Module 3: The Great American Dig-out

digging out.

Instructions

Watch the Multimedia for Module.  Read the Scenario Update, Key Issues and Possible Discussion Topics.

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.

Multimedia for Module

6pm, Thursday (November 14)

Multimedia update that summarizes the key events occurring this day

Scenario Update

Thursday, 5am (11/14/2013)

Heavy snowfall has created treacherous driving conditions.  Some 1,200 plows and other snow equipment have been on the roads of WNY all night.  Wind gusts along major highways in heavy-hit areas at times create whiteout conditions.  State Police have responded to 101 calls about disabled vehicles and 50 reported accidents in Western NY. In the Southern Tier, callers reported 190 disabled vehicles and 75 accidents.

UB cannot keep up with snow plowing, and has insufficient staffing to keep the roads clear.  

The weight of record snows has collapsed many roofs and decks.  Snow is falling lightly and will taper off by 8 AM. 

•What are the Key Issues and Questions?

•What are some of the uncertainties?

•What actions are taken?

Key Issues

  1. Treacherous driving conditions
  2. All-night plowing will be necessary to make UB roads passable
  3. Heavy wind gusts create white out conditions in some areas of the campus
  4. Snow expected to stop by 9AM
  5. NYS Thruway still closed, as well as 190, 290 and 990
  6. Disabled vehicles
  7. Multiple accidents on roadways
  8. Cars snowed in and parking lots and sidewalks need to be cleared
  9. Once again, decisions need to be made regarding UB’s operational status
  10. Staff, faculty and student safety and transportation a major issue

Possible Discussion Topics

  1. Given the current situation, would UB cancel or delay activities for today, Thursday, November 14th? 
  2. Is 5 a.m. a reasonable time to communicate internally and/or externally UB’s operational status for today?
  3. What do UB’s snow-related emergencies/inclement weather policies state about WHEN operational status information should/must be communicated to staff/faculty?  To students?
  4. What are UB’s primary communication tools to convey this information to staff?  What are the pros and cons of these tools?
  5. If the snowstorm was severe enough to cancel UB activities for a week, UB faculty staff and students and media would want to know how HR would deal with this; who would have this information and how would it be communicated?
Next Module (4: UB is Ready for Business)