Administrative number: 2-15A
Responsible office: Finance and Administration
Responsible officer: Vice President for Finance and Administration

Fire/Emergency Evacuation of Academic Buildings Procedure (Draft)

Purpose:

This procedure describes processes and designates responsibilities in the event of a fire or other emergency that requires evacuation of Winona State University (WSU) academic buildings.

Rationale for Revision and Major Changes:

(This is for stakeholder review, not for publishing)

This procedure draft is a proposed update for a legacy regulation:

The procedure has been updated to specify the responsibilities of specific WSU community members not only in the event of an evacuation event but also prior to such events to prepare for them.

Suggested Stakeholder feedback deadline:

Feedback should be provided using this WSU form by 11/01/2024.

Procedure:

A. Reporting of Emergency Event

  • Any WSU employee who becomes aware of a possible fire or other emergency requiring evacuation immediately pulls the nearest fire alarm, leaves the building, and contacts the Fire Department by calling 911 from a safe location.

  • The person reporting the fire or emergency remains in the vicinity, in a safe area outside the building, to provide any needed information to emergency response personnel.

B. Evacuation of Academic Buildings

  • When a fire alarm has been activated, all individuals leave the building immediately through the nearest exterior door.

  • No elevators are used in the event of a fire or power outage.

  • Persons who do not leave the building may be subject to disciplinary action or criminal charges.

  • Supervisors will notify emergency response personnel of any individuals or groups that have not evacuated.

  • No one may reenter the building until the emergency response personnel gives approval, even if the alarm stops sounding.

  • Persons with disabilities or mobility limitations follow the previously developed evacuation plan specific to their needs and requirements.

C. Responsibilities of WSU Community Members

1. All WSU employees

All WSU employees are responsible for knowing emergency information including the location of fire alarms and smoke extinguishers, evacuation and emergency plans, and the location of exits. All employees participate in fire drills and complete annual required safety training.

2. WSU Supervisors of Employees with Disabilities

All supervisors of employees with disclosed disabilities or mobility limitations will develop an evacuation plan, working with the WSU Safety Administrator or WSU Human Resources if necessary, for that employee. This may include training of coworkers to assist with the evacuation and participation of the employee and those coworkers in evacuation drills.

3. Students with Disabilities or Mobility Limitations

Students with disabilities or mobility limitations are responsible for identifying themselves to WSU Access Services in order to develop an evacuation plan if necessary.

4. WSU Security

WSU Security is responsible for posting emergency response information in all academic buildings. WSU Security provides information on fires and evacuation procedures in the WSU Annual “Security and Fire Safety Report.”

5. WSU Facilities

WSU Facilities post floor plans, including evacuation routes, in campus buildings.

6. WSU Safety Administrator

The WSU Safety Administrator is responsible for holding periodic fire drills.

Related documents:

Authorizing Policy:

History:

Date of Revisions: 8/18/1988, 8/13/2007

Adoption date: 01/03/1981
Implementation date: 01/01/2099