PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS

The Blinn College District will continue to be exposed to and subject to the impact of those hazards described previously as well as lesser hazards and others that may develop in the future.

Emergencies may occur at any time and at any place. In many cases, dissemination of warning to the public and implementation of increased readiness measures may be possible. However, some emergency situations occur with little or no warning.

Although capable of immediate emergency responses on the Brenham, Bryan and RELLIS campuses, the Blinn College District is reliant upon local jurisdictions to provide immediate emergency responses at the Schulenburg, Sealy, and Waller campuses.

Proper planning and preparedness activities with local emergency services will ensure an effective and coordinated response and, in the case of campuses within Washington County, seamless integration into the EOP, should a critical incident expand beyond the confines and capabilities of the Brenham area campuses.

Proper mitigation actions, such as floodplain management, timely maintenance of facilities, life safety inspections, and laboratory inspections can prevent or reduce disaster-related losses. Detailed emergency planning, training of emergency responders and other personnel on the activation and deployment of the ERP and conducting periodic emergency drills and exercises can improve readiness to deal with emergency situations.

Blinn College District officials and representatives must recognize their responsibilities for the safety and well-being of faculty, staff, students and visitors; and assume their responsibilities in the implementation of this ERP.

[K ] Blinn College District officials recognize that students, faculty and staff with disabilities, including access and functional needs, may require additional assistance during emergencies and critical incidents to ensure the nature of the incident is properly and adequately communicated to them, that they are provided assistance in moving to a place of safety or refuge, and that if required, special medical regime(s) are continued for the duration of the incident to the best of the District’s capabilities.

[K] Physical and psychological safety, including trauma-informed care, are necessary for the well-being of students, faculty and staff immediately after an emergency or critical incident. Blinn College District understands that campus-based resources, as well as those available in the greater area, should be made available and readily deployed to assist in the campus community recovery process.

Proper implementation of the ERP will reduce or prevent loss to life and property.