Evacuation Procedures: Fires, Bomb Threats, and Chemical Spills
Fires
Be aware of the location of fire alarms, evacuation routes and fire extinguishers. Always treat a fire alarm activation as though the threat of fire is real.
If you observe a fire or smell smoke inside a building, activate the building fire alarm system and evacuate the building. Once outside, contact Public Safety at 610-436-3311.
If the fire is confined and you know how to use a fire extinguisher, attempt to extinguish the fire. If it is not extinguished within 30 seconds, stop and evacuate the building.
When evacuating close all doors, but do not lock them. Smoke is the greatest danger so consider staying close to the floor where the air will be less toxic. If you become trapped, go to the nearest window and hang a piece of clothing from it as a marker for firefighting personnel. If there is no window, stay as close to the floor as possible.
Learn more about fire safety training and policies
Bomb Threats
If you observe a potential bomb or other suspicious object, do not attempt to handle or move it yourself. Clear the area immediately and then contact Public Safety at 610-436-3311. Evacuation should be a minimum of 500 feet from the building. Do not return to the effected building until authorized to do so by Public Safety.
DO NOT use the fire alarm system to evacuate the building. Building Administrators along with Public Safety should calmly go from room to room and announce the evacuation and assist those with special needs.
Anyone receiving threats by telephone should attempt to obtain as much information as possible from the caller. Use the Bomb Threat Checklist as a guide and record the answers received for use by Public Safety when they investigate the threat. Those who are familiar with the building may be asked to assist Public Safety with identifying items that are out of place or unusual.
Anyone receiving threats by mail should contact Public Safety immediately and not handle the envelope or container any more than necessary.
Chemical Spill or Release
In areas where chemicals are used regularly, procedures for the clean-up of spilled or released materials are in place and the appropriate products to conduct cleanup operations are readily available.
If a chemical spill or release is discovered and the chemical is unknown, evacuate the area immediately and then contact Public Safety at 610-436-3311.