These procedures should be read and understood. In most instances, a supervisor will be present to handle the situation, but in the rare event of an emergency occurring when you are on your own you should be aware of what to do. After such a situation, at a safe time, please telephone your supervisor to report the incident.
Campus Emergency Number: Call 511 (Office of Public Safety) or 215-573-3333 if you are using an off campus phone.
Panic Button: located directly under the desk (accessible to the right hand) at the primary circulation seat, and directly under the desk on the staff side of the circulation book drop opening, and under the desk of the full time staff member. The alarm is silent and must be pressed with two fingers, pressing two buttons simultaneously.
Flashlight and other emergency supplies
If you smell smoke or discover a fire:
If you hear a fire alarm:
Make one circuit of the library, informing library users that the fire alarm is ringing and that they must leave the library. Grab your valuables, pull the office door closed, and take the doorstop out of the front door on your way out. Do not wait for library users to evacuate; leave the library yourself.
The closest stairwell is directly outside the library and beside the elevators. There is an alarmed emergency exit in the rear of the library if the entrance to the library or the stairwell is blocked. Take the stairs all the way outside, and remove to a safe distance from the building. Wait until building or fire officials tell everyone that it is safe to return. If your shift ends before people are permitted to return to the building, you may leave.
There is a fire door between the Class of 73 and Vagelos sections of the building. If you cannot evacuate using either set of stairs but can get to Vagelos, please do so. Library users who cannot walk down the stairs should attempt to get into the Vagelos section of the building.
If your shift begins while a fire alarm is underway, remain a safe distance from the building and wait for building officials to tell you that it is safe to enter the building. When you get to the library, open and prop the front door, unlock the office door, and begin your shift. If the person ahead of you did not log off Alma, please log them out and log yourself on.
In the event of an active shooter situation:
i. Your only responsibility is to keep yourself safe.
ii. It is possible to lock the library door using the front-door key. If you must stay in place and are able to safely lock the door, you may do so. REMEMBER THAT YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST!
In the event of a shelter-in-place situation:
i. Your only responsibility is to keep yourself safe.
ii. The library is the shelter-in-place location for the Chemistry Complex, so, you’re golden! Stay in place until you are told that it is safe to leave.
e.g. floods, leaks
During the week, notify your supervisor, who will contact the appropriate parties. On evenings or weekends you will need to contact Rico Vargas, Senior Building Administrator, at 8-8407. Please also call Judith at her home number (see contacts list).
The first priority is to protect the materials. Either cover or move the materials. There are sheets of plastic stored in the grey storage tote under the circulation desk. These can be draped over the stacks to temporarily protect materials.
For information about weather or other University-wide emergencies
Go to https://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/pennready/ or call the University's emergency phone line at 8-MELT (215-898-MELT from off campus) and listening to the most current emergency message.
Please watch the accompanying video (bottom of the page) for more information from Penn DPS on Evacuate, Shelter-in-place, or Lockdown procedures.
e.g. floods, leaks
During the week, notify your supervisor, who will contact the appropriate parties. On evenings or weekends you will need to contact James Trumbo, Building Manager, at 6-3526. Please also call Lauren at her home number (see contacts list).
If your safety is not at risk, the first priority is to protect the materials. Either cover or move the materials. There are sheets of plastic stored in the grey storage tote in the Copier Room. These can be draped over the stacks to temporarily protect materials.
If you notice a suspicious package or object:
For more information on assessing and responding to suspicious objects, please read this DPS bulletin.
If upon opening a letter or package you come in contact with a suspicious substance:
If you receive a suspicious or threating phone call:
e.g. floods, leaks
During the week, notify your supervisor, who will contact the appropriate parties. On evenings or weekends you will need to contact James Trumbo, Building Manager, at 6-3526. Please also call Lauren at her home number (see contacts list).
If your safety is not at risk, the first priority is to protect the materials. Either cover or move the materials. There are sheets of plastic stored in the grey storage tote in the Copier Room. These can be draped over the stacks to temporarily protect materials.
