Parent & Family Orientation

Develop a safety plan with your student. In the event of an emergency, it will be critical to have a plan in place so you and your student are operating from the same set of expectations.

Work together to develop a list of emergency contacts and supports your student can call upon and utilize in case they are needed. Include at least one contact outside of the direct family in case the family cannot be reached. Additional information can be found on the university’s Emergency Preparedness website.

What should parents do in case of an emergency?

Your family should plan together so everyone feels prepared and confident about how to respond in the event of a family emergency, health crisis, or other significant issues. Take time to review the Emergency Information for Parents and Family and other related information with your student. Make sure everyone understands what to do, where to get information, and any expectations you may have about how and when to contact you in the event of an emergency.

Here are a few points to discuss:

• What are the expectations for sharing travel plans during breaks/on weekends?
• If there is a crisis at home, what will the expectations be about communications, travel, and support?
• What if I get sick or injured at school?

Develop a Communication Plan
Be sure you and your students have a plan in place for regular and emergency communications. Try to develop one plan that will work in a variety of emergencies, and review it regularly.

Prepare Emergency Contact Information
Follow these major points:

• Make sure you and your student have exchanged all contact phone numbers, as well as email and physical address information (home, work, mobile, etc.).
• Be sure to have an alternative communication method in the event cell service is not available.
• Keep printed copies of this information handy in the event electronic copies are not accessible.
• Consider arranging for an alternative contact person in case you cannot reach one another, and prepare that person to be an emergency contact.

Keep Insurance Information Accessible
Students should know their insurance information and keep a copy of their insurance card at all times.

Review Emergency Procedures
Regularly review your family’s emergency plan together. Review the resources available at emergency.appstate.edu.

App State's Emergency Messaging System

AppState-ALERT is App State’s 24/7 emergency messaging system. The system uses a combination of alert methods, such as text messaging and an outdoor siren system, to provide Appalachian students, faculty, and staff with timely information in the event of a campus emergency.

In the event of a credible threat, emergency alerts will be sent to students, faculty, and staff via the AppState-ALERT system. A credible threat is defined as an emergency or dangerous situation presenting an immediate threat to the health and safety of the App State campus.

AppState-ALERT is not used to notify parents, family members, or anyone off-campus of an emergency. The latest emergency information and updates are posted to appstatealert.com.

The best course of action students, parents, and family members can take is to plan together for the event of an emergency before one happens. In the event of a campus emergency, follow the communication plan you have established with your student.

To learn more about AppState-ALERT, visit emergency.appstate.edu.