Commons Evacuation and Severe Weather Plan

What is my building's evacuation plan?

What is the severe weather plan for the Commons?

In the event the Commons building must be evacuated, the following procedures shall be followed:  

1. Upon activation of the fire alarm, all persons in The Commons will immediately begin exiting through the nearest available exit route.   
2. Elevators should NOT be used during an evacuation event unless necessary for the evacuation of a disabled/handicapped person. 
3. Designated persons will quickly survey the floor to assure that evacuation is in progress by knocking on doors and informing remaining persons of need to evacuate.  The following persons have been designated:  
   1. Housing, Trio Offices & Student Veteran Resource Center 
      • Claire Lorenzen (Sr. Admin. Asst.-Housing) 
      • Ranika Lewin (Program Asst. – TRIO)   
      • Joe Knoer (Coordinator – SVRC) 
   2. ​​​​​​​USD Testing Center, Office of Accessibility & Math Emporium 
      • Shannon Fairholm (Director- USD Testing Center) 
      • Sally Schmidt (Director- Math Emporium) 
4. All persons within The Commons will convene at parking lot 13, west of the facilities shop.  This will allow quick assessment for any missing persons and avoid interference with the emergency responders.  In the event of weather conditions where shelter is desired, please move away from parking lot 13 and go inside the Center for Fine Arts for comfort and safety. 

Severe Weather Plan 

In the event of severe weather alerts such as tornado or severe thunderstorm, or upon activation of the civil defense siren, persons within the Commons should immediately proceed to the restrooms or any central windowless rooms.     

1. Designated staff from each will quickly survey the floor to assure that evacuation is in progress or has been completed.  The following staff have been designated:  
   1. Housing, Trio Offices & Student Veteran Resource Center 
      • Claire Lorenzen (Sr. Admin. Asst. -Housing) 
      • Ranika Lewin (Program Asst. – TRIO)  
      • Joe Knoer (Coordinator – SVRC)  
   2. USD Testing Center, Office of Accessibility & Math Emporium 
      • Shannon Fairholm (Director- USD Testing Center) 
      • Sally Schmidt (Director- Math Emporium) 

If you need further assistance, please contact the Environmental, Health and Safety Office ​​​​​​​