Plan Summary
The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is a dynamic document that consists of three parts: a Basic Plan, Emergency Support Functions (ESF), and Hazard Specific Annexes (HSA). Each part of the plan provides specific information about emergency operations. The Basic Plan provides a general overview, the ESFs describe specific resources and capabilities, and the HSAs address specific hazards.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (The University) understands that a broad range of emergencies or disasters could arise at any moment and, as a result, strives to create and maintain a culture of preparedness and resiliency throughout the campus community. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is a critical component of that effort, as it provides an all-hazards framework that promotes a unified and effective response to emergencies and disasters that impact the University. The EOP is based on public safety best practices, such as those established in the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS), to ensure effective integration and coordination of university capabilities and resources with those of local, state, federal, and nongovernmental partners to protect and preserve the health, safety, and welfare of those affected during an emergency or disaster on campus.
- Basic Plan
- Establishes the general policies, guidelines, and organizational structure for response to incidents and events that may cause a significant disruption of the functions of all or part of The University
- Emergency Support Functions (ESF)
- Provides a planning structure for groups of resources and capabilities most frequently needed in an emergency response and identifies the primary and supporting business units for each ESF
- Hazard-Specific Annexes
- Provides hazard-specific responses and command/control protocols, as well as additional in-depth auxiliary information (Examples: Adverse Weather, Active Assailant)
- Business Unit
- The term ‘business unit‘ refers to any academic or administrative department, unit, center, institute, division, or college at the University.
- Campus Safety
- Campus Safety refers to the business units within Campus Safety and Risk Management which are primarily responsible for campus safety and emergency response. These business units are the Office of Emergency Management and Planning (OEMP); the Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS); and the UNC Police Department (UNC Police). The term Campus Safety Leadership refers to the administrative head of each Campus Safety unit and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Safety and Risk Management.
- Disaster
- A severe or prolonged emergency that threatens life, property, environment, and/or critical systems.
- Emergency
- An occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural, technological, or human cause. This includes Incidents arising with or without warning that overwhelm, or nearly overwhelm, day-to-day campus resources, plans, and personnel in place to manage them, while causing a significant disruption of normal operations in all or a portion of the campus.
- Event
- An Event is a planned, non-routine occurrence or activity on campus that brings together people in larger than normal numbers and/or garners an elevated profile. Events may be reclassified as Incidents or Major Incidents should the situation evolve into one matching either definition.
A Major Event is an Event that places exceptional demands on campus and local safety and support resources, requiring additional planning, coordination, preparation, and mitigation. A Major Event requires EOP activation and would be classified as a Type 3 to 1 Event, as described in the Plan Activation subsection of the Basic Plan.
- Incident
- An incident is an unplanned occurrence, natural or caused by human activity, which requires a response to protect life or property.
A Major Incident is an Incident that causes an elevated threat to life, property, or campus operations and places exceptional demands on campus and local safety and support resources, requiring additional planning, coordination, and response capabilities. A Major Incident requires EOP activation and would be classified as a Type 3 to 1 Incident, as described in the Plan Activation subsection of the Basic Plan.