Emergencies in Buildings

Building evacuations

You may be required to evacuate a building during certain emergency situations. If you're in a building that is being evacuated, follow these steps:

• Remain calm.
• Take essentials only as time permits.
• Close all doors behind you as you leave. 
• Proceed to the nearest stairwell and form a line to the right (emergency personnel may need to use the stairwell and will pass you on your left).
• DO NOT use the elevators.
• Be aware of people with disabilities in your area who may need assistance — notify emergency personnel.
• Once outside, move clear of the building by at least 500 feet, allowing others to exit.
• DO NOT return to the evacuated building until you are given clearance by emergency personnel. "All clear" alerts will be sent when the situation is resolved.

Fire safety

For the safety of all members of our community, Bucknell has developed the following safety regulations and advice concerning fires in residence halls, off-campus residences and offices. Please review and follow these procedures in the event of a fire or fire-related alert.

Dial 911 to report a fire. Whenever a fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately and calmly.

Review fire safety guidance

Shelter in place

You may need to shelter in place in the event of an active shooter, tornado or other sudden severe weather event, when chemical, biological or radiological contaminants are released into the environment or when safe evacuation is generally not possible. Information and updates will be provided through the Bucknell alert system. 

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:

• If you are inside, stay where you are. Collect any emergency shelter-in-place supplies and a telephone to be used in case of emergency. If you are outdoors, proceed into the closest building quickly or follow instructions from emergency personnel on the scene. 
• Locate a room to shelter inside. 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.
• Shut and lock all windows (tighter seal) and close exterior doors. 
• Turn off air conditioners, heaters, and fans. Close vents to ventilation systems as you are able. (University staff will turn off the ventilation as quickly as possible.) 
• Make a list of the people with you and ask someone (hall staff, faculty, or other staff) to call BUPD with the list so they know where you are sheltering. If only students are present, one of the students should call in the list. 
• Turn on a radio or TV and listen for further instructions. 
• Make yourself comfortable.  

 Building evacuations will occur when an alarm sounds continuously and/or through notification by emergency personnel.

Utility outage

Information about utility outages will be provided through the Bucknell alert system. If you are in a building that is impacted by a utility outage, please follow these instructions:

• Remain calm.
• Call Facilities at 570-577-1911 (x71911) during weekday hours (7:00 a.m. — 4 p.m.). Call Public Safety at 570-577-1111 (x71111) on weekdays after 4 p.m. and on weekends. 
• Provide assistance to others in your immediate area who may be unfamiliar with the building.
• Stay clear of downed power lines.
• Turn off equipment such as computers and monitors to avoid potential damage once power is restored.
• If you are in a dark area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.
• Exit non-residential campus buildings in the event of a power outage, as emergency lighting is only active for a short window of time.
• If you are on an elevator, stay calm. Use the emergency button or telephone to alert authorities. DO NOT attempt to open the elevator car door or in any way shake or force the car to move unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.
• DO NOT attempt to correct the problem.
• DO NOT enter mechanical or electrical rooms under any circumstances.