Patterson Hall Evacuation and Severe Weather Plan

Question

• What is my building's evacuation plan?
• What is the severe weather plan for Patterson?

Answer

Evacuation Plan

In the event that Patterson Hall must be evacuated, the following procedures shall be followed.

1. Upon activation of the fire alarm, all persons within Patterson Hall will immediately begin exiting the building through the nearest available exit route. 
   1. Elevators should NOT be used during an evacuation event unless necessary for the evacuation of a disabled/handicapped person.
   2. Prior to leaving the room, any open fires, hot plates, coffee pots, lab equipment, or similar items should be turned off. 
   3. Electrical equipment that cannot be left unattended for prolonged periods should also be turned off prior to exiting the room. 
2. Designated persons from each floor will quickly survey the floor to assure that evacuation is in progress or completed.  The following staff have been designated:
   • First Floor –  Math Department Senior Secretary
   • Crystal Growth Lab –  Lab Manager
   • Second Floor  –  Chair, Math Department
3. All persons within the Patterson Hall Building will convene on the lawn to the east of the Muenster University Center.  This will allow quick assessment for any missing persons and avoid interference with the emergency responders. 
4. In the event of weather conditions where shelter is desired, please move away from Patterson and go inside the Muenster University Center for comfort and safety.

Note: Department Heads and their designees should keep a sharp lookout for how smoke is affected by prevailing wind patterns and be prepared to move evacuees upwind and/or notify building occupants downwind should smoke from a hazardous chemical fire travel towards a building.

Severe Weather Plan

In the event of severe weather alerts such as tornado or severe thunderstorm, persons within the Patterson Hall Building should immediately proceed to the first floor of the building using the fastest route available and enter centrally located areas away from glass or windows.  In the event that the first floor cannot be safely reached, proceed to any windowless room for safety.

1. Designated staff from each floor will quickly survey the floor to assure that evacuation is in progress or has been completed.  The following staff have been designated:
   • First Floor –  Math Department Senior Secretary
   • Crystal Growth Lab –  Lab Manager
   • Second Floor  –  Chair, Math Department

Note: The attached plan can also be downloaded.