Skip to Main Content Skip navigation

Policies of the University Library

This guide serves as a repository for the policies created by the library faculty and staff pertaining to the University Library (not the Law Library).

Fire Alarms

Overview: This policy exists to ensure the safety of Library users and staff whenever the fire alarm is sounded. 

 

Contents:

A. Definitions

B. Policy Statement

C. Process/Procedure

D. Contact Information

A. Definitions.

Fire Alarm: the signal given on the breaking out of a fire as well as the apparatus for giving such a signal. It also refers to the signal given during a fire drill.

 

B.   Policy.

B-1. Introduction.

The fire alarm system exists to provide building occupants with an early warning to allow for a safe exit of the building during an emergency situation.

B-2. Responsibilities.

    • Library staff and users should know the locations of all emergency exits in the building. Fire evacuation route maps are posted throughout the Library building.
    • When the fire alarm sounds, Library staff will help users locate the nearest emergency exit. Campus Security will do a sweep of the building to ensure that no one remains inside. 
    • Campus Security will help users requiring assistance exiting the building.
    • All Library staff and users are expected to quickly evacuate the building when the fire alarm sounds, whether or not there is an actual emergency (e.g., planned fire drills). Failure to evacuate the building may result in sanctions.

C.   Process/Procedure.

  • Never ignore or assume the alarm is false or the result of a test. 
  • Everyone must evacuate the building by way of the safest and closest exit and/or stairway.
  • Never use an elevator to exit during a fire alarm activation.
  • Once outside the building, move as far away from the building as possible. Assemble on the plaza in front of the Library or along the sidewalk connecting the Library with the Administration building.
  • The parking lot behind the building is where the firefighters and fire trucks will be operating. Do not obstruct their access to the building.
  • If there is an incident occurring on the upper floors and glass is being blown out of the windows, the area below is the hazard zone where serious personal injuries will happen. Do not remain in or near the hazard zone.
  • Once outside, never re-enter the building until you are told to do so by Campus Police.

 

D. Contact Information.

Assistant to the Dean – 757-352-4185

Head of Access Services – 757-352-4152

This policy was reviewed and approved by the university librarians on May 28th, 2013.

Events Policy in PDF