WashU Emergency Management

“It takes a village” is a timeless saying about raising children and building strong communities. This morning was a great example of that philosophy in action.

The WashU Police Department, WashU Emergency Management and Conference Services came together to train, collaborate and strengthen preparedness efforts that help keep our staff, students, and visitors safe across WashU campuses.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility and when campus partners work together, we build a stronger, safer, and more resilient university community.

Thank you to our campus partners for their continued commitment to preparedness, collaboration, and community safety.

Together, we are .

Preparedness starts with people.

This week, WashU Emergency Management partnered with faculty, staff, and campus leaders during Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (EPC) training. EPCs play an important role in helping departments prepare for emergencies, share critical information, and support response efforts when needed.

Every trained coordinator helps strengthen the safety and resilience of our WashU community.
When we work together to be prepared, we become stronger together.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

Tornado Watch Issued

The National Weather Service is tracking a weather system to the Northwest of the St. Louis region, traveling southeast towards the area, with the potential to produce large hail, damaging winds, and tornadic activity. While the bulk of the incoming storm is expected to be Northeast of the area, the NWS has included the St. Louis Region in a Tornado Watch until 10:00 PM tonight. WashU Emergency Management will continue to monitor throughout the storm and update as needed.

A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and around the watch area.

What you should do now:

Stay informed: Monitor weather updates through trusted sources and enable notifications on the WashU Safe App
Identify your SWRA: Know the nearest interior room on the lowest level of your building, away from windows
Be prepared to act: If a Tornado Warning is issued, move to your safe place immediately
Review your plan: Take a moment to ensure you know how to respond if conditions worsen.

Together, we are !

Midwest weather keeping you on your toes? You're not alone.

Today starts with comfortable temperatures in the 70s, but rain and thunderstorms are possible later this afternoon. Tomorrow brings temperatures in the 90s with additional chances of storms, followed by a return to the 80s later this week.

Don't get caught in the Midwest weather whiplash.

🌦️ Stay weather aware by following the National Weather Service St. Louis on social media for trusted forecasts, watches, and warnings.
📱 Download the WashU Ready App to receive emergency notifications, access safety resources, and stay informed wherever you are.

Preparedness starts before the storm arrives. Take a few minutes today to review your plans, enable notifications, and know where to find reliable information.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

This week, the Crisis Management Team (CMT) came together for our Q2 meeting, facilitated by WashU Emergency Management.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to debrief on the second quarter of 2026—recognizing the positive actions taken across our campuses while identifying opportunities to further strengthen our preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities.

Key takeaways from our discussion included:
✅ Recognizing the many proactive steps and collaborative efforts that continue to strengthen campus resilience.
🔍 Identifying areas for improvement and opportunities to enhance coordination, communication, and situational awareness.
🤝 Reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement and fostering a culture of preparedness across the WashU community.

The strength of our preparedness program comes from the partnerships and engagement of our Crisis Management Team members. Thank you to everyone who contributes their expertise, insights, and dedication to helping keep our students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors safe.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

🚨 Why do we conduct fire drills?

Fire drills are more than a compliance requirement - they are an opportunity to practice the actions that can make a difference during an emergency. As several fire drills take place across WashU campuses this summer, we encourage everyone to take a moment to think beyond the alarm.

✅ Do you know the nearest exit from your workspace or classroom?
✅ Are you familiar with your building's evacuation routes?
✅ Do you know where your Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) is located?

Preparedness starts long before an emergency occurs. Taking a few minutes today to review your building maps, evacuation procedures, and assembly locations (EAPs) helps ensure you are ready to respond confidently when seconds matter.

Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, visitors, Emergency Preparedness Coordinators (EPCs), and campus partners who participate in these drills and support a safer campus environment.

Preparedness starts with you.
Your awareness. Your actions. Our campus community.
Together, we are WashU Ready.

Summer at WashU looks a little different. 🐻

The pace may be quieter, but campus remains active with visitors, researchers, staff, summer programs, and special events. No matter the season, preparedness remains a shared responsibility. Take a moment to review your emergency contacts, update your safety information, and stay connected through the WashU Safe App.

We’re here all summer long.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

Are you planning a visit to WashU this summer or preparing to start classes this fall? Now is the perfect time to take a few simple steps to help you stay informed and prepared before you arrive on campus.

✔ Download the WashU Safe App for real-time emergency alerts and safety resources
✔ Locate your building exits and Emergency Assembly Point (EAP)
✔ Know your Severe Weather Refuge Area (SWRA) locations
✔ Save important contacts including family, roommates, and supervisors

Preparedness starts before the first day of class. Small actions today can make a significant difference during an emergency. Learn more about these topics and more at emergency.washu.edu.

Together, we are WashU Ready.

As we pause this Memorial Day to honor those who gave everything in service to our nation, we also encourage our community to stay safe throughout the holiday weekend.

Travel safely, stay weather aware, and look out for one another.

Together, we are WashU Ready. 🇺🇸