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Evacuation Procedures

Building Evacuation

Continuous sounding of the fire alarm is the signal for immediate evacuation from the building. A fire alarm is the primary means of notification within the building. However, other emergency notification devices could be utilized by Public Safety such as Alertus and CapAlert.

In advance

Become familiar with the building and routes of emergency exit. Locate a primary route to exit and two alternate routes in the event a planned exit is blocked. Be familiar with the number of floors and the proximity of stairwells to the outside exits. These routes can be located on each floor of every building indicating emergency evacuation routes.

Upon hearing the fire alarm or when public safety sends an emergency notification to evacuate

  1. Stop whatever you are doing, if it is safe to do so gather your valuables, and immediately evacuate the building.
  2. Walk, do not run, to the primary or alternate route, or as directed by an official. Close but do not lock doors behind you.
  3. Use stairs. Do not use elevators. If power fails, persons inside elevators will become trapped.
  4. Once outside the building, reassemble as directed by an official. (The type of emergency will determine the appropriate location to reassemble).
  5. Individuals needing assistance are to wait at the nearest stairwell, where fire department personnel will be directed.
  6. Report to your supervisor, professor, Residence Life representative or Public Safety officers. If someone cannot be accounted for, notify Public Safety, fire department personnel or the designated university official. This is particularly important for a person who has restricted mobility.

Campus Evacuation

Evacuation of all or part of the campus grounds will be announced by Department of Public Safety in consultation with the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT).

  • Department of Public Safety will coordinate with the on-scene incident commander (the public official overseeing the event from the following: Bexley Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff, Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross). If evacuation requires an overnight situation, alternate housing will be arranged.
  • University vehicles may be utilized for evacuation including motor pool vans, fleet vehicles and physical plant vehicles. Since approximately 1,200 students have vehicles, personal vehicles may be needed for transportation.
  • Evacuees should be moved to a staging area, where a headcount and accounting for all building occupants will take place. Staging areas would be determined by Public Safety, Residence Life or CIRT.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by an authorized official.