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Campus Safety Plan

About the ERF

Notification Systems

Alerts may come via text, phone call, email or outdoor siren system. Learn how to sign up for alerts and what to do when you receive them.

Crisis Management Teams

Threat Assessment Group and the Emergency Planning Group work together to maintain the Emergency Response Framework (ERF).

Operation Centers

Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) plan for and oversee emergency response and coordination.

Emergency Response Framework

The Emergency Response Framework (ERF) details how the University manages hazards from the smallest incident to the largest catastrophe. The document outlines procedures for a coordinated and effective campus-wide response:

  • Preparedness, response and recovery strategies for emergencies that threaten the population, programs, properties, reputation and viability of the university.
  • Emergency response management methods applicable to any threat, hazard or crisis situation.
  • Organizational lines of authority for measures that are essential to the protection of faculty, staff, students and visitors to the university.
  • Coordinates procedures with local, state and federal entities.

Scope of the ERF

The ERF concepts apply to potential or actual emergency, disaster and catastrophe situations where the health, safety or welfare of the Northwestern community is threatened by imminent or actual consequences, such as:
  • Threats to life safety
  • Threats to the maintenance of life support
  • Sabotage, hostile actions or terrorist attack
  • Restoration of general campus operations
  • Severe and unanticipated resource shortages
  • Fire, flood, earthquake or natural disaster
  • Serious civil disorder
  • Any serious infectious hazards, transportation or hazardous material accident that threatens or causes damage to life, health or property.