WashU Emergency Management

This week, the Crisis Management Team (CMT) came together for our Q2 meeting, facilitated by WashU Emergency Management.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to debrief on the second quarter of 2026—recognizing the positive actions taken across our campuses while identifying opportunities to further strengthen our preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities.

Key takeaways from our discussion included:
✅ Recognizing the many proactive steps and collaborative efforts that continue to strengthen campus resilience.
🔍 Identifying areas for improvement and opportunities to enhance coordination, communication, and situational awareness.
🤝 Reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement and fostering a culture of preparedness across the WashU community.

The strength of our preparedness program comes from the partnerships and engagement of our Crisis Management Team members. Thank you to everyone who contributes their expertise, insights, and dedication to helping keep our students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors safe.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

🚨 Why do we conduct fire drills?

Fire drills are more than a compliance requirement - they are an opportunity to practice the actions that can make a difference during an emergency. As several fire drills take place across WashU campuses this summer, we encourage everyone to take a moment to think beyond the alarm.

✅ Do you know the nearest exit from your workspace or classroom?
✅ Are you familiar with your building's evacuation routes?
✅ Do you know where your Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) is located?

Preparedness starts long before an emergency occurs. Taking a few minutes today to review your building maps, evacuation procedures, and assembly locations (EAPs) helps ensure you are ready to respond confidently when seconds matter.

Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, visitors, Emergency Preparedness Coordinators (EPCs), and campus partners who participate in these drills and support a safer campus environment.

Preparedness starts with you.
Your awareness. Your actions. Our campus community.
Together, we are WashU Ready.

Summer at WashU looks a little different. 🐻

The pace may be quieter, but campus remains active with visitors, researchers, staff, summer programs, and special events. No matter the season, preparedness remains a shared responsibility. Take a moment to review your emergency contacts, update your safety information, and stay connected through the WashU Safe App.

We’re here all summer long.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

Are you planning a visit to WashU this summer or preparing to start classes this fall? Now is the perfect time to take a few simple steps to help you stay informed and prepared before you arrive on campus.

✔ Download the WashU Safe App for real-time emergency alerts and safety resources
✔ Locate your building exits and Emergency Assembly Point (EAP)
✔ Know your Severe Weather Refuge Area (SWRA) locations
✔ Save important contacts including family, roommates, and supervisors

Preparedness starts before the first day of class. Small actions today can make a significant difference during an emergency. Learn more about these topics and more at emergency.washu.edu.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

As we pause this Memorial Day to honor those who gave everything in service to our nation, we also encourage our community to stay safe throughout the holiday weekend.

Travel safely, stay weather aware, and look out for one another.

Together, we are WashU Ready. 🇺🇸

Wherever your summer plans take you — preparation matters.

From travel safety and severe weather awareness to heat safety and campus preparedness, small steps can make a big difference.

As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, the WashU Emergency Management team encourages everyone to stay informed, stay weather aware, and stay prepared throughout the season.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

Leading by example, our own Ky Kee gave us one more reason to celebrate during Commencement season.

Senior Program Manager Ky Kee proudly crossed the Washington University in St. Louis stage after successfully completing the Program Management Certificate through the university’s WashU Continuing & Professional Studies program.

Throughout the semester, Ky balanced her professional responsibilities with her academic pursuits, demonstrating the same commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and continuous improvement that she brings to the WashU Emergency Management team every day.

Congratulations, Ky, on this outstanding accomplishment. Your dedication to professional growth and your commitment to serving the WashU community continue to set a strong example for all of us.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

Commencement season is one of our favorite times of the year at WashU Emergency Management.

Behind every graduation celebration is a tremendous amount of planning, coordination, and teamwork. In the weeks leading up to Commencement, our team works closely with school leadership, event staff, student ambassadors, volunteers, and campus partners to review emergency plans, conduct walkthroughs, and ensure everyone is prepared to respond to any situation.

From pre-event training sessions with Olin Business School, McKelvey School of Engineering, Arts & Sciences, and the Bear Ambassadors, to staffing the Emergency Operations Center and coordinating with our Incident Management Team, Crisis Management Team, and public safety partners, countless individuals work together behind the scenes to help create a safe and successful experience for our graduates and their families.

We are honored to play a role in these milestone moments and proud to support the celebrations that mark the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Together, we are WashU Ready.

🎓 Families, friends, graduates, vendors, and visitors—welcome to WashU Commencement! 🐻❤️

As you join us to celebrate this incredible milestone, make safety part of your graduation day plans by downloading the WashU Safe app before arriving on campus.

The WashU Safe app provides:
📱 Emergency alerts and notifications
⛈️ Severe weather updates
📞 Quick access to emergency resources

With thousands of guests visiting campus, staying informed is one of the easiest ways to be prepared and enjoy the celebration with confidence.

Download the WashU Safe app and stay connected throughout Commencement. https://emergency.washu.edu/
Together, we are WashU Ready.