Emergency Response Framework

The Emergency Response Framework (ERF) is the tailored Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) for UC Santa Cruz, crafted for the university’s distinct environment. It is designed to be consistent with FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS) and encourages collaborative efforts among different agencies. This framework provides a clear structure for managing crises by defining roles, responsibilities, procedures, and coordination strategies that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response efforts. These protocols apply to all additional campus sites, including Coastal Science, SVC, Lick Observatory, Big Creek Reserve, MBEST, UNEX, and Westside Research Park.

The ERF is in line with emergency planning standards across federal, state, and local levels, strengthening the university’s capacity to respond autonomously while working alongside external agencies.

Its primary goals are to:

• Protect lives, property, and vital resources during emergencies.
• Facilitate recovery efforts and enhance long-term mitigation strategies.
• Ensure coordinated responses among UCSC departments and local partners.

The plan is accessible by clicking on the image provided below, which will open in a new tab.