Jul 11, 2024 7:11 PM
In the event of pending severe weather, check here for information on how to know if the campus is open or on controlled access.
UTHealth Houston employees and students may determine the institution’s operational status by the following means:
If these communication resources do not provide adequate information, employees should call their supervisors. All employees and supervisors should keep mobile phone numbers on hand so that they can reach each other in case of emergency. Supervisors should exercise their best judgment in allowing UTHealth Houston employees to use appropriate leave time in the event of family emergencies or concerns about getting to work safely. Employees should discuss their situation with their supervisor.
Employees who are defined by their department as “essential” as well as employees and students with clinical obligations at hospitals and other locations should check with their supervisors.
Essential employees have been designated by their department heads as essential to the continued performance of their department and/or the university. They include faculty and staff who are required to sustain clinical services and/or who are responsible for the protection of university assets. Essential employees will be required to report to their designated work site during their appointed work schedule even when the institution has been officially declared closed due to adverse conditions. If an essential employee cannot report to work, they must contact their direct supervisor to advise of the situation as soon as possible.
For more information see HOOP Policy 85: Controlled Access Status for Emergency, Disaster or Severe Weather in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOOP) or the Emergency Management Plan, the UT Physicians Emergency Plan, or the UTHealth Houston Behavioral Sciences Campus Emergency Plan.
If the university is forced to implement controlled access status, formal classes (whether virtual or in person) will be canceled.
If classes are canceled in Houston, they are also canceled at the regional locations. However, class closures that are specific to a regional location do not impact the operational status of the Houston campus.
UTHealth Houston will communicate through email and the UTHealth Houston ALERT text message system about severe weather. If the emergency or weather is severe enough for the university to transition to controlled access or delayed opening, that information will first be shared through email. It will then be posted on the UTHealth Houston intranet inside.uth.edu and to this website.
During any emergency situation, you can expect to receive communications through this website for university-wide communications. Depending on the circumstances, the university’s schools may also communicate additional, specific information to employees and students.
For more information see HOOP 85: Controlled Access Status for Emergency, Disaster or Severe Weather in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOOP) or the Emergency Management Plan , the UT Physicians Emergency Plan, or the UTHealth Houston Behavioral Sciences Campus Emergency Plan.
It’s important to remember if the status of the university changes, there are certain employees who are deemed essential to protect life, property, environment, and/or to restore normal operations during or after an emergency, as outlined in HOOP Policy 141: Emergency Management and Business Continuity Plans.
These employees will be required to report to work when the status of the university has changed to controlled access status due to weather conditions or other emergencies.
There are two categories of essential personnel:
Category 1 includes: Executive Control Team members and Advisory Call personnel as listed in the university Emergency Management Plan as well as personnel from: Environmental Health and Safety; Facilities, Planning, and Engineering; UT Police at Houston; Information Technology; Office of Public Affairs; and animal care personnel.
Category 2 includes: Departmental personnel who will be the last to leave their area during an evacuation, and the first to re-enter when the facility is cleared; employees required to sustain clinical operations; and other personnel as designated by the department head. This group is responsible for securing property prior to evacuation. That could include controlled substances, perishables, turning off equipment, and covering sensitive property.
The procedure for determining the access status of the university is outlined in HOOP Policy 85: Controlled Access Status for Emergency, Disaster or Severe Weather.
Call 911 for all emergencies.
Non-emergencies:
Reporting crimes:
Many behaviors may cause concern for the safety and well-being of an employee, patient or visitor, or for the institution as a whole. If you ever see behaviors of concern or feel threatened with violence from an employee, patient, or visitor, call 2-STOP (713-792-7867). Behaviors of concern may signal the need for intervention to prevent a violent incident. These calls can be kept confidential so there is no fear of retribution.
Have you observed these warning signs?
These are helpful resources to review before and during any weather-related events.
Weather monitoring websites:
Flood warning websites:
Preparation guides:
Public transportation in the Texas Medical Center
Guidance for hurricane watches or warnings:
Ensure preparations are also in place for work or school, as appropriate, to minimize the opportunity for property loss.
Guidance for during a hurricane:
Ride-out teams will often be stationed across the UTHealth Houston campus during major weather events. Stay tuned to UTHealth Houston intranet and other emergency communication channels for updated information about any potential impacts to campus.
If classes are canceled in Houston, they are also canceled at the regional locations. However, class closures that are specific to a regional location do not impact the operational status of the Houston campus.
In the event of an emergency, dial 911.
Campus | Buildings | Address | Police Contact |
---|---|---|---|
Austin | UTA Building AFIAA WTC, LLC and Moody Bank GSP | 1616 Guadalupe, Suite 6.300, 400W 15th Street, Suite 1050 1705 Guadalupe, Suite 200 | UT Austin Police Phone: 512-471-4441 (non-emergency) |
Brownsville | RAHC | SPH Bldg. N | UT Rio Grande Valley Police Phone: 956-882-8232 |
Dallas | Trinity Towers | 2777 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 8400, Dallas, TX 75207 Phone: 972-546-2920 | Security Desk: onsite 24/7 Phone: 927-372-0339 |
El Paso | Medical Center of the Americas Foundation (MCA) | 5130 Gateway Boulevard East MCA 110, El Paso, TX 79905 Phone: 915-975-8520 | City of El Paso Police Department: 915-212-4000 Emergencies: 911 |
San Antonio | Hartman One Technology Center | 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1100, San Antonio, TX 78229 Phone: 210-276-9000 | UT Health San Antonio Police Phone: 210-567-2800 (non-emergency), 210-567-8911 (emergency) |
Below is important reference information found within the UTHealth Houston Emergency Management Plan.
Reminder: Please be sure your contact and designated emergency contact information is current in Self Service. Those numbers are important to have on file ahead of an emergency.
If an armed subject is in the area, UT Police at Houston will send safety information via the UTHealth Houston ALERT text message system to the university community. Updates also may be provided on the UTHealth Houston intranet or through email.
If you see or hear gunfire, don’t hesitate to protect yourself. A survival mentality is about awareness, preparation and rehearsal:
UT Police offers classes to give critical guidance on how to recognize and survive an active shooter situation.
When law enforcement arrives
In the event of a bomb threat, UT Police at Houston will send safety information via the UTHealth Houston ALERT text message system to the university community. As needed, updates will be provided via text message and email.
From the UT Police bomb threat guide:
If a bomb threat is received by phone:
Consider asking the caller:
If a bomb threat is received by email:
If a bomb is seen or received on campus:
If an evacuation is activated by emergency response personnel:
The Emergency Response Plan on the Safety, Health, Environment, and Risk Management website outlines procedures in greater detail.
Ensure preparations are also in place for work or school, as appropriate, to minimize the opportunity for property loss.
If you see smoke or flames, or smell something burning, immediately report the situation by calling 911 or UT Police at Houston at 713-792-2890. Include the following:
Activate the fire alarm system by pulling the nearest fire alarm pull station, which are in stairwells and exits. If it is safe to do so, notify all personnel in the area.
How to use a fire extinguisher (PASS):
Confine the fire by closing doors, but do not lock the doors. If possible, shut off all nonessential oxygen, gas, and electrical appliances in the area and secure any hazardous materials.
Evacuate the building using the nearest stairway or ground exit, if you think it is necessary. Do not use elevators.
In the event of a fire, remember to “RACE:”
The Emergency Response Plan on the Safety, Health, Environment, and Risk Management website outlines procedures in greater detail.
If you witness or discover a hazardous material release/spill:
If there are injuries, call 911 or UT Police at Houston at 713-792-2890. An injured employee may decide to seek treatment at the nearest emergency room, if necessary. If an injured employee chooses to seek medical attention through UT Health Services, they can call 713-500-3267 to set an appointment. Students can contact Student Health and Counseling Services at 713-500-5171.
Call Environmental Health and Safety at 713-500-8100 or the department’s safety hotline at 713-500-5832.
Anyone who has been exposed should remove contaminated clothing and stand under running water for at least 15 minutes or until medical personnel arrive.
The Emergency Response Plan on the Safety, Health, Environment, and Risk Management website outlines procedures in greater detail.
During a hurricane watch or warning:
Ensure preparations are also in place for work or school, as appropriate, to minimize the opportunity for property loss.
During a hurricane:
Ride-out teams will often be stationed across the UTHealth Houston campus during major hurricane events.
In the event of a medical emergency, call 911.
Minor Student injuries: 713-500-5171
Student needlesticks after hours: 800-770-9206 (available 24 hours a day)
Minor Employee injuries: UT Health Services at 713-500-3267
Employee needlesticks after hours: 800-770-9206 (available 24 hours a day)
For cardiac events, an automated external defibrillator (AED) may be used. Look for an AED cabinet near elevator lobbies in buildings on campus. Bleeding control kits can also be found inside the AED cabinets to stop severe bleeding.
To report an AED maintenance issue, call Environmental Health and Safety at 713-500-8100 or email osfp.safety@uth.tmc.edu.