CIM Update    April 16, 2008

Members of Stony Brook's Emergency Management team have been working with Administration on a review of policies, procedures and programs to respond to and manage critical incidents on campus. The review addressed recommendations in the Chancellor's Task Force on Critical Incident Management, including risk assessment and mental health issues, emergency response, communications technology and other general recommendations. The following is a summary of the assessment and actions taken to date. Please note that this list is not inclusive off all actions that can and will be done in the future, as this will be a continuous improvement process. 

Communications

1. Stony Brook has a Communications Plan for emergency responders using cell phones, pagers, email and portable radios to ensure communications and interoperability with each other and external agencies such as the Suffolk County Police and local fire departments. Emergency information is communicated to the campus community by way of our fire alarm systems, e-mail, web site, campus cable TV system and radio station (WUSB 90.1 FM) and external media sources.
   
   
2. Voice, Email and Text Messaging: Stony Brook has implemented a mass notification system with a private vendor to provide urgent communications to members of the campus community. Stony Brook is continuing to work with SUNY to implement NY Alert, a similar system, developed by the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO).
   
   
3. Outdoor Warning Siren: A siren system has been installed on the Stony Brook main campus. It will be activated to alert the campus community of an imminent safety threat on campus.  To listen to the siren tones, and to learn basic safety procedures when the siren is activated, please visit http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/emergency/siren.shtml.
   
   
4. Digital Signage: A software package has been purchased and new digital signage is being planned for installation in large assembly areas in campus buildings. The LCD displays will be centrally controlled with content directed to a particular geographic area.
   
   
5. Campus E-mail: The campus email system has been upgraded to improve the speed of delivery of mass batches of email.
   
   
6. Voice Fire/PA Systems: Fire alarm systems on campus are being upgraded to add additional voice-capable systems and to optimize their voice capability. This will allow us to broadcast an alternate emergency tone and voice message over the speaker system.
   
   
7. Campus Safety Website: A new Campus Safety "Staying Safe on Campus" website has been established as a resource for the campus community. The website has links to important emergency, safety, security, health, counseling and other information.
   
   
8. An Emergency Command Vehicle (SUV), equipped with communications equipment, was recently purchased and put into service. It will be used as a mobile command post at major incidents where University officials will work together in a unified command with external agencies.

Emergency Management and Response

1. Stony Brook University has a comprehensive Emergency Management (All Hazards) Plan that establishes the policy, procedures, and organizational structure to respond, control and recover from emergency situations, using the National Incident Management Training System (NIMS).
   
   
2. An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is used by a team of University Officials, the Incident Commander, and Command Staff to evaluate situations and plan for the effective management of the people, organizations, and resources utilized in response to emergencies.
   
   
3. An Emergency Management Team, including University Police Officers, Fire Marshals, Building Managers, Safety Wardens, and Residential Hall staff responds to and evaluates emergency situations using the Incident Command System (ICS).
   
   
4. Critical Incident Plans and Training: Our University Police Department, in partnership with the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), has reviewed Critical Incident Response Plans and provided training to all UPD Officers for "active shooting" situations. In addition, UPD Officers have received training on the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Mental Health Disorders, Firearms Training and Incident Response. A table-top exercise was conducted with the SCPD and other agencies in a simulated active shooter situation. Additional table-top exercises have since been conducted and a campus-wide drill will be scheduled.
   
   
5. Fire Safety: Our University Fire Marshals have recently expanded operations to provide fire safety coverage round-the-clock (24/7). Fire Marshals are highly trained for response to fires, fire alarms, hazardous material incidents, technical rescues, and other emergencies. They work closely with local volunteer fire departments which facilitates the response and recovery from emergency situations. A number of fire prevention activities were held in September during Campus Fire Safety Month.
   
   
6. A Director of Campus Emergency Management was hired as an addition to our Emergency Management team. This position will further enhance our ability to manage and integrate our comprehensive security and emergency management programs into existing campus organizations and activities.

Risk Assessment and Mental Health Issues

1. The University Counseling Center offers consultation, crisis intervention, brief psychotherapy, group and couple's therapy, and psychiatric services for all Stony Brook students. Additional services are available through the Wo/Men’s and Gender Resource Center.
   
   
2. Stony Brook University Employee Assistance Program provides confidential information, assessment and referral services to employees, family members and retirees.
   
   
3. Stony Brook has a Behavior Assessment Committee that meets regularly for the sharing of information and the coordination of responses to at-risk/ distressed students. There is a process in place for review, assessment and referral through Student Affairs.
   
   
4. A Critical Incident Management Committee of senior Administrators and Emergency Management personnel meet bi-weekly to review incidents, status of programs and operational needs.
   
   
5. Outreach efforts have already begun to familiarize faculty and staff with reporting procedures and expectations when a student is disruptive or distressed. This effort is being coordinated by the Center for Prevention and Outreach, a new unit in the Division of Student Affairs. A brochure was recently updated and distributed to all faculty and another one is being developed for staff which describes these protocols. The brochures also contain resources and lists offices for faculty and staff to contact if the need arises and/or if they have questions.
   
   
6. The Center for Prevention and Outreach has also developed and implemented a one-class session curriculum module, which includes depression/suicide prevention and bystander intervention. The session is being presented to all incoming freshman as part of the SBU101 course required for all new students.
   
   
7. "First Year Meetings": Freshmen students who live on campus (over 80% of all freshmen) are contacted by a professional live-in staff member to meet during the first 6 - 8 weeks of school to discuss each student's transition to college life. Any freshmen who seems to be exhibiting signs of unusual stress, homesickness or depression are referred to a mental health professional on campus.

Additional information about campus safety, health and security is available on a new Campus Safety website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/safety.shtml.

For additional information, please contact:
Robert Lenahan
Director of Campus Emergency Management
Phone: 631-632-3115
Email: Robert.Lenahan@stonybrook.edu