Emergency Response and Evacuation

The UTRGV Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) is committed to openly engaging the university community in preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation of emergencies through an all-hazards approach. OEP’s highest priority is to help provide a safe and secure environment for UTRGV students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Office of Emergency Preparedness works cooperatively with all members of the UTRGV community, University of Texas System, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Cameron County and Hidalgo County Emergency Management, City of Brownsville Office of Emergency Management and City of Edinburg Fire Department to achieve this objective.  

In accordance with the HEOA, UTRGV has developed a policy statement that outlines Emergency Response and Emergency Notifications utilized to immediately notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation.  

In most cases, evacuations apply only to buildings immediately affected. In some cases, the evacuation could apply to the entire campus.  Some potential causes for emergency evacuations may include but are not limited to a major fire or explosion, hazardous materials release, structural failure, bomb threat, chemical/biological/radiological spill. Evacuations are typically prompted by continually sounding fire alarms or by an official announcement through UTRGV’s emergency notification system and are advised not to re-enter the building until the all-clear is given by either UTRGV PD or by an official announcement via UTRGV’s emergency notification system.   

For more information, visit the UTRGV Office of Emergency Preparedness website at www.utrgv.edu/emergencypreparedness/