Emergency Preparedness & Safety Guide
Bomb Threats | Calling In an Emergency | Crisis Communications & Alerts | Evacuation Procedures | Fire Safety | Flooding | Gas Leaks or Odors | Hazardous Material Spill or Release | Medical Injury or Illness | Mental Health & Behavioral Concerns | Missing Persons | Power or Utility Failure | Protective Statuses | Severe Weather Emergencies | Supportive Skills During an Emergency | Suspicious Activity/Violent Behavior | Suspicious Objects/Packages | After an Emergency | Additional Resources
Introduction
Swarthmore College Public Safety is committed to maintaining a safe learning and working environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus. Through planning, training, and partnership with our campus and local community, we focus on preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery in an emergency.
This emergency preparedness guide helps our campus community members know how to respond to various emergencies, to reduce chances of serious injury, minimize damage to property, and assist emergency response personnel in effectively dealing with a critical incident. Every potential emergency situation cannot be anticipated or prevented, and the basic instructions of this guide are intended as preparedness tips, not necessarily specific response guidance for every type of emergency. However, keeping calm, exercising common sense to care for immediate safety, following basic instructions, and calling for the assistance of trained emergency response professionals will help us mitigate, respond to and effectively recover from any major critical incident.
Preparedness, Prevention, Response, and Recovery
Preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery are the key principles that guide how we approach handling an emergency.
Preparedness means a state of readiness, knowing how to respond if needed. In significant emergency situations, community members can assist in the initial emergency response while first responders focus on addressing or reducing the immediate threat. Having members of the community familiar with a plan for an initial safe response is essential. Be sure you also develop a plan to communicate with family and loved ones so they know in an emergency that you are okay. To stay prepared, be sure to:
- Program Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333) into your phone.
- Download and activate the SwatSafe app and enable notifications.
- Familiarize yourself with building exits, AED (Automated External Defibrillator) locations, and the location of fire extinguishers.
- Identify safe shelter areas in buildings you regularly occupy.
- Participate in College-sponsored drills, exercises, and training opportunities.
Departments are encouraged to work directly with Public Safety to develop and maintain individualized emergency plans.
Prevention means staying aware and paying attention to your surroundings. Paying attention to your surroundings helps you develop the capacity to understand and appropriately respond to threats to your personal safety. Observe what is going on around you, and if you recognize any behavior or situation as troubling, take appropriate action, whether that is calling Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333) for assistance, seeking a second opinion, creating a distraction, or speaking up.
Response is what we do in an emergency. In an emergency situation, first responders are focused on the most immediate threat(s). Response and assistance from local and regional police, fire, rescue, and/or other specialized agencies provide additional support functions for a major critical incident.
Recovery is the process of restoring, rebuilding, and supporting our community after an emergency. Recovery begins once immediate threats to life safety have been addressed, and may continue for weeks, months, or longer, depending on the impact of the event. It focuses on restoring both campus spaces and services, and the emotional, psychological, and academic well-being of our community. Recovery also involves community feedback, to learn from the incident and identify any strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. By engaging in recovery as a community, we strengthen our ability to face future challenges safely and effectively.
Emergency Preparedness & Safety Guide
Bomb Threats
All bomb threats should be treated as real. If you receive a threat:
- Remain calm and listen carefully.
- Try to gather information about the location, timing, and description of the device.
- Note exact wording, voice characteristics, and background noises.
- After the call ends, immediately contact Public Safety at 610-328-8333 or x8333.
Public Safety, in coordination with College leadership and emergency responders, will determine next steps.
Calling in an Emergency
When you call Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333) or 911, stay calm and be prepared to share clear, accurate information. Your call is a critical part of the emergency response. Please be ready to:
- Give your exact location: Building name, room number, or nearby landmarks.
- Describe the situation clearly: What happened, what you see, and any immediate dangers.
- Provide your name (privacy will be respected).
- Provide a call-back number (this can be either a campus extension or a cell phone).
- Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you it is okay to hang up. You may be asked for additional details or given important instructions.
Crisis Communications & Alerts
Swarthmore College uses multiple methods to notify students, faculty, and staff members during emergencies. These include:
- Email alerts
- SwatSafe mobile app and messaging
- Fire alarms
- Voice broadcasts
- College website updates, including on swarthmore.edu/swatalert
- Word of mouth and posted notices
Community members are encouraged to keep contact information up to date through mySwarthmore to ensure timely notifications.
Evacuation Procedures
Evacuating buildings and indoor or outdoor facilities is essential during a threatening emergency. Your focus should be on getting to safety as quickly as possible without posing a threat to others.
If you have mobility or other issues that would prevent you from safely evacuating by stairs from your room or office on your own, contact Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333 publicsafety@swarthmore.edu) and request a time to discuss an individualized safety plan.
Building Evacuation
When you enter a building, take a moment to review the building's evacuation plan, which is typically located on the door and indicates the place(s) of assembly in the event of evacuation. Look around to know where building exits and stairwells are located. Planned exit routes reduce surprises during the emergency and provide the most direct route to safety. Learn multiple exit routes in the buildings you regularly use.
During an evacuation, remember to:
- Follow instructions from Public Safety Officers and first responders.
- Walk quickly; do not run.
- Use stairways only, never elevators.
- Assist individuals with disabilities only if it is safe to do so. If you cannot assist, immediately report their location and condition to emergency response personnel by calling Public Safety at 610-328-8333 or x8333 or calling 911.
- Take only essential items (things you need to clothe yourself, treat personal medical needs, or to maintain a means of emergency communication). All other items can be recovered after the emergency or replaced, if necessary.
If time permits before leaving:
- Turn off electrical appliances.
- Close doors behind you.
- Take your keys.
Once outside:
- Move to an open area away from the building. If with a group or class, stay together until told otherwise.
- Keep walkways and roadways clear for emergency vehicles.
- Remain outside until Public Safety or emergency responders give the all clear.
Open Area Evacuation
The need to evacuate an open area outdoors may arise in the event of extreme weather conditions (lightning, tornado, etc.) or when there is a threat of exposure to chemicals, gasses, or other dangerous substances. Follow instructions to evacuate an area when instructed to do so by police officers, firefighters, or other persons with knowledge about the threat. If in an area threatened by gases, chemical spills, or other dangerous substances, move upwind (walk directly into the wind) from the threat to minimize exposure.
Fire Safety
Fire prevention and preparedness is critical to living in a safe community. Do not tamper with, cover up, or otherwise interfere with the functionality of a smoke alarm, heat detector, or carbon monoxide detector. Keep the area around your smoke alarm clean and clear of dust, cobwebs, paper, decorations, etc. Know where the closest fire extinguisher is located and the type of fire it is designed to extinguish. Keep exit doors and escape routes free from obstruction. Fire and smoke spread quickly — always evacuate immediately when a fire alarm sounds.
If There Is a Fire
- Leave immediately and close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
- Exit the building using the closest safe route.
- From a safe location, call Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333).
- Notify Public Safety if anyone needs assistance evacuating.
If You Hear a Fire Alarm
- Feel the door and doorknob.
If hot:
- Do not open the door.
- Call Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333) if possible.
- Signal responders from a window, if safe to do so.
- Seal door gaps with cloth and keep them wet, if possible.
If cool:
- Open the door carefully and check the hallway.
- If safe, take your keys, close the door, and evacuate using stairs.
- If smoke is present, crawl or stay low to the ground.
- If you cannot exit safely, returning to your room may be the safest option. If this occurs, close your door and place a towel or sheet at the bottom to prevent smoke entering your room.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
Only attempt to fight a fire if:
- The fire is small and contained.
- An extinguisher is immediately available.
- You know how to use it.
- You can do so without blocking your escape route.
Flooding
Flooding is either a natural event resulting from weather/precipitation or a mechanical failure such as water supply pipes breaking, water supply storage containment rupturing, or other damage. With a flood, there is the potential for serious property damage, exposure to contaminants, and power or access disruption. To minimize the damage of flooding:
- Report leaks, running water sources, or mechanical failures to Public Safety’s general number (610-328-8281, x8281) first, before they lead to a flooding emergency. You can also call College Facilities (610-328-8280, x8280) or submit a workbox order online (workbox@swrathmore.edu).
- Store your valuable property appropriately, meaning off the floor above basement level, secured in a container or cabinet, or wrapped in plastic or other water-resistant material.
- Place expensive items away from windows and pipe locations known to you.
- Do not leave windows open in cold or wet weather, and report broken windows so they may be repaired.
- Adhere to detour or caution information, particularly when there is evidence of leak or standing water.
- Report suspicious activity around water sources that may be subject to vandalism.
Natural Flooding
- Immediately report overflowing water or flooding in your area to Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333), who can provide swift response to assess safety and engage response by facilities services.
- Take steps to protect your property.
- Prepare to evacuate or move to a higher level in the building.
- Turn off or unplug electrical devices that may be affected by water in the process.
- Store some fresh drinking water early on in the process.
Mechanical Flooding
- Immediately report ruptures or flooding to Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333) with the location, extent of the leak or rupture and the cause, if you know it, to aid in prompt response and safety measures.
- If you are familiar with the water source and are able to stop the water flow from a shut-off valve, close the valve.
- Protect property by moving it away from the water source, if it is safe to do so.
Gas Leaks or Odors
If you smell natural gas or suspect a gas leak:
- Do not activate electrical switches or use open flames.
- Evacuate the area immediately.
- From a safe location, call Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333).
- Do not re-enter the area until it is cleared by emergency personnel.
Hazardous Material Spill or Release
Report all hazardous material or chemical spills immediately to Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333).
- Do not attempt to clean up hazardous materials.
- Provide as much detail as possible about the material and conditions.
If you are indoors:
- Close doors to the affected area.
- Turn off ignition sources if safe.
- Leave the area immediately.
If you are outdoors:
- Stay upwind (facing the wind).
- If fuel or oil is leaking from a vehicle, turn off the engine and keep others away.
If there is eye or skin contact with the hazardous material:
- Flush immediately with running water.
- Continue rinsing until help arrives.
Laboratory personnel should follow the Swarthmore College Chemical Hygiene Plan and reference the Environmental Health and Safety Website for more information.
Medical Injury or Illness
Immediately call Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333), and advise the dispatcher of your location and the nature of the victim's illness or injury. Assistance will be dispatched to the location, including Emergency Medical Services, as appropriate.
- Do not attempt to move a victim of trauma such as a fall, redirect others to keep the area safe.
- Stay with the individual and assist until help arrives. You can comfort the victim and reassure them help is on the way, or ask if there is someone they would like called on their behalf.
- Don't allow yourself to be exposed to chemicals, electric shock, fire, blood or other body fluids.
- Wear protective equipment or wait for professional assistance.
- Remain after help arrives to provide your contact and/or other needed information.
- If you suspect that you have been exposed to infectious disease in any form while assisting the victim, contact Student Health and Wellness (610-328-8058 or x8058) as soon as possible. Convey such concerns when you call for assistance.
- Share any medical alert information with the dispatcher.
Mental Health & Behavioral Concerns
If you have concerns about change in behavior of someone you know or unusual behavior of a campus community member that is not violent in nature, you can submit a report of concern or contact Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333). Your information may provide important context to aid in connecting a campus community member to wellness resources.
Behaviors that may indicate signs of distress may include:
- Disorientation or confusion, behavior not typical for the person, situation, or location in which it is occurring.
- Unusual dress for the weather conditions. (ex: heavy coat or clothing that could easily conceal weapons during warm weather; too little clothing for the weather)
- Extreme impairment from apparent use of drugs or alcohol.
- Abrupt change in a person's demeanor or behavior, such as lack of hygiene.
- Someone who is an immediate danger to themselves or others.
- A situation that is escalating and requires urgent intervention.
Missing Persons
Prompt reporting is critical. Contact Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333) immediately if:
- A person is missing under suspicious circumstances.
- There are concerns for someone’s safety or well-being.
- A vulnerable individual (minor, elderly, or person with a disability) is unaccounted for.
When reporting a missing person, please provide:
- A recent description
- Their last known location
- Any relevant behavioral or medical information
Power or Utility Failure
If a power outage occurs in your building, remain calm and call Public Safety; if there is no immediate harm, call the general line at 610-328-8281 or x8281, or contact workbox for repairs (workbox@swarthmore.edu). If there is heightened safety risk or related injury, call the Public Safety emergency line at 610-328-8333 or x8333.
- Know your building’s evacuation routes.
- Remember that elevators may not function during a power outage.
- If you are in an unlit area, proceed with caution toward the nearest emergency exit lights.
- Turn off appliances and equipment to prevent damage.
- Do not use candles or open flames; use flashlights instead.
Protective Statuses
Shelter-In-Place
In some emergencies, including severe weather, active threat scenarios, or other non-traditional incidents, the safest option may be to remain inside. Shelter-in-Place is a protective action used when there is a potential hazard inside or outside a building. During a shelter-in-place directive, individuals are asked to take the following steps to help keep people protected from hazardous conditions while maintaining safety:
- Remain indoors.
- Close windows and doors.
- Continue normal activities when safe to do so.
During a state of shelter-in-place, all exterior doors with electronic locks may be locked and only accessible by Public Safety.
Lockdown
A lockdown is a protective action used when there is a serious safety concern inside or very close to a building. Lockdowns are intended to limit access to occupied spaces and reduce exposure to potential danger. During a lockdown, individuals are asked to:
- Move into a secure space.
- Lock or barricade doors.
- If possible, turn off lights, remain quiet, and await further instructions.
During a campus lockdown, all exterior doors with electronic locks will be locked and only accessible by Public Safety.
Active Assailant / Active Shooter
Swarthmore College Public Safety has received training to assist with response to active shooters or other incidents involving violent attacks. Swarthmore Borough Police Department and other police agencies would be called to respond should such an incident occur on Swarthmore’s campus.
Swarthmore continues to undertake physical security measures to minimize risk in our community through the use of the OneCard door access control system, video camera systems, and proactive campus patrol. You, as an individual, are the most important element in helping to prevent and effectively respond to critical incidents. Students, faculty, and staff should always be aware of their surroundings and immediately report any suspicious behaviors, activities, vehicles, or objects that appear unusual or out of place. To report unusual activity, contact Public Safety at 610-328-8333 or x8333.
The College uses the Run, Hide, Fight model, detailed below. In an emergency, always follow instructions of law enforcement and/or emergency response personnel.
Run
- Determine the location of the threat, utilize any accessible path to escape to safety —find a route away from the threat.
- Help others evacuate; proceed with your exit even if others will not follow.
- While exiting, do not allow others to move toward a known threat.
- Keep your hands out and visible.
- Do not take time to gather personal belongings.
Hide
- If no escape route is available, attempt to establish a barrier (lock door, stack furniture at access points, etc.) to create as much space and time delay as possible between you and the threat. Do not stand in front of doors or windows.
- Seek cover inside of or under solid objects. If you have access to a phone, call Public Safety. Provide as much information as possible about your location, other persons who may be exposed to the threat and a description of the suspect(s). Attempt to communicate with responding emergency personnel using voice or visual communication if possible.
- Silence devices (phone, tablet, computer, music).
Fight
- This approach should only be a last resort.
- Distract and surprise the suspect. Yell loudly. Throw available objects at the suspect.
- If there are several people present, work together, quickly tackle the suspect and pile on. Use any means available, including chairs, fire extinguisher, books, etc.
- Don't give up. Adopt a survival mind.
Severe Weather Emergencies
Severe weather may include thunderstorms, high winds, tornado warnings, extreme heat, winter storms, or flooding. A severe weather or tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather or a tornado to develop within the next six hours. Weather conditions can evolve rapidly as a front moves. A severe weather or tornado warning indicates that a severe storm, tornado or funnel cloud has been sighted by a qualified spotter or has been detected on radar in a designated area.
If weather conditions are threatening, measures should be taken to ensure your personal safety by seeking adequate shelter and protecting your property if you can do so without exposing yourself to risk of harm. General guidance is to:
- Monitor College alerts and weather updates.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions.
- Secure loose items indoors and outdoors when advance warning is provided.
Tornado or High-Wind Events
- Shelter in the lowest level of the building.
- Use interior rooms or hallways.
- Avoid windows and large open spaces.
Winter Weather
- Use caution on walkways and roadways.
- Allow additional travel time.
- Report hazardous conditions to Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333) or Facilities (610-328-8280 or x8280).
As a residential campus, Swarthmore does not close completely during extreme weather or other emergency situations, and certain staff members must be on campus during weather and emergency events. Please see the Employee Handbook for more information.
Supportive Skills During an Emergency
Part of the work of responding to an emergency is learning how to support individuals impacted by the incidents and experiences described in this guide. Supporting others while first responders are attending to the source of the emergency is a critical part of keeping our community safe.
Listen Actively
Listening is a crucial part of helping and supporting those impacted by challenging or emergency events. Individuals can help those impacted by emergency situations by listening non-judgmentally and actively. Finding a private place to talk, allowing the person to share as much or as little as they want at their own pace, validating their feelings, and assuring them you will help connect them with appropriate support are all great ways to effectively listen and ensure people feel supported in the aftermath of an emergency.
Consider What May Be Needed
Consider the immediate needs of those impacted by emergency situations. Does the person need immediate medical assistance? Does the person indicate they’re fearful (how so)? Is there someone the individual would like to contact? Listening allows us to more effectively clarify what immediate considerations are present and how we can best support or refer.
- If a person needs medical assistance, contact Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333) or 911.
Offer Empathy, Not Judgment
Emergencies are times of high sensitivity, when we can feel most vulnerable and in need of care. In a crisis, as you are actively listening, be mindful to reserve judgment. Take care not to question someone’s shared experience. Do not push for unnecessary details (such as where the person was coming from or what they were wearing at the time of the incident), or question the person’s response. How we respond to someone impacted by an emergency influences how they continue to seek support in the aftermath of the incident, so it’s important that our response is empathetic, supportive, and appropriate.
Suspicious Activity/Violent Behavior
Suspicious activity is behavior and actions create a sense of fear, threat, or suspicion that they are about to or have committed a significant harm or criminal act. Persons acting in a suspicious, volatile, or potentially violent and criminal manner should be treated as an emergency and reported immediately to Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333).
Some behaviors to look for are:
- Making verbal or nonverbal threats
- Signs of having a weapon or new/unusual fascination with weapons or violence
- Carrying or in possession of unusual bags, packages or objects that might conceal a weapon or explosive device
- Casing an area for the purpose of committing a theft offense or other crime
- Creating an intimidating, hostile environment
- Accessing restricted areas or attempting to gain entry into a secured building, vehicle, or area
- Maliciously causing damage to property
If an individual’s actions create a sense of fear, threat, or a suspicion of criminal activity, contact Public Safety and report the following:
- Nature of suspicious, threatening, or unusual behavior
- Description of threats or violence observed
- Possession (or suspected) of weapon
- Suspected criminal act
- Emotionally distraught or unstable/volatile behavior
- Current location of the person/persons and where the behavior was observed. If the person has left the area, describe the direction and means of travel (on foot, bike, motor vehicle, etc.)
Description of the individual’s build, attire, and belongings:
- Height
- Build (thin, medium, heavy)
- Hair color (head, facial)
- Eye color or eyeglasses
- Distinctive markings, tattoos, teeth, etc.
Clothing description (type and color):
- Head (hat, scarf, mask, sunglasses, etc.)
- Outer garments (coat, jacket, gloves)
- Shirt or blouse
- Pants, dress, shorts
- Shoes
- Any bags or other items they are carrying
Suspicious Objects/Packages
Suspicious objects can be described as something as simple as an envelope, a backpack or a box that is out of place, or as obvious as a bomb or other readily apparent explosive device. The best defense against objects that pose a threat is to be aware of your everyday surroundings and to report suspicious circumstances when objects appear unusual or out of place. While items that seem out of place may turn out to be misplaced items, unattended items/packages lost/found articles that are harmless, it is important to take any suspicious circumstance seriously.
Start by paying close attention to the shape, look, address, and packaging (remember SLAP) of parcels and letters. Suspicious characteristics may include:
- Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
- Lack of a return address or fictitious return address
- Misspelling of the title, title only, or wrong title with name, or the misspelling of common words
- International mail or special delivery that is not expected
- Distorted handwriting or "cut & paste" lettering
- Cancellation or postmark and return address indicating different locations
- Excessive or inadequate postage
- Restrictive labeling such as "Personal, Private" or markings such as "Fragile-Handle With Care" or "Rush-Do Not Delay" or "Deliver by Date/Time"
- Unusual size or shape (uneven or lopsided), or tube-type packages heavier at one end
- Unprofessional or sloppy wrapping
- Excessive security material such as masking tape or string
- Protruding wires, aluminum foil, oily stains or discoloration
- Unfamiliar couriers delivering official looking packages to specific individuals.
- Peculiar odor
- Package is unusually heavy for size
- Buzzing or ticking noise or sloshing sound
- Rigid or soft spots in packaging
If you suspect a suspicious package:
- Attempt to verify the sender and/or the legitimacy of the package.
- Ask the recipient if the package that matches the suspect package's description, size, and shape was expected.
- Avoid excessively handling or opening a suspicious package, as they are usually designed to withstand handling in the mail, and activate when opened or when an item is removed.
- Do not sniff the package or taste any substance associated with it.
- Do not use a cell phone in proximity of the package or envelope.
- Wash hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of potential contamination.
- If a package or envelope contains evidence of or emits a suspicious substance and it gets on you, do not brush substance from clothing. If possible, remove the outer clothing layer that contains any substance and isolate it for further investigation.
- Isolate the package/letter and leave the area. Close the door and secure the area to prevent others from entering.
- If the package or letter remains suspect, notify Public Safety (610-328-8333 or x8333).
After an Emergency
Once an incident has concluded:
- Follow official instructions regarding building re-entry and operations.
- Seek medical or counseling support if needed
- Report observed damage or safety concerns
The College may conduct after-action reviews to identify lessons learned and improve future preparedness.
In the aftermath of an emergency, clear and consistent communication is essential. Community members should rely on official College communications for updates on available resources, changes to operations, and expectations for returning to normal activities. Support services such as counseling, health services, academic accommodations, and employee assistance programs are available:
- Students can reach out to Counseling And Psychological Services (CAPS)
- College employees can access services through the Employee Assistance Program
Additional Resources
Public Safety encourages everyone in our community to explore preparedness resources from trusted partners. These tools complement College training and promote personal readiness before, during, and after emergencies:
