Emergencies such as catastrophic weather damage, labor strikes, major fires or explosions, terrorist threats, civil unrest, acts of aggression and war could impose severe restrictions upon the University's ability to continue to operate, even at a minimal level. Local communities that normally share resources with the University would be less able to provide assistance under circumstances like these. Regardless of the specific nature of the disaster, reduced manpower, restricted supplies, and large-scale cleanup requirements are likely to be the result. The University has, therefore, developed an emergency response plan to stimulate thought and preparation for such a time. It is impossible to imagine every catastrophe that could ever occur, but it is feasible to make plans for reduced resources such as manpower, utilities, supplies, facilities, etc. These plans are described in detail in the Emergency Response Plan available from the Physical Plant.

The plan is designed to identify several levels of response and responsibilities. Initial response is normally effected by the UWA Police due to their 24-hour operation. The police notify the proper University officials, the Physical Plant Department, and request needed assistance from other agencies such as police, fire, ambulance, or the county emergency management agency.

If the emergency is so severe that it cannot be resolved within a short time, a second level of response may be put into effect by the administration. A central coordinator, previously identified and trained for such emergency operations, will establish a command center from which responses to the situation will be formulated. Concurrently, a communications center will be established to release official statements to the media and the general public. The central coordinator employs remaining assets as effectively as possible to mitigate the emergency.
Preparation is the key feature of this plan and every unit head should review his operation to determine which assets are essential for continued functioning in times of reduced operational capacity and restricted resources. A written contingency plan should be prepared for each operational unit outlining how the unit would function with reduced manpower and supplies, lack of running water, communications problems, power outages and damaged facilities. Identification of alternate suppliers, key personnel (and alternates) and special cleanup procedures should be included in the unit's plan. Once identified, essential supplies can be stockpiled for future use. Cross-training of employees can assure continued operations in the event of the loss of key personnel.

When the emergency has passed or cleanup following the disaster is completed, the central coordinator notifies all departments and informs them of the impact the disaster has had. He assists departments with their return to normal (or modified) operations. At the direction of the senior administrator present, the central coordinator suspends emergency operations and provides a final report to the administration on the situation. The central coordinator is responsible for assuring that all emergency supplies are replenished and that any equipment used for the emergency is restored to a ready condition for possible future use.