Library Emergency Procedures

The safety of patrons and employees is paramount in responding to emergencies. All library staff will be trained to respond to emergencies. At no time, however, should an employee place him/herself in danger as they follow these procedures. Common sense should always be used.

Each unit will have written detailed procedures as appropriate. In most emergencies, Library Administration should be informed.  For purposes of this document, Library Administration members are the Dean, Associate Deans, Directors or Heads, and Building Security Coordinators.  Members of Library Administration will contact the appropriate members of the Disaster Team when a disaster situation develops and immediate action is needed.

A complete incident report  should be submitted after the resolution of every emergency. If a situation occurs that jeopardizes the safety of the staff or patrons, or a member of Administration will issue security alerts to inform the staff of the incidents and later, of their resolutions.

Branch locations such as Gunnin Architecture Library, Historic Properties, Library Depot, Special Collections and Archives, Education Media Center, and CU-ICAR Library will follow the procedures established by the Building Security Coordinator in their respective buildings.

Emergencies covered in these procedures include:

Please refer to the Communications Plan & Phone Tree for any questions about the responsible person to contact in case of an emergency.

Each unit/office/area will designate employees to implement evacuation or other procedures.  

Download the Evacuation Grab & Go document.

Evacuation Grab & Go 2026

Tune radio to channel 9 for emergencies

Three types of evacuations:

  • Fire (use of horns & volunteers to evacuate)
  • Shelter-in-place (move to a safe location)
  • Silent (use of volunteers to evacuate – NO horns)

Accountability Areas by floor (Day M-F)

  • 6 Learning Environments/Starbucks
  • 5 Adobe Digital Studio/Starbucks/Teach Learn Research/Social Media Listening Center
  • 4 Open Scholarship/Convenience Store/User Services/Security Officer
  • 3 Digital Strategies/Learning Commons/Writing Lab
  • 2 Clemson Computing & Info Tech/University Press
  • 1 Security Officer

Accountability Areas by floor (Night/Wkd)

  • 6 Starbucks
  • 5 Adobe Digital Studio/Starbucks/User Services
  • 4 Convenience Store/Security Officer/User Services
  • 3 Security Officer
  • 2 Clemson Computing & Info Tech
  • 1 Security Officer
  • If the Security Officer is alone, he/she will ask the CUFD or CUPD for assistance in clearing.

Meeting Places

All units meet near concrete walkway in front of Watt.

Who To Call

  • Security Officer (864)656-6194
  • Fredda Owens (864)247-0692
  • Lee Tessnear (864)986-8157 cell
  • Darius Jones (864)656-0288
  • Mel McDavid (864)364-3817
  • Van Hope (864)656-0566 rolls to cell after hours Depot
  • Sean Baker (850)510-1189 SC&A
  • Nick Richbell (864)633-9991 SC&A
  • Nathan Long (864)376-8090 CCIT
  • Your chain of command or supervisor

Notify 911 dispatch of patrons with mobility issues and their location.

Fire

  1. Pull Fire Alarm
  2. Call 911; notify Admin
  3. Clear area; report by radio
  4. Meet at assigned spot

Inclement Weather

  • Notify Dean or designee
  • Refer to communication plan
  • Look for info on social media

Severe thunderstorm watch or warning, tornado

  • Monitor weather
  • Move to the lowest floor
  • Move away from glass
  • Move to interior wall
  • Wait for “all clear”
  • Security Officers have bullhorns

Power Outrage

  • Report outage to Security Officer
  • Ask UF for estimated duration
  • Notify Dean or designee
  • Move patrons & employees

Earthquake

  • Drop
  • Cover
  • Hold On

Medical Emergency

  • Call 911
  • Notify Dean or designee
  • Meet & lead paramedics
  • Keep patient comfy
  • Observe patient until help arrives
  • Administer CPR if trained

Armed Robbery or like

  • Cooperate with request
  • Protect self; get to safe area
  • Call 911
  • Notify Dean or designee

Suspicious Activity

  • Do not confront
  • Call 911
  • Notify Admin

Flood, Leak or Water related

  • Call 911; Notify Dean or designee
  • Move patrons & employees
  • Protect materials

Bomb Threat Phone

  1. Keep caller on line
  2. Write note to co-worker to call 911 & ask for instructions
  3. Record info on Bomb Threat check list
  4. Be polite, show interest and listen carefully.
  5. Upon termination of call, do not hang up. Dial *57 to initiate trace (if your phone has this capability enabled)

Hand written note, package or email

  • Call 911
  • Ask for instructions

Active Shooter

  • Call 911 if safe to do so.
  • Run if you can. Hide in a safe nonvisible area if you can’t.
  • Block entry doors if possible.
  • Fight if necessary.

Nuclear

  • Staff follow instructions for home
  • Be prepared to respond
  • Evacuate

State, National or Other

  • Notify Dean or designee
  • Decision will be made and communicated if closing
  • Evacuate