Denton, Texas, Feb. 19, 2009 – The University of North Texas unveiled its Emergency Operations Center, a hands-on learning lab that will allow students and community organizations to practice responding to large-scale disasters, with an open house on Feb. 18 (Wednesday). The state-of-the-art facility was made possible by support from local facilities maintenance supply distributor Grainger and Situational Readiness solution provider NC4.
“We appreciate Grainger and NC4 stepping up to help us create this new learning facility,” said Dr. James Kendra, coordinator of UNT’s Emergency Administration and Planning Program. “The lab will allow our students to practice making real-time emergency management decisions, and help faculty members further their research in disaster response and recovery.”
The Grainger Foundation, based upon a recommendation from the local Grainger branch managers in Farmers Branch and Carrollton, donated $30,000 to equip the lab with computers and LED signs. NC4 provided tools, including a notification service and a software application, which will allow students to be more aware and more effective in emergency situations.
Students enrolled in UNT’s classes in emergency management, hurricane preparedness, and disaster response will use the Emergency Operations Center lab to simulate responding to high-stress emergencies. The facility will also serve as a resource for local community organizations.
“Grainger is proud to partner with UNT as part of our ongoing commitment to emergency preparedness in Texas,” said Christi CdeBaca, branch manager at Grainger’s Farmers Branch location. “As our community was reminded during last year’s devastating hurricane season, it takes all types of businesses and institutions working together to help our community prepare and respond to a disaster.”
Established in 1983, the UNT Emergency Administration and Planning Program was the first in the nation to offer an undergraduate degree in emergency management. The program attracts students from around the world and its graduates have gone on to careers with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Red Cross National Headquarters and the State of Texas Division of Emergency Management. More than 200 students are currently enrolled in the degree program.
A presentation explains the value of emergency operations centers during the Feb. 18 open house.
About UNT
The University of North Texas is a student-centered public research university and the flagship of the UNT System. One of Texas' largest universities, UNT offers 99 bachelor's, 104 master's and 49 doctoral degree programs, many nationally and internationally recognized. UNT is the choice of nearly 35,000 students. Discover the power of ideas.
About Grainger
Grainger has been part of the Texas business community for more than 75 years and currently operates more than 11 locations throughout the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. Given Grainger's product mix and distribution capabilities, the company is a natural leader in disaster preparedness and response. Partnering with the American Red Cross, Grainger is the National Founding Sponsor of the Ready When the Time Comes program which engages corporations in providing trained disaster relief volunteers who are ready to respond quickly in the wake of a local or national disaster.
About NC4
NC4 delivers Situational Readiness solutions that empower government and businesses with accurate, timely and secure information to manage uncertainty. NC4’s External Situational Awareness (ESA) service alerts members of events and incidents that may impact business operations. Drawing on its partnerships with government and law enforcement agencies, NC4’s Incident Monitoring Centers (NIMCs) track global events 24x7, providing early, real-time notifications. NC4’s Situational Response offering, E Team, is a robust platform for effective incident management and reporting. It allows cross-jurisdictional information sharing, empowering emergency management personnel with a common operating picture. To learn more about NC4, visit www.nc4.us.
For more information about the University of North Texas contact Alyssa Aber at (940) 565-3510 or (817) 267-0651 or at alyssa.aber@unt.edu.