The start of each semester at Georgia Institute of Technology brings not only new faces to campus but also a renewed focus on emergency preparedness. The Georgia Tech Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for issuing alerts, policies, and protocols to help keep the campus community informed and safe.
One key tool is the Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS), which provides immediate information to students, faculty, and staff. All members are automatically enrolled in email alerts, with options to receive notifications via text or phone call by opting in through passport.gatech.edu. GTENS sends two main types of messages:
GTENS Emergency! alerts signal an imminent threat such as natural disasters or an active shooter. “These are the most prominent alerts we send out,” OEM Director William Smith said. An initial alert will instruct community members to shelter in place or evacuate if necessary, followed by continuous updates until the situation is resolved. A “GTENS All Clear” notification marks the end of the emergency.
GTENS Inform messages do not require immediate action but notify the community that a situation on or near campus is being monitored by authorities. These were introduced in 2023 to provide unified communication from OEM and the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD). If a monitored situation escalates into a threat, a GTENS Emergency! alert will be issued.
Clery Act Safety Alerts are sent by GTPD when certain crimes occur on or around campus and suspects have not been apprehended. These notifications aim to keep the community aware so individuals can take precautions against incidents like robberies or assaults.
Parents and guardians can also opt in to GTENS alerts by texting GTPARENT to 67283.
OEM focuses much of its work on preparedness and planning with campus partners so they can respond quickly during emergencies. The office collaborates with building managers across all 236 campus buildings to create tailored emergency response plans—known as redbooks—which detail procedures for sheltering, evacuation, first responder access, and any special considerations such as lab biohazards. Employees can view these plans using their Georgia Tech login; students may request access through building managers.
General emergency guidance and reporting procedures are available through resources like the LiveSafe App, which offers quick access to policies, maps, health services, and direct communication channels with GTPD—including anonymous tips via photo, video, audio, or text message.
In cases of severe weather or other disruptions affecting operations, GTENS Inform messages may announce shifts to modified operations or digital learning days. Modified operations refer to temporary changes in teaching, research, or business activities due to threats or emergencies; this can include suspending both in-person and online instruction if necessary. Digital learning days allow courses typically taught face-to-face to continue online when needed.
When forecasts indicate possible weather impacts on campus operations, OEM begins sending situational awareness emails tailored for specific units based on National Weather Service data. This information supports executive leadership decisions about operational changes.
Continuity planning is another central function for OEM. During incidents such as the chilled water outage in 2024 that disrupted campus life, OEM worked closely with affected units to minimize interruptions through effective communication established before emergencies occurred.
Laura Gustavson serves as assistant director for OEM and helps develop continuity of operation (COOP) plans with all 136 campus units so they can respond rapidly when needed. She noted: “The relationship building that happened before the outage was critical during that specific incident because when those phone calls started happening, we were not introducing ourselves.”
COOP training sessions simulate scenarios for unit teams so they can practice coordinated responses.
The current OEM team includes Smith—a Marine Corps veteran and 2001 graduate—alongside Gustavson and coordinator Gabbie Masinko. Each member has different responsibilities but shares a commitment to safety at Georgia Tech.
Smith reflected on his career path: “I knew this type of service is in my DNA.” He credits family influences from meteorology and utility work for shaping his approach.
Gustavson’s interest began after visiting her hometown’s EMA office; Masinko transitioned from broadcast meteorology in Louisiana before joining Georgia Tech’s emergency management efforts.
The team regularly reviews past emergencies locally and globally seeking ways to improve future responses because—as Smith puts it—“You’re always a phone call or a text away from dropping everything” when action is required.
