Emergency Procedures

Fires and Explosions

• Employees should activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
• Close doors behind you (DO NOT LOCK) as you exit the building, using the closest safe exit. Inform others to do the same.
• Evacuate to a safe area at least 500 feet from the building out of the route of responding emergency vehicles, and upwind from the site.
• Do not use elevators.
• Call 911.
• Report any trapped or handicapped persons needing assistance. 
• Do not re-enter the building until Police declare it safe for reoccupation.

Secure in Place Event

A secure in place event is used to isolate persons from a danger and involves locking a building and barring admission to outsiders.  

• If you hear gunfire, immediately seek refuge, preferably in an area that can be locked from the inside.
• Lock, wedge, or barricade doors.
• Turn off lights. Remain still and quiet. Do not answer the door.
• If it is safe to do so, use any available phone to call 911.
• Monitor your surroundings.
• Wait for Police to assist you out of the building.
• Use your cell phone for receipt of text messages updating instructions and information.
• Should you be confronted by the shooter(s)
• YOU must decide on your action:
  • If you hide, minimize all movement.
  • If you run, zigzag as you move.
  • When you exit a building, run as fast as you can to safety with your hands in clear view.

• Be aware that you might be perceived as an attacker by responding law enforcement personnel. Do not make furtive or sudden moves when confronted by a responder.

Bomb Threats

Any person receiving a bomb threat should keep the caller on the line as long as possible, ask them to repeat the message, and record every word that is spoken.

• If conditions permit, the person receiving the call should ask:
  • When is the bomb going to explode?
  • Where is it right now?
  • What does it look like?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What will cause it to explode?
  • Why did the caller place the bomb?
  • What is your address?
  • What is your name?

• Inform the caller that the building is occupied and that the detonation of a bomb could result in death or serious injury to many innocent people.
• Other things to be noted:
  • Time of the call
  • Age and/or gender of the caller— child/juvenile/adult
  • Voice quality
  • Emotional condition
  • Background noises:  vehicles, voices, music etc.
  • Immediately call Police to report the incident.
• Take notice of anything unusual in the area. Do not touch any item. Report it as soon as possible.
• Campus Administration will determine whether evacuation of the building is necessary.
• If an emergency exists, activate the building alarm and walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and move at least 500 feet away and out of the route of emergency vehicles.
• DO NOT RE-ENTER the building until Police declare it safe.

Medical Emergencies

• Call 911 and report the emergency. 
• Ask someone else to call Police to report the emergency and direct emergency responders.
• Unless trained, do not attempt to render first aid before assistance arrives.
• Unless the environment becomes unsafe, or the injury becomes life-threatening, do not move a person who has fallen or appears to be in pain. Keep the person stable, in a comfortable position, and covered if necessary.

AED Use

• If you are trained in use of an AED, ensure that the 911 system is notified.
• Appoint persons to guide the emergency responders to your location.
• Make sure that the scene is safe and the victim can be approached safely.
• Open the AED case and follow the instructions.

Psychological Crisis

A psychological crisis may exist when a person is threatening harm to themselves or others, or appears to be out of touch with reality.

If a psychological crisis occurs:

• Never try to handle on your own a situation you feel is dangerous.
• Notify Police at 610-892-1496.
• In extreme emergencies call 911.

Utility Failure

If a major utility failure occurs during regular business hours, immediately contact Physical Plant. If voicemail is reached, contact Police.

• If an emergency exists, call 911. Activate building alarm if evacuation is needed.
• Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet from building. DO NOT RE-ENTER until emergency responders declare it safe.

Hazardous Material Spill

• Evacuate personnel from the spill area and alert all people in the vicinity of the spill.
• Call 911 from a safe location. Be specific about the nature and location of the spilled material, if known.
• Isolate the spill area and close doors to the room, if it is safe to do so.
• Do not re-enter the area until Police declare it safe for reoccupation.

Emergency Communications

Penn State Brandywine has a variety of emergency communication methods available which will be used during an emergency. These include:

• Penn State Brandywine website (www.bw.psu.edu)
• Outside media announcements
• Text, email, and voice alert messages (https://psualert.psu.edu)

Media Inquiries

Do not attempt to answer media questions about campus emergencies either in person or by phone. Refer news media to the Public Information office: 610-892-1254.