local emergency agencies to help keep our Riverbat community safe and ready. Whether you want to build your first emergency kit, connect with local first responders, or learn vital safety skills, there are several free, family-friendly events happening across Central Texas this month. Check out the schedule below to find an event near you, including the City of Austin’s annual fair hosted at our ACC Eastview Campus!
Leander Emergency Preparedness Fair
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
- Location: Leander, TX (Check Leander Calendar for venue updates)
- Details: Free community safety and preparedness event.
Hays County 9th Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Location: La Verde Park, Kyle, TX
- Details: First responders, demonstrations, food trucks, and children’s activities.
5th Annual Get Ready Central Texas Emergency Preparedness Fair
- Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
- Time: 2 – 6 p.m.
- Location: ACC Eastview Campus, Bldg 8000, 3101 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX
- Details: Free, family-friendly event with Spanish and ASL interpretation, emergency kit tips, and kid-friendly activities.