When it comes to campus safety, preparation is everything. That’s why each summer, the University of Utah conducts a series of unannounced fire evacuation drills across the main academic campus. These drills help build a culture of readiness.
This year’s drills, to be held in early August, are designed to test the university’s ability to respond quickly and calmly in the face of unexpected emergencies. But they also serve a broader purpose: reinforcing the university’s commitment to comprehensive emergency preparedness.
What’s the Purpose?
“These drills are more than just fire safety exercises,” says Stormy Sideria, associate director of campus Emergency Management. “They’re designed to simulate real-world emergencies where there’s no warning.”
The drills help test:
- Evacuation procedures
- Communication systems
- Emergency response team coordination
- Building-specific response plans
They also fulfill state-mandated requirements for annual fire drills, ensuring compliance while enhancing campus-wide safety awareness.
What to Expect
Unlike scheduled events, these drills are no-notice—meaning they happen without prior warning. This approach helps simulate the urgency and unpredictability of real emergencies.
Participants are expected to:
- Evacuate immediately when alarms sound
- Follow posted evacuation routes
- Assemble at designated meeting points
- Await further instructions from emergency personnel
Beyond the drill: Building a culture of preparedness
The fire drills are just one piece of a much larger preparedness plan. The university’s emergency management team offers a variety of programs and resources to help students, faculty and staff stay prepared:
- The Big 3 Protective Actions: Evacuate, Shelter-in-Place and Secure-in-Place
- The 16+12 Program: A framework for personal and departmental preparedness
- Campus Alerts: Real-time notifications for emergencies and disruptions
- Training opportunities: Including CPR, Stop the Bleed and first aid
“We want everyone to feel empowered to act in an emergency,” said Sideria. “Preparedness is personal and it starts with awareness.”
Want to get involved or learn more?
Visit the Emergency Management website to request training or explore resources.
- Review your building’s evacuation plan
- Talk with your team about your emergency roles
- Check your emergency kit—or build one if you haven’t yet
Preparedness is a mindset and with summer fire evacuation drills, the U is one step closer to ensuring that every member of our community is ready for whatever comes next.
For Health Sciences and Hospital staff
These summer drills apply only to the main academic campus. Employees in hospitals, clinics and health sciences should refer to Pulse for information about their own emergency exercises.