Because the safety of the university community is our foremost concern, emergency response planning has been the University Police Department’s continuing priority at Western Carolina University. The University has carefully devised plans that place the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff uppermost in everything we do.
The National Homeland Security Agency has placed our national and state threat condition to Level Yellow, with an associated elevated risk of terrorist attack. Specific targets have not been identified, but should the threat level be raised, additional protocols will be activated.
For the duration of this threat condition, the Western Carolina University Police Department will provide these additional services on a daily basis to support the already existing safety and security activities:
- Extra patrols in areas identified as critical to the University.
- Maintenance of direct and continuous communication with local, state, and federal officials.
- Continued meetings with university and local officials to review and revise, as necessary, the University’s emergency plan.
- Reminding employees to be vigilant for suspicious or unusual incidents.
Here are some steps members of the University Community can take to ensure their own safety and that of others:
- Continue normal activities.
- Report suspicious activities immediately. In case of an emergency, call 828-227-8911.
- Be aware of your surroundings, walk confidently, know where you parked your vehicle, park in a well-lit area, and have your keys ready before you approach the vehicle.
- Continue to monitor local and world events.
- Confirm rumors with University officials. Do not rely on fellow students for official information.
- Maintain close contact with family and loved ones.
- Stay in communication with the University by checking e-mails, local media, and the University website.
Below are some of the sites that the government has developed to inform the public about threat levels, responses, and personal safety.
- Listing of steps to take to be ready for terrorist activity
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Department of Homeland Security - Updated news site concerning our Homeland safety
- North Carolina Department of Emergency Management