The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) describes an emergency as "any unplanned event that can cause deaths or significant injuries to employees, customers or the public; or that can shut down your business, disrupt operation, cause physical or environmental damage, or threaten the facility's financial standing or public image." Obviously numerous events can be "emergencies".

We at Minneapolis Community and Technical College believe that all students, guests, employees and the public are entitled to a safe and secure environment in which to learn and work. We can help achieve that goal by having a clear, positive expectation of our students, employees and customers and by having a clear Emergency Operations Plan in the event of an emergency.
Tornadoes, Blizzards, and other natural disasters can affect the Minneapolis Community and Technical College campuses. In addition, major disasters such as explosions, accidental releases of Hazardous materials and national security emergencies pose potential threat to public health and safety of the students and employees.
 
Minneapolis Community and Technical College needs an Emergency Operations Plan for the following reasons:

• To prepare prior to an emergencies occurring.
• To protect life, property and in some cases the environment,

   from the effects of emergency events.
• To continue/resume operations as soon as possible

Major importance for successful implementation of a all hazards plan,  is developing an organizational culture that believes successful emergency preparedness, Crisis Intervention and Continuity of Operations plan implementation is critically dependent on information sharing, consistent, timely, and open communication between all affected parties.