Emergency Preparedness

This page is specifically designed to provide you with a few of the most important things that you may do to prepare for emergencies. Please also familiarize yourself with the resources available throughout this site.

1. Make sure that your student is registered for the AppState-ALERT system. Only students, faculty, and staff are eligible for the AppState-ALERT emergency voice and text notification system.
2. Create a plan to get in contact with your student after an emergency. Resources like the American Red Cross' Safe and Well List provide a web resource for making contact during or after an emergency when phone service may not be available. Since phone service may be unavailable, the University recommends that you identify at least two methods for contacting your student after an emergency to see if he or she is safe and well. Campus may not be accessible during or after emergency so it is a good idea to make plans as though you will not be able to access campus.
3. Learn about the University's emergency plans, the Boone area, and ask questions. The major emergency plans are available on this site. Maps of the University are available for download. You can find more information on the Town of Boone's website. Finally, if you need more information, please contact the University's Office of Parent and Family Services or Office of Emergency Plans and Operations.
4. Learn about other personal safety programs on the App State campus. The Appalachian Police Department (APD) is responsible for protecting life and property on campus 24/7. Officers patrol by car, by foot, and by bike and have complete authority to apprehend and arrest anyone who violates North Carolina State Law on campus. They provide many servicesincluding:
   • Bicycle Registration - all bicycle riders are encouraged to register their bicycles as a deterrent to crime and to promote safety.
   • Blue Light Emergency Phones - there are over 65 Emergency Blue Light Telephones located across the campus. These phones only require one button to be pushed and the call will ring directly to University Police and automatically identify the caller's location so assistance can be sent quickly.
   • Mountaineer Safe Walk – The Appalachian Police Department operates a campus escort service, Mountaineer Safe Walk, to provide a safety escort service for students during the evening hours who may feel uncomfortable walking alone after dark. Students who need a safety escort to or from any campus owned building or parking lot can call 828-262-7433 seven days per week, excluding university holidays and both summer sessions.
5. Make sure that you prepare yourself for emergencies. Although you do not live on campus or in the Boone area, you are an important member of the App State family. Visit www.readync.org for personal emergency preparedness tips.

1. When an emergency occurs on campus, visit www.appstatealert.com for official updates from the University. Go ahead and bookmark this site in your internet browser. The University is the official source for crisis communications during an incident.
2. Do not drive to campus unless you are told that it is safe to do so. The University's emergency operations center (EOC) will coordinate with the division of student development during an emergency to provide a resource for parents and family to recieve information updates as soon as possible.
3. Think positively. Although cell phones may be down and the campus is inaccessible during an emergency, Appalachian State University is committed to the safety and security of your student. University officials will work diligently with emergency responders and the community to immediately respond to any emergency or disaster.
4. Volunteer...if it is needed. If a major disaster, such as flooding or a winter storm, affects the Univeristy, you may be able to volunteer at a shelter or reception center. During these types of events, the University will request volunteers through this Web site and local media.

Thank you for taking an active role in your student's and App State's safety and security. Please browse this entire site to learn more about App State's emergency plans. You are always welcome to contact us with questions, comments, and ideas.