Module 4: Wednesday, 0940 (54 minutes elapsed)

Instructions

Read the Scenario Update and Discussion Questions.

Based on the information provided in this module, participate in the discussion concerning the issues raised.

In your group, identify what actions should be taken, and any additional requirements, critical issues, decisions, and/or questions that should be addressed at this time.

Scenario Update

Wednesday, 0940 (54 minutes elapsed)

University police receives a call from off-campus; the caller claims to be from the Universal Adversary Alliance (UAA).  He is taking credit for the explosion, and threatens another explosion somewhere on campus in 20 minutes.  After making this threat, he hangs up.  Campus police identify that the call was made from a public phone in [suspect's city].

Actions Underway

Perimeters are established, and fire and EMS operations are proceeding appropriately.  HazMat has entered the building and determined that there are multiple types of chemicals present in small amounts - no further evacuations are anticipated.  The PIO from [local city] fire department has made an initial release to the media regarding the operations at the scene.  The arson investigator is gathering information from firefighters rotating out of the structure.

Currently, the following casualties have been confirmed:

  • Five critical injured individuals were transported to local hospitals.
  • Sixteen individuals were moderately injured; four were transported to local hospitals, while twelve are still on-scene.
  • Twenty-four minor injuries are still on-scene.
  • At least nine fatalities: three are in the on-scene morgue, while at least six are still inside the building.
The president's office is considering canceling classes and activities on the [insert campus name].

•What are the Key Issues and Questions?

•What are some of the uncertainties?

•What actions are taken?

Discussion Questions

  1. Where are your resources and what is their capacity?
  2. What and how has information been conveyed to campus leadership?
  3. How, if at all, does our institution coordinate suspension and closure decisions, as well as messaging about such decisions, with other institutions and government entities? 
  4. Specifically, consider the following questions: 
    1. Would a partial closing of the university unilaterally create a public information problem for our institution if we keep operating? 
      1. Do you address it head-on or only on an “if-asked” basis? 
      2. What are the elements of your message? 
    2. If the university were to suspend classes or other functions and/or close the campus to all but essential personnel, how would you communicate the issues related to this?
      1. Safety or operational justification for the decision? 
      2. Transparency of influence on the process? 
      3. Completing academic work or compensating students for lost time/instruction? 
      4. Maintaining research? 
    3. Do you make emergency notifications regarding the casualties on campus? At what point?
    4. How does your messaging about the situation and your delivery mechanisms differ for:
      1. Students?
      2. Faculty and staff?
      3. Parents (including parents of international students)?
      4. The surrounding community and the general public?