Emergency Procedures


To make sure we are prepared for all types of emergencies, the Office of Public Safety and the Campus Emergency Response Team has created a comprehensive plan. The Campus Emergency Response Team is responsible for preparing the GMercyU community on the procedures to follow should a crisis occur, as well as to develop a cohesive response University officials as well as city, state and federal agencies to effectively control any crisis.


Gwynedd Mercy University Emergency Response plans can be found here as well as on the Faculty/Staff and Student portals. These plans document the readiness of the GMercyU’s response in an all-hazards approach to emergency management and provide information for emergency responders to manage a crisis event as it unfolds.


Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures


Timely warnings

Once you notify the Office of Public Safety or designated University official of a potential threat to the campus, a Crime Alert will be sent out to notify the community. The Crime Alerts are put out by Public Safety and will be either in the form of an e-mail, various campus publications and/or e2campus alert.


Fire Safety

As a member of the GMercyU community, you will need to take precautions at all times to prevent a tragedy due to fire and smoke. Whenever a fire alarm sounds, whether it's in a residence hall complex or an academic building, evacuate immediately. All residents should know the exit routes from their rooms.

Please be familiar with the following Gwynedd Mercy University fire evacuation procedures:

  • Know at least two ways out of the building from your room
  • Sound the building fire alarm if you discover fire or smell smoke
  • Leave immediately. Close all doors behind you. Proceed to the primary fire exit nearest to your location. Upon leaving the building, do not reenter until you are told you can do so by security personnel.
  • Do not use the elevator
  • If it is hot or smoke is seeping in, do not open the door. If you become trapped and cannot reach the fire exit keep the door closed and seal off any cracks. If you have a telephone in your room use it to call Campus Security, ext. 111 and give the name and location of the building, the floor you are on and the room number. If you do not have a phone, go to the window and signal for help.
  • Do Not Jump. The Fire Department will be in the building within minutes to assist you.
    If the door feels cool, open it cautiously. Be prepared to slam it shut if the hall is full of smoke or if you feel heat or pressure against the door. If the hall is clear, proceed to the nearest fire exit and move away from the building.
  • If caught in smoke or heat, stay low where the air is better, take short breaths, (through your nose) until you reach the fire exit.
  • Know the numbers of doors from your room to the fire exit. This will prevent you from passing the fire exit.
  • Comply with any directions from the fire department and maintain a clear area to allow them to complete their work
  • Be sure fire exit doors and hallway doors are kept closed at all times. These doors prevent the spread of noxious smoke and heat should a fire occur.

Regulations established by the University and Pennsylvania State law will be strictly enforced. Fire drills, usually unannounced, are conducted periodically.

The following are serious violations of GMercyU policy and are subject to disciplinary action:

  • Failing to evacuate the residence hall during the sound of an alarm or reentering without permission
  • Tampering with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers or other safety equipment
  • Pulling a fire alarm or activating a smoke detector with no evidence of fire
  • Starting a fire or causing an explosion in or around the residence hall complex
  • Interfering with civil or GMercyU authorities as they respond to a fire or other type of emergency
  • Smoking in the residence hall complex and any areas other than those designated
  • Possession or use of the following items in areas others kitchens is prohibited, and will result in confiscation and disciplinary action:
    • High wattage appliances, particularly those with open or closed hearing elements (i.e. toasters, grills, microwaves, coffee makers, etc.), halogen lamps, fireworks or chemicals that are explosive or flammable in nature, candles or incense, extension cords or power strips not regulated by a circuit breaking device
  • Leaving cooking items unattended in kitchen while in use