II. Emergency and Safety Policies
If an unexpected, time‐sensitive emergency occurs (e.g., fire, accident), the event should be reported immediately (x 3333 or 251‐5133) to the Department of Campus Safety and Security. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year.
In potential or developing emergencies (e.g., hurricane, tornado), any member of the Emergency Operations Team may be contacted. The University president or the Senior Administrator in charge will assess the severity of the situation and determine if the Emergency Operations Team should assemble.
A. Declaration of a State of Emergency
A state of emergency may be declared when:
- University community members may be in danger (e.g., flooding, fire).
- A potentially threatening situation is developing (e.g., a hurricane is forming).
- There may be a disruption of routine institutional operations (e.g., loss of life).
- Damage has occurred in areas adjacent to the campus (e.g., explosion, tornado)
- Requests by governmental/emergency agencies (e.g., toxic fumes, bomb threat).
- Deemed appropriate due to any unusual or threatening circumstances
B. Hurricane Emergencies
The University of Tampa is part of a designated evacuation area in case of hurricanes. If a hurricane that causes substantial damage should occur, the institution may be closed for several days or even longer. Radio and television stations will be asked to provide information on the University’s status. The latest status reports will be on the University’s website, www.ut.edu.
In the event of a hurricane, members of the UT community are asked:
- Not to bring family, pets or personal belongings to the campus. They will not be safe and will not be admitted.
- Not to return to the campus until the area is officially reopened.
C. Fire Safety
The University of Tampa is a campus of unique buildings of various ages. Fire safety is of the utmost importance. Each new faculty member is asked to participate in a fire safety‐training program that is available every year.