ABOUT OUR OFFICE

July 31, 2009 - 11:55:00 AM

Contact Information:
The Department of Strategic Security & Safety
Office Annex, Bldg. 14
1000 Chastain Rd.
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144-5591
Phone (770)423-6985 | FAX (770)423-6917
Email: KSUalerts@kennesaw.edu

Staff Directory:

Bob Lang, Asst. Vice President 
Susan Crutchfield, Administrative Specialist
Carol Anelas, Administrative Associate
Granville Broomes, Information Systems Support Professional


About the Department of Strategic Security & Safety

Strategic Security and Safety was created to enable succinct communications between all of the support departments traditionally charged with security / safety and the campus customers: students, faculty, staff and visitors. With the thrust of communications relying more and more on technical backbones to any infrastructure, the Information Security Office has played an important role in identifying strategic solutions and with verification of compatibility with our present systems. This said, KSU is moving towards an exceedingly robust system of preparedness, emergency alert and notification utilizing a layered approach, to ensure all customers are prepared and can respond to any emergency or disaster.

Vision Statement
KSU's campus community will be prepared to respond effectively to large-scale emergencies in order to eliminate or mitigate the loss of life and property.

Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive security and emergency management program for Kennesaw State University in order to save lives, protect property, promote continuity of operations, and reduce the overall effects of large-scale disasters.

Values
Kennesaw State University's Deparment of Strategic Security & Safety
  • Recognizes that large-scale disasters are catastrophic and elimination of all risk and potential devastation is not an attainable goal; however, while preparing for worst case scenarios, keeps the protection of life as the primary objective.
  • Acknowledges Kennesaw State University’s public outreach and community service role and understands the University’ vast resources may be activated during large-scale emergencies affecting other communities throughout the state and nation.
  • Develops plans to enhance performance and minimize disruption of services during these unusual activations of KSU facilities, staff, and resources.
  • Realizes emergencies do not occur in a vacuum and acknowledge an obligation to, and reliance on, emergency responders as well as citizens from other University departments and the local, state, and national community. Willingly shares expertise and fosters good relationships with all entities.
  • Understands KSU's student population may require extra guidance in preparing for and responding to emergencies because of their limited life experiences and takes this responsibility seriously. Engages students in finding creative ways to reach other students.
  • Strives to find the most cost effective methods of accomplishing objectives by being open to new technologies and initiating research and development of solutions appropriate for the University’s needs.

Programs and Services
Kennesaw State University's Deparment of Strategic Security & Safety

 

  • Develops, tests, reviews, revises, and distributes the University's Emergency Operations plan, pandemic influenza response plan, pre-disaster hazard mitigation plan, and other emergency plans as warranted
  • Oversees the management of the KSU Alert system, the University's emergency mass notification system
  • Manages the Crisis Coordinator (CC) Program and provides emergency planning guidance, training, and recordkeeping
  • Activates and manages the University's Emergency Operations Center in the event of a large-scale emergency
  • Monitors campus-wide compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) regulations and ensures required training is provided, and records maintained, for all campus responders
  • Develops, conducts, and coordinates drills and exercises including community-wide exercises, campus exercises, building drills, and departmental exercises (tabletop, functional and full-scale)
  • Coordinates the setup and activation of emergency shelters (human and animal) and Public Health emergency sites utilizing KSU facilities
  • Assesses threats and implements safeguards based on current trends and events
  • Conducts risk assessments and develops departmental and site specific emergency plans for Kennesaw locations and other KSU campus sites
  • Designs, develops, and delivers training, newsletters, and other informational brochures for students, faculty, and staff on recognizing, preparing for, and responding appropriately to natural and man-made disasters and emergencies
  • Maintains a comprehensive Web site for communicating timely information to the University community
  • Investigates, develops, and implements KSU policies and procedures related to homeland security and emergency preparedness issues
  • Coordinates campus events to highlight emergency preparedness and security awareness
  • Prepared to Serve on campus, University System, local, state, and national homeland security and emergency preparedness committees
  • Coordinates on-campus community service volunteer classes to encourage participation by faculty, staff, and students
  • Encourages a service-learning attitude among University students

 

Emergency Operations:

The Department of Strategic Security & Safety website is the official source for information regarding the University’s overall emergency operations plan and other emergency planning and mitigation services (other than information technology plans which fall under the Office of Information Security).

Emergency Operations is tasked with creating a viable emergency response capability for the University in the event of a large scale event. The types of events are both manmade and natural covering everything from tornados, ice storms, fires and hazardous materials releases. A basic emergency response plan for the campus is available.

Services Provided

  • Consultation on individual departmental emergency plans
  • Liaison with city/county and state emergency units to develop support functions on campus
  • Emergency response training and coordination of tabletop and mock drills
  • Coordination and development of the University’s emergency response
  • Production and distribution of the University’s emergency response plan

The Department of Strategic Security & Safety offers training to university departments in basic emergency preparedness, emergency procedures (based on departmental Emergency Operations Plan), and various terrorism related topics. If your department is interested in this service, please call us at 770-423-6958 or e-mail us at KSUalerts@kennesaw.edu for further information.