Emergency Procedures

The university's emergency communications website is techalert.ttu.edu. This site includes information about how to update your emergency contact information, displays current and past emergency notifications, and contains a robust FAQ section to inform the Texas Tech University community about what to do before, during, and after an emergency.

TechAlert is an externally hosted service powered by BlackBerry AtHoc through which critical information is sent via mobile app (preferred), text, email, phone call, social media, websites, and digital signage across the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock.

All faculty, staff, and students are automatically enrolled in the TechAlert system with their Texas Tech email address and the primary phone number (SMS) listed in their personnel or registration records. All members of the Texas Tech community should keep their information updated by going to techalert.ttu.edu and clicking on the “Manage Notifications” button. The information provided is secure and will never be used by Texas Tech for any reason other than emergency alert notifications.

Any emergency can be reported by dialing 911.

In case of a fire, the respective department chairperson, dean’s office, and building emergency manager should be notified after the fire has been reported. Fire extinguishers are placed in all buildings in code-compliant locations. To assist individuals in identifying the best evacuation route, building exits are marked in each building’s Emergency Action Plan, which is available on the Emergency Management website. For urgent facility maintenance requirements, call Operations at 806.742.4OPS (4677).

Warning and Alert Systems

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce provides continuous broadcasts of the latest weather information from the National Weather Service. Taped weather messages are repeated every two to three minutes and are revised hourly. When circumstances warrant, specially designed warning receivers (weather alert radios) can be activated. The weather alert radios sound an alarm indicating that an emergency exists, alerting the listener to turn the receiver up to an audible volume. 

Various outdoor warning sirens located throughout the campus are activated whenever the campus is in imminent weather danger. Persons should immediately seek shelter upon hearing a siren. Tests of the various warning and alert systems are conducted each semester and are publicized online in advance of the tests. 

If a tornado warning is issued or a tornado is sighted, the following actions should be taken: seek inside shelter, preferably on the lowest possible floor of a building in the most interior room, away from windows and outside walls. The tornado shelter areas for Texas Tech buildings are included in the building's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) located on the Emergency Management website. Be sure to evacuate upper floors of all buildings, reminding individuals to seek shelter in an interior hallway and stay away from windows; lie flat on the floor and use tables, mattresses, or blankets for cover. If caught in open country, lie face down in the deepest depression available, such as a ditch, culvert, or ravine. Emergency preparedness information is available on the Emergency Management website.

Faculty Handbook Contents

Introduction

General Information

Role of the Faculty

Facilities and Services

Office of the Provost

Research

Faculty Affairs

Benefits and Services

Emergency Procedures

Financial Exigency Plan

Additional Resources

Operating Policies