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"Everything We Do is a Disaster!"

UW Emergency Management (UWEM) is the smallest of the seven Facilities Services departments. We are responsible for developing and implementing institution-wide programs and projects that promote disaster planning, training, mitigation, response, prevention and recovery for all-hazards. We work in close-partnership with other UW public safety departments, such as UW Police and UW Environmental Health & Safety to promote a safe and disaster resilient institution. For detailed information on UW programs see our our mission, vision, values and 5-year strategic plan. Included in this site are guidelines for what to do in case of various emergencies or disasters.

The kinds of major emergencies or disasters that can impact our university include:

In addition to the emergency preparedness information contained on this web site, you will find links to many other web sites pertaining to emergency preparedness.

Welcome to our site. We hope you find this information useful.

In accordance with Federal, State, local and UW Administrative Policy Statements 13.1 and 13.2, the University of Washington has established a comprehensive emergency and disaster preparedness program to protect its people, resources and environment

What’s New

Training of the Week: Military Resources for Emergency Management
May 20, 2013

In honor of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, UWEM would like to provide a chance to learn more about how the U.S. military’s various components are trained to provide emergency assistance to civil governments and communities in duress. IS-75, Military Resources for Emergency Management,, explains how the military of the U.S. responds to various levels of disasters. This can cover both Federal troops on Active-Duty or mustering Reserve Component personnel and/or National Guardsmen.

Indeed, our U.S. Interstate Highway System was inspired and created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1950’s after seeing the modern Autobahn built by Germany prior to World War II. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also worked closely with state & federal government over the last century to build and maintain critical infrastructure for the United States. We thank the brave men & women who have served the nation abroad and at home, and give a weary smile of relief when they arrive to help respond to & recover from regional and national emergencies!

Emergency Management Scholarship Opportunity
May 10, 2013

Future emergency managers/coordinators: There is a new scholarship available to students pursuing a certificate, diploma, undergraduate or graduate degree in Emergency Management (or a closely related field of study). The total amount offered is $2,500 and will be paid directly to the institute of higher education that the winning student is enrolled with.

The Joel Aggergaard Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Washington State Emergency Management Association (WSEMA) and is named in honor of Joel Aggergaard, a former employee of Washington State’s Department of Emergency Management from the 1970’s until his death in 1996. Joel specialized in being a liaison between state-level functions and county/municipal programs & emergency management professionals. If you or anyone you know is pursuing their education specifically to become a professional emergency manager, please share this with them and encourage them to go to the WSEMA webpage to fill out an application. The deadline for this year is August 1st!

Training of the Week - Community Preparedness
May 08, 2013

The Emergency Management Institute’s Independent Study Course 909, “Community Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities for Everyone”, focuses on what it means to be prepared, as well as the baby steps that members of any community can take to go from crawling to walking the Emergency Management pathway.

What does it mean to be prepared? How do you come up with a basic plan? What roles do individuals, families and neighbors need to consider? Click the link above to learn more!

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