Emergency Preparedness Plan
A message from your Crisis Planning Committee
An Emergency Preparedness Plan has been established by Bentley University to prepare for and respond to any emergency condition that may endanger human health and safety, University property, or the University's ability to carry out business obligations. Areas of responsibility, basic policies, and objectives for emergency preparedness planning and for operations under emergency conditions are included within the plan. In order to facilitate its use and make any updates, the University has established a Crisis Planning Committee to review and update the plan on an ongoing basis. The committee also discusses current trends and areas of concern both nationally and internationally, performs table-top exercises to test the plan, and is also responsible for disseminating any pertinent information to the Bentley community to assist with their emergency preparedness. This plan includes the preparation for and development of a capability to ensure effective responses to conditions caused by:
- Natural Disasters
- Local Flooding
- Power Outages
- Fires and Explosions
- Local Emergencies
- Civil Disturbances
- Medical Emergencies
- Hazardous Materials Incidents
Basic emergency procedures designed to protect lives and property through the effective use of University and community resources are included within the Emergency Preparedness Plan. Since an emergency may be sudden and without warning, these procedures are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate contingencies of various types and magnitudes. It acts as a guide for University personnel and resources during an emergency situation and does not limit our response to emergencies. The plan is utilized in concert with good judgment and common sense in matters both included within this plan, and for matters not foreseen or covered by the plan. Additionally, it is subordinate to federal, state or local plans during a disaster declaration by those authorities.
The Emergency Preparedness Plan incorporates the use of the Incident Command System to facilitate interagency coordination, promote the use of common emergency response terminology and command structure, and ease the flow of information between responding agencies. The University is committed to cooperating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), state and city police, fire and emergency departments, and other responders in the development of emergency response plans, as well as participating in multi-jurisdictional emergency planning exercises. This includes participation in the Waltham Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Although not every Bentley community member is involved with the Crisis Planning Committee, we ask that everyone be vigilant with respect to suspicious activity. To help safeguard your own security, follow standard safety practices around campus. This includes carrying your ID at all times, not propping doors open, and reporting any suspicious, no matter how minor, to Campus Police (x2201 or x3131).
It is impossible to predict if and when the Bentley community will be affected by an emergency situation. However, we are making a great effort to keep you informed and thank you in advance for your cooperation. During an emergency, please remain calm and take any direction from Campus Police, Bentley staff, and local authorities seriously. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Bentley College Emergency Preparedness Plan, please feel free to contact us.
