Building Evacuations

For building evacuations, follow procedures approved by the University Fire Marshal. Students who require assistance should discuss their needs with DRS staff and plan for possible emergencies. 

It is recommended that a person with a disability who requires assistance select at least two helpers. One person should remain with the student in a safe area, usually a landing of a fire tower, while a second person alerts security as to the location of the remaining group.  Therefore, alert authorized officers in the event of any building evacuation, so that safe and proper transport is performed. Do not allow untrained persons to move people or wheelchairs down flights of steps.

Resident students with disabilities should discuss specific needs and emergency plans with their Resident Director (RD) and Resident Assistants (RA) at the beginning of the semester.  Security and Residential staff will make note of special evacuation assistance requests at the building security desk.  Assigned evacuation staff will then assist residents in the event of emergencies as needed.  

For reference, standard procedures for evacuation follow:

If you discover a fire or smell smoke, sound the building fire alarm. Know the location of the alarm signal stations and how they operate.  The Security Person stationed at the lobby desk will call campus police when an alarm is transmitted. Campus Police will notify the Fire Department, without delay by dialing 911.

Feel the door that leads from your room to the corridor before opening it. If it is hot or smoke is seeping in, do not open it. If you become trapped in a room and cannot reach the fire exit, keep the door closed and seal off any cracks. Use a phone to call the Fire Department by dialing 215-204-1234 or 215-204-2357 (TTY) and give the location of your building, the floor you are on, and the room number (or name if number does not apply.)

If the door feels cool, open cautiously. Be braced to slam it shut if corridor is full of smoke or if you feel heat pressure against the door. If corridor is clear, proceed with the escape plan.

When the fire alarm sounds, LEAVE AT ONCE. Close all doors behind you. Proceed into the fire exit and leave the building. After leaving the building, do not reenter until given permission by Campus Police or the Fire Department.

DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. They will stop if power fails, causing occupants to become trapped. Elevator shaft ways are like chimneys. Smoke could enter the elevator shaft, thereby asphyxiating the occupants trying to evacuate the building.

DISABLED PERSONS: A responsible person or persons that work in the area of the disabled should be assigned to assist in the event of fire. These persons are taken into the fire exit and will remain on the landing. The Fire Department will arrive in minutes to assist.

If caught in smoke or heat, stay low where air is better. Take short breaths (through nose) until you reach an area of refuge.

IMPORTANT: Keep all fire exits and corridor doors closed at all times. These doors are fire rated to keep smoke and heat from entering stairways and adjoining corridors. If at any time you observe these doors propped or tied open, please close them and report the location to the University Fire Marshal, Ext. 215-204-1307.

Emergency/weather closings

Check temple.edu website or call 215-204-1975 for recorded announcements about emergency weather closings. Information is also broadcast on local radio using number codes based on counties. Announcements about Temple University class cancellations can be heard on WRTI (90.1 FM) or KYW (1060 AM).

Philadelphia County: 

Main, Health Sciences, and TUCC
day classes 101  evening classes 2101

Montgomery County:

Ambler
day classes 426    evening classes 2426

Tyler
day classes 373   evening classes 2353