Emergency situations can arise for all kinds of reasons. The key is to know what your options are when they do. UTMB has specific plans for emergency preparedness. These include the UTMB Emergency Operations Plan and the SHP Emergency Plan. In
the case of any emergency, including weather emergencies, all instructions will be communicated through the UTMB Alert website, UTMB home website, and the broadcast media.
Emergency Response
In an emergency, UTMB activates its Incident Command structure to make decisions based on the specifics of the emergency as it develops. Led by an appointed Incident Commander and coordinating with other agencies when appropriate, the group determines UTMB's response to the incident, including if and when to dismiss students and employees.
Communication
We communicate emergency response decisions in a variety of ways, depending on the type, geography, and severity of the emergency. These include:
Academic and Campus Services
Students will be notified by their Dean’s Office, academic program or course faculty of any changes to class modalities. Students should check their email regularly for updates.
When power outages occur on the island, students will have 24-hour access for studying and charging their devices in the following areas:
- Health Education Center
- Ground floors of the SON/SHP building
- Old Red
- Jamail Student Center
- Moody Medical Librar
- UTMB Alumni Field House and its facilities (students have full access)
The Picnic Basket food pantry is normally open during the following hours:
- Monday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Blackboard
SHP students that become displaced and/or have issues with Blackboard should contact edtech@utmb.edu.
The following links provide more detailed information:
Other Resources
The city of Galveston has a cooling center open in the McGuire Dent Recreation Center located at 2222 28th Street
If you are in Texas and your home does not have power or air conditioning, cooling options are being set up across the state. Visit www.211texas.org and search under “Extreme Heat Cooling Centers” to find community cooling options near you.
Safety Tips
Understand the risk of extreme heat. Extreme heat is present across many parts of the U.S. right now, including Texas. With power outages continuing after the storm and high temperatures forecasted, residents should take steps to stay safe:
- Check on family members and neighbors.
- Drink fluids regularly to avoid getting dehydrated and overheated.
- Watch for heat illness.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during mid-day heat, if possible.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car.
Other Helpful Tips
- Use generators safely. Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards. Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours and a full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics. Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.
- Stay off the roads. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas or cleaning up debris. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
- Stay away from floodwaters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. It may also include dangerous wildlife. If your basement flooded, never attempt to turn off power or operate circuit breakers while standing in water. Wear gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself.
- Avoid downed power or utility lines. Consider all downed lines live with deadly voltage. Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company.
Government Agencies
Local Assistance