Missouri State University is introducing a new annual Emergency Preparedness Training for all university employees. Beginning this year, all employees are required to complete the training within 30 days of being assigned it.  The training will be opened on Monday, September 14^th.

Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. Knowing what to do before an emergency occurs can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively you respond. This training provides employees with practical information about university emergency procedures, how to report emergencies, how emergency notifications work, and the protective actions employees may need to take during an incident.

What Does the Training Cover?

The training is presented as a single video and covers several important areas of emergency preparedness, including:

• University Emergency Plans – Learn how the University’s emergency plans work and how they guide the response to incidents ranging from routine emergencies to major events.
• Reporting Emergencies – Understand when and how to contact 9-1-1, Campus Safety, and other resources.
• Emergency Notifications – Learn about Missouri State Alert, outdoor warning sirens, fire alarms, and the Bear Shield safety app.
• Protective Actions – Understand when to shelter indoors or evacuate and what to do when those actions are required.
• Natural Hazards – Review basic responses to tornadoes, fires, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies.
• Human-Caused Threats – Learn how to respond to stalking and harassment, bomb threats, suspicious packages or objects, weapons on campus, and active shooter or hostile aggressor incidents.
• Behavioral Intervention Team – Learn how to recognize and report concerning behavior and when a concern should be referred to the Behavioral Intervention Team, Campus Safety, or 9-1-1.

The training also highlights resources and training opportunities available through University Safety, including CPR/AED, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Fire Extinguisher, and Run, Hide, Fight training.

Be Prepared Before an Emergency Happens

Emergency preparedness isn’t just about knowing what to do when an alarm sounds. It’s about knowing where to find information, understanding your options, and being prepared to act before an emergency occurs.

Employees are encouraged to take a few minutes to review the resources provided with the training, download and familiarize themselves with the Bear Shield safety app, and learn the shelter and evacuation locations for the buildings they regularly use.

Taking a few minutes now to prepare can help you respond more confidently—and help keep yourself and the Missouri State community safer—when an emergency occurs.