In essence, effective emergency response is no accident. While it builds upon existing structures and routine activities of the organisation, it also requires it to assume responsibilities that never before existed. New functions must be performed and existing relationships must integrate with those that emerge to manage the event. A variety of emergency response roles and functions are described in this plan and the situations in which they are recommended. The greatest stress of such an event arises from the need for accurate communication in a timely manner.
Communication is the most essential function of emergency response.
Concurrently, the most problematic aspect of emergency response is that reliable information is usually not forth coming, requiring responders to anticipate and estimate the circumstances under which they are operating. This makes information between involved groups critical and non-routine networks of communication must flow naturally. This plan outlines the structures and means for achieving a coordinated emergency response system, in such a situation. Its focus is upon providing an immediate system for the command, control and coordination of the University s emergency response efforts. For the plan to serve its purpose it contents must be known and understood by those responsible for its implementation.