Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of Georgetown University’s Office of Emergency Management?

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides the structure to guide Georgetown University and its various stakeholders in preparing for, preventing, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters.

What are the best ways to reach the Office of Emergency Management (OEM)?

The OEM is located on the 2nd floor of 1236 36th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00 pm. OEM can be contacted at emergencymanagement@georgetown.edu or by calling (202) 687-8234 during business hours. For more information, please visit our contact information page.

How are students alerted of an emergency?

In an event of an emergency, Georgetown University’s students, faculty, and staff will be alerted by text message and e-mail via its Emergency Notification System, HOYAlert. It is important for Georgetown University’s members to familiarize with this notification system as it is one of the university’s main form of communication.  All current students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled in HOYAlert. For more information, please visit our HOYAlert page.

What is the best way to stay informed during an emergency?

Students, faculty, and staff will be updated via HOYAlert when information is available. It is important for students, faculty, and staff to keep their information up to date. If you would like to update your information please visit our HOYAlert page.

Can parents be opted into Georgetown University notification system?

Students can choose to opt parents into HOYAlert on their student account by registering their parents’ email.

What should you do if you have received a HOYAlert?

Upon receiving a HOYAlert, students, faculty, and staff are suggested to follow the guidelines within the alert. Updates will be sent when available and an all clear signal will be given when the incident has been managed. 

Will I be informed of school closure due to inclement weather?

During inclement weather, Georgetown University will alert all members of its community, including GU’s Main Campus, SCS campus, Law campus, and Medical Center, of any changes in the university’s operating status via HOYAlert. For more information on how to prepare for inclement weather and Georgetown University’s operating statuses please visit our page on preparing for inclement weather.

What is LiveSafe?

LiveSafe is a mobile safety app for Georgetown University’ students, faculty, and staff. The LiveSafe app allows members to submit tips to GUPD, offers Safewalk features, Talk or Chat options with GUPD, and offer Instant Emergency Connections to 911 or campus police. For more information please visit the UIS LiveSafe app page.

What does Shelter-in-Place mean?

Shelter-in-Place (SIP) is crucial in minimizing members exposure to various hazards. Shelter-in-Place means to move into the nearest building, into an interior room or hallway, away from exterior windows. If there is danger of flying debris, get low and use your forearms and hands to cover your head. Members should remain sheltered-in-place until they have received an “all clear” signal.

What is the Building Emergency Coordinator Program?

Building Emergency Coordinators (BECs) serve as central conduits for disseminating emergency preparedness-related information to building occupants during the course of their day-to-day work, and assist building occupants during emergencies by providing guidance and serving in a supporting capacity to emergency personnel as subject matter experts on the occupancy and use of their building.”

For more information on the BEC program, contact the Office of Emergency Management.

Where can I find information about Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) ?

https://emergencymanagement.georgetown.edu/aed/