Testing Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures
An evacuation drill is coordinated by Campus Safety during each academic school year for all buildings on the College's two main campuses. The emergency response and evacuation procedures are tested yearly for both campuses. Students learn the locations of the emergency exits in the buildings and are provided guidance about the direction they should travel when exiting each facility for a short-term building evacuation.
The purpose of evacuation drills is to prepare building occupants for an organized evacuation in case of an emergency. At Pierce College, evacuation drills are used as a way to educate and train occupants on issues specific to their building. During the drill, occupants practice drill procedures and familiarize themselves with the location of exits and the sound of the fire alarm. In addition to educating the occupants of each building about the evacuation procedures during the drills, the process also provides the College an opportunity to test the operation of fire alarm system components.
Evacuation drills are monitored by Campus Safety to evaluate egress and behavioral patterns. A report is prepared which identifies deficient equipment so that repairs can be made immediately. Recommendations for improvements are also submitted to the appropriate departments/offices for consideration.
Campus Safety has evacuation and shelter-in-place instructions published on its website. In addition, students receive information about evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures during the fall quarter. Pierce College Campus Safety will complete a summary of its emergency response and evacuation procedures in conjunction with at least one drill or exercise each calendar year.