In
light of the
uncertainties
associated
with the
conflict in
Iraq and
possible terrorist threats in recent days, a
number of people have been asking questions about steps that Trinity has
taken to handle emergencies.
In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack,
the president convened an emergency response team to update our
emergency response procedures and to be prepared
for and to deal with serious issues and problems that might
arise. Thus, for
some time now the College has had a readiness plan in place that
is adjusted for changing conditions.
The
emergency plan, coordinated with state and local authorities,
undergoes constant review and is updated as new information
becomes available. We
are equipped to house, feed, and care for students and emergency
personnel for several days in the event of disrupted service.
Campus Safety regularly monitors national, state and
local law enforcement agencies for information and alerts and,
in recent days, has been in daily contact with the Hartford
Police Department Intelligence Division for information relevant
to the Hartford area and major metropolitan areas nearby.
Campus Safety and other health and safety staff on campus
have participated in joint training with the Hartford Police
Department on responding to bio-terrorism. Trinity has an
emergency communication plan and backup generators for key
campus areas. Special
security precautions that were begun last fall remain in place,
including extra patrols by Trinity Campus Safety Officers and
Hartford Police, both on foot and in vehicles.
If evacuation is needed, we will take direction from
local emergency personnel.
We have been advised by federal, state, and local
authorities to be especially vigilant with respect to suspicious activity
around campus, and
to ask students, faculty and staff to help safeguard their own
security by following standard safety advice.
In particular, we are asked to carry IDs, maintain
security in residence halls and other campus buildings by not
propping doors, and contact Campus Safety (x2222) with any questions.
It is, of course, difficult to know precisely what might
occur and when. However,
we will keep you informed in the meantime, and thank you in
advance for your cooperation.
We are all best served to remain as calm as
possible in emergency situations, and take direction from our
trained student life personnel, campus safety officers, and
state and local authorities, as needed.
