Office of Emergency Management
  1. UH Home
  2. Office of Emergency Management
  3. About OEM
  4. oem-frequently-asked-questions
  5. OEM Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Emergency Management

OEM Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What does the Office of Emergency Management do?
    • Emergency Planning: We develop and maintain emergency response plans to prepare the University for potential emergencies and disasters.
    • Training and Exercises: We coordinate emergency preparedness training, drills, and exercises to strengthen campus readiness.
    • Emergency/Event Coordination: We coordinate planning, preparedness, and response efforts with campus departments, first responders, and external agencies during campus events and emergencies.
    • Community Outreach: We educate students, faculty, and staff about emergency preparedness through outreach events, presentations, and preparedness resources.
    • Weather Monitoring: We monitor severe weather and other potential hazards to support the safety of campus and emergency decision-making.
    • Continuity Planning: We help departments develop plans to maintain essential University operations during and after emergencies.
  2. What is UH Alert?
    • In the event of a campus emergency, the University of Houston will activate the UH ALERT Emergency Notification System to provide critical information. UH ALERT utilizes the following methods to send UH ALERTS:
  3. What do to if a Shelter-in-Place is issued?
    • If a Shelter-in-Place is issued, find the nearest enclosed building and find a safe space away from doors and windows.
    • Check uh.edu/emergency for shelter-in-place directives for the UH Campus.
    • If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter indoors in an interior room, on the lowest floor possible, and away from windows.
  4. What to do during an evacuation?
    • To evacuate means to leave the dangerous or hazardous area.
    • Evacuate when the fire alarm is sounding, if the fire alarm is not sounding, activate the nearest pull station.
    • Call 713-743-333 or 911 to report the fire.
    • Notify and assist people in the immediate area. 
    • As you leave, close all doors behind you to limit the movement of smoke and/or flames.
    • Do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so by emergency personnel.
    • Never assume an alarm is false.
    • Do not use an elevator to evacuate.
    • If unable to exit the building, go to the nearest exit stairwell or safe area of refuge and call 713-743-3333 or 911 to report your location.
    • If trained, use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small and contained, and the room is not filled with smoke.
  5. Who do I contact for more Office of Emergency Management information?