General Information
Students should review the information contained on the main evacuation page. Students are expected to be familiar with all general evacuation expectations and comply with all evacuation orders, whether during tests or actual emergency situations. This section contains additional information to supplement the student-specific experience. Additional questions about evacuations can be directed to Emergency Preparedness.
Classrooms, Common Spaces and Activities
All students are expected to know how to evacuate from campus buildings where they spend time. Students should take a few minutes at the beginning of each semester to explore the buildings where classes and activities are located and become familiar with different exits and pathways through the buildings. Students are also encouraged to talk with their professors, lab supervisors, coaches, etc. about emergency procedures for classes and other activities at the start of the semester.
In addition, students should explore common buildings where they may spend time throughout their Gonzaga experience. This includes the Foley Library, Hemmingson Center and Rudolph Fitness Center.
When evacuations are ordered, students should follow instructions issued by Gonzaga University employees. However, if a student believes they need to take protective action and have not received instructions from an employee, they should not delay taking appropriate steps to secure their own safety while waiting for instructions.
On-Campus Residents
On-Campus residents should receive an evacuation safety briefing from their Resident Assistant (RA) during the first few weeks of the year. If not, students should reach out to the RA and ask questions about how to safely evacuate the floor and where they should meet up once outside the building. Make sure to keep headphones adjusted to a level that doesn't block out emergency tones, and keep pathways out of bedrooms and common spaces clear.
Evacuation maps are posted throughout each residential facility. These safe gathering areas are listed on the Campus Evacuation Staging Area map.
Here are some general instructions for evacuating from campus residence facilities:
- Take a moment to evaluate the situation and make a smart, informed choice about how best to evacuate the area.
- If you feel you can safely do so, take a moment to turn off any kitchen appliances like the stove, put on protective shoes such as athletic shoes or boots, and grab a jacket on the way out the door if it is cold or raining. These actions should only take a few seconds- don't waste time.
- Proceed to the nearest safe emergency exit quietly and exit the building on the ground level.
- Once outside, move to the designated staging area for your building. This should be at least 500’ away from any other building and is typically located on grassy areas. Never stand in the street. If people look lost or unsure of where to stand, invite them to stand with you in a safe location. Remember, Zags help Zags!
- Check in with your RA. If you cannot find your RA, check in with a different RA or RD.
- Remain outside quietly and wait for further instructions from Residence Life professionals, Campus Security and Public Safety Officers, or first responders. Do not go inside until you are instructed to do so.
- If you need to leave for class, make sure you check in with your RA before you leave. They will be trying to account for all residents.
Off-Campus Residents
Off-Campus residents are responsible for developing emergency plans (including how to evacuate) for their housing arrangements. Take time during the first few weeks after moving into an off-campus residence to meet with roommates and develop an evacuation plan. Write the plan down and post it somewhere easy to find during an emergency, such as the back of the front door, or the side of the refrigerator.