Changes have been made to Drake’s emergency response procedures regarding building evacuations. Previous emergency response procedures for evacuating buildings required all individuals to gather at a predetermined rally point upon exiting their buildings. Due to recent events, a policy change has been made and the procedures now state that you should attempt to notify a building representative upon exiting a building. If you are unsure of whom to notify, contact Drake Public Safety. The overriding principal is that all building occupants are accounted for during an emergency. The evacuation procedures are outlined below; number six reflects the new change.

1. Upon notification to evacuate the building (i.e., an alarm notification) all occupants should immediately stop what they are doing and head toward the nearest exit.
2. While exiting the building, take note of any hazards or remaining occupants.
3. If requested, assist others who need directions or other assistance. If individuals need physical assistance exiting a building, put a plan in place to assist those individuals.
4. Take with you only essential personal items (wallet, keys, etc.).
5. If you are the last person to leave a room during a fire emergency, shut the door behind you. Closing doors can help slow the spread of a fire.
6. Upon exiting, you should attempt to notify a building representative. If you are unsure of whom to notify, contact Drake Public Safety. The important thing is that all occupants are accounted for.
7. Individuals should never reenter a building until given clearance by the proper authorities.

As a valuable member of the Drake community, we do not want anyone to be placed in more danger, and a predetermined central gathering point may do that. Instead, once you have evacuated, get to a safe location. Each department or area should have a central contact that individuals can call or text. Text is preferred; that way no one is unaccounted for or presumed in danger because of a busy signal.

It is important that the changes to the evacuation procedures are communicated to all members of campus, so please share this with members of your department. Individuals should know what to do in the event of an evacuation, including where to go and who to contact so they are sure to be accounted for during an emergency.

The Emergency Response Manual can be found on the Public Safety and Environmental Health and Safety websites.

If you have any questions regarding the changes to the evacuation procedures, contact Public Safety at 515-271-2222 or Environmental Health and Safety at 515-271-3804.

— Chris Nickell, Environmental Health and Safety