Building Evacuation

During an emergency, quick and prompt action saves lives. For your safety, please familiarize yourself with these basic evacuation steps which apply to all University campuses, and in each building at Rowan University.

1. If there is a declared emergency, and you are ordered to evacuate a building, leave as directed. Evacuation of the building is mandatory once ordered.
2. If the evacuation is a result of a fire alarm, or any declared emergency you must immediately exit the building.  All doors should be closed behind you.  Use the nearest exit and DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.  Once you have evacuated, re-entry is only permitted after approval from the appropriate emergency personnel.
3. Each building has posted an evacuation route to assist and direct occupants during an emergency.
4. Ensure you are at least 200 feet from the main entrance of the building where you will not hinder the approaching emergency first responders, firefighters and their equipment. Upon arrival at the assembly point, a survey of staff members/students/visitors who are present shall be conducted to determine if anyone failed to evacuate. If anyone is discovered to be missing, immediately report that information to the emergency personnel. For evacuation reference, please follow the Building Assembly Areas that have been designated for each faculty.
5. Assembly areas area guide, and may, at the discretion of emergency personnel be changed depending on the location of the emergency.
6. If caught in smoke or heat, stay low where the air quality is better and attempt to reach a safe exit or area of refuge.
7. Know the location of all exits in your building. All exits at the University are properly marked with illuminated EXIT signs.
8. If unable to leave your room or office due to heat or heavy smoke in the hallway, or due to physical disability, call the Rowan Police Department and give your exact location so the emergency personnel can be directed to assist. If you require special assistance during an evacuation, make sure you advise Rowan Communications so they can respond accordingly to accommodate your special needs.

In circumstances where an immediate evacuation may not be the best course of action, you will be notified via the established communication protocol, such as, a uniformed first responder, police dispatcher, a supervisor, telephone, University webpage, social media, or through the Rowan Alert system with updates, as soon as they become available.

Post Incident

Once an incident is over, police, fire or other appropriate Emergency Official(s) will return the building back over to the Facility Management. Management will then prepare for re-entry by announcing that it is safe and clear, or clear with conditions for re-occupancy. In coordination, the Rowan Police Department and Building Management should communicate re-entry instructions. This can be facilitated by;

1. Rowan Police Department Personnel
2. Building Facility Staff
3. Door Monitors
4. Mass Notification System (Rowan Advisory)

Community members with special needs should be assisted by staff members as much as is reasonable and safe. If additional assistance is needed, consult with on-scene emergency responders.