Summary of Emergency Evacuation Procedures

An evacuation drill is coordinated by WU Department of University Safety during Spring/Fall semesters for designated Wilmington University Campuses. Thus, the emergency response and evacuation procedures are tested multiple times each year and with an annual Emergency Response and Evacuation Exercise scheduled at least once a year. Students learn the locations of the emergency exits in the buildings and are provided guidance about the direction they should travel when exiting each facility for a short-term building evacuation. WU Department of University Safety does advise students, faculty & staff in advance about the designated staging locations however, for long-term evacuations designated staging locations can be affected by time of day, location of the building being evacuated, the availability of the various designated emergency gathering locations on campus, and other factors such as the location and nature of the threat. In both cases, the WU Department of University Safety, faculty and staff on the scene will communicate information to students regarding the developing situation or any evacuation status changes.

The purpose of evacuation drills is to prepare building occupants for an organized evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency. Wilmington University evacuation drills are used as a way to educate and train occupants on fire safety issues specific to their building. During the drill, occupants ‘practice’ drill procedures and familiarize themselves with the location of exits and sound of the fire alarm. Emergency Operations Procedures Booklets provide information that is critical to various crises located in all buildings and classrooms at all WU Campuses. In addition to educating the occupants of each building about the evacuation procedures during the drills, the process also provides the University with an opportunity to test the operation of fire alarm system components.

Evacuation drills are monitored by WU Department of University Safety, Allied Barton and International Contract Security and evaluate egress and behavioral patterns. After Action Reports are prepared by WU Department of University Safety that identify procedural issues and deficient equipment so that repairs can be made immediately. Recommendations for improvements are also submitted to the appropriate department for consideration.

Students receive information about evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures during their “First Year Experience” Classes, orientations, and during other educational sessions that they can participate in throughout the year.


Shelter-in-Place Procedures


What it Means to “Shelter-in-Place”
If an incident occurs and the buildings or areas around you become unstable, or if the environment outdoors becomes dangerous due to toxic or irritating substances, it is usually safer to stay indoors, because leaving the area may expose you to that danger. Thus, to “shelter-in-place” means to make a shelter of the building that you are in, and with a few adjustments this location can be made safer and more comfortable until it is safe to go outside.

Basic “Shelter-in-Place” Guidance
If an incident occurs and the building you are in is not damaged, stay inside in an interior room until you are told it is safe to come out. If your building is damaged, take your personal belongings and follow the evacuation procedures for your building (close your door, proceed to the nearest exit, and use the stairs instead of the elevators). Once you have evacuated, seek shelter at the nearest University building quickly. If police or fire department personnel are on the scene, follow their directions.

How You Will Know to “Shelter-in-Place”
A shelter-in-place notification will come from the Department of University Safety, Emergency Response Team, or other authorities utilizing the University’s emergency communications tools.

How to “Shelter-in-Place”
No matter where you are, the basic steps of shelter-in-place will generally remain the same. Should the need ever arise, follow these steps, unless instructed otherwise by local emergency personnel:

  1. If you are inside, stay where you are. If you are outdoors, proceed into the closest building quickly or follow instructions from emergency personnel on the scene.
  2. Locate a room to shelter inside. If possible it should be:
    - An interior room;
    - Above ground level; and
    - Without windows or with the least number of windows. If there is a large group of people inside a particular building, several rooms maybe necessary.
  3. Shut and lock all windows (tighter seal) and close exterior doors.
  4. Turn off air conditioners, heaters, and fans (if applicable).
  5. Close vents to ventilation systems if you are able. (University staff or First Responders will turn off the ventilation as quickly as possible).
  6. An instructor or student should make a list of the people with you and where you are located. Ask someone to call the list in to the University Information Center or other designated location.
  7. Make yourself comfortable and stand by for help and information.