Evacuations

Generally speaking, all evacuations at Gonzaga follow the same basic procedures:

1. When you are notified of an evacuation, take a moment to evaluate the situation and commit to a smart decision to evacuate. If you cannot safely evacuate, commit to an alternate protective action.
2. Once you commit to the evacuation protective action, take a moment to do the following if you can safely and quickly do so:
   • Lock computers (or take small laptops/tablets/etc. with you)
   • Put on sturdy shoes that protect your feet
   • Grab a coat or jacket on the way out the door
   • Move any sensitive or valuable materials you were working with into a drawer or otherwise conceal them from view
3. Immediately proceed to the nearest evacuation route and exit the building at ground level. Make sure to bring guests, visitors, or those who look lost with you. Do not delay taking action to convince others to evacuate.
4. Once outside, move away from the building to your assigned staging area. This information is listed on the Campus Evacuation Staging Area Map. If you are unsure of where to go, move about 500’ away from the building and get onto a grassy area. Look for individuals wearing safety vests or carrying orange flags and stay near them.
5. Follow your procedures for checking in with your supervisor, instructor, RA, etc. Do not leave the area until you receive instructions to do so from a first responder, a Campus Security or Public Safety officer, or another uniformed individual. Avoid standing on sidewalks, and never stand in the street. Avoid wandering around campus until the situation is resolved.
6. Never re-enter an evacuated building without receiving instruction from a first responder, Campus Security and Public Safety officer, or another uniformed individual.
7. Encourage passers-by or others who may try to enter the evacuated building to wait with you at the safe staging area until re-entry is permitted.
8. Notify 911 of any individuals who are stranded, require immediate medical assistance, or of any changing urgent situations

In some cases, evacuations will be ordered via a ZagAlert emergency message and will contain specific instructions. In these instances, follow the instructions contained in the ZagAlert message.

Individuals who cannot self-evacuate from a building should be familiar with safe areas to await assistance during an evacuation. When an evacuation is ordered, these individuals should move into these designated areas of rescue and notify 911 of their location, and then notify Campus Security & Public Safety by calling 509-313-6358. Unless specified below, areas of rescue in all Gonzaga University buildings are located in the landings of concrete stairwells with doors that close the stairwell off from the larger building.

The fire alarm systems at Gonzaga University include both audible and visual indicators of their activation. If an individual needs additional assistance in determining that the system is active, they should partner with the Office of Disability Access (for students) or Human Resources (for employees) for additional accommodations. While not required, individuals with functional or access needs or with non-English language needs should also consider partnering with their instructors, supervisors, or RAs (depending on the building in question) to address their evacuation plans and ensure their needs are being met.

Unless specified below, the area(s) of rescue for all Gonzaga University buildings are inside concrete stairwells that have doors to close off the stairwell from the building. Individuals who require assistance moving between floors should wait on the landings after the stairwells are clear. Make sure to close the doors between the stairwell and the building.

The following buildings have special area(s) of rescue:

• Coughlin Residence Hall
• Jepson
• Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Complex
• Hemmingson Center
• Bollier Center

If you spend time in these buildings, make sure to partner with your instructor, RA, or supervisor to make a plan for evacuation. If you need assistance with developing this plan or to arrange for accommodations, contact Human Resources (for employees) or Disability Access (for students.)

Evacuation maps are installed in every major University administrative, academic or residential building. These maps help guide occupants to evacuation routes and contain important information for locating first aid kids and Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). Individuals are responsible for ensuring they are familiar with the egress routes from every building that they spend time in. We encourage everyone to explore their buildings in the first few days of each semester and look for the different exit paths. Missing or damaged evacuation maps can be reported by opening a work order with Plant Services. Once outside, building occupants should proceed to their designated safe area and wait for further instructions. These safe gathering areas are listed on the Campus Evacuation Staging Area map.