Emergency Procedures

While the College has not received or been alerted to any specific threats to the campus, we want to assure the community that we remain vigilant in maintaining the highest security measures possible.

In the event of an actual emergency, the campus community will be notified through a variety of mechanisms including an audible alert system (siren and voice), the Haverford College website, e-mail, voice mail and personal contact. The College also has an Emergency Procedures Plan in place to quickly and effectively address any situation that might arise. This plan is reviewed and updated regularly by the President's senior staff.

Students, faculty and staff are also reminded to be aware of suspicious behavior and circumstances such as unauthorized people in restricted areas and abandoned parcels, bags, vehicles or other items. Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity should contact Campus Safety at (610) 896-1111.

Wondering what the Siren sounds like?

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Emergency Response Instructions

You may also download a copy of the Emergency Response Instructions.

  • Lockdown - Shelter in Place

    For armed suspect.

    • If outside, run from threat as fast as you can.
    • If inside, go to the nearest room or office.
    • SHELTER YOURSELF IN YOUR ROOM. Close the door, lock if possible. Close and cover windows, remain quiet.
    • If possible call (610) 896-1111. Provide as much information as possible about the incident:
      • Your name.
      • Your location (be as specific as possible).
      • Number of shooters (if known).
      • Identification of shooter (if known).
    • Do not let anyone into a locked room until area is deemed clear by authorities.
    • DO NOT answer the door.
    • Wait for the Police to assist you out of the building.
      • Obey all police commands.
      • Keeps hands visible.
  • Fires
    • Evacuate the building IMMEDIATELY using the nearest exit (or alternate if nearest exit is blocked).
    • Check hallway for smoke or fire before leaving your room.
    • Pull fire alarm on your way out (located by every exit door).
    • Call Campus Safety at (610) 896-1111 (from outside the building).
    • Do NOT use the elevators.
    • If you encounter smoke - STAY LOW.
    • Do not re-enter building until authorized by emergency personnel.
  • Suspicious Object
    • Do not touch or disturb object.
    • Call (610) 896-1111 and provide as much information as possible. Describe object and location.
    • Leave the area.
  • Bomb Threat

    Write down:

    • Date and time of call.
    • Location of device.
    • Time device is set to go off.
    • Type of device.
    • Note gender, age, emotional state, background noise.

    Call (610) 896-1111.

  • Power Outage
    • Remain calm; provide assistance to others if necessary.
    • Move cautiously to a lighted area. Exits may be indicated by lighted signs if the emergency power is operating.
    • Turn off computers and other voltage sensitive equipment.
    • For information about a prolonged outage, call Campus Safety at (610) 896-1111.
  • Hazardous Materials Release
    • Call Campus Safety at (610) 896-1111.
    • Evacuate the building using the nearest exit (or alternate if nearest exit is blocked).
    • Do NOT use the elevators.
    • Take personal belongings (keys, wallet/purse, etc.)
    • Move away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
    • Stay upwind of the incident.
  • Severe Storm Warning
    • If you are outside, seek shelter (if you can hear thunder, lightning could be nearby).
    • Evacuate buildings with large, weakly supported roofs (e.g. the Field House) and seek shelter in lower areas of more substantial structures.
  • Persons With Disabilities
    • Assist persons with disabilities.
    • Develop a "buddy" system to help in your evacuation.
    • On upper floors, contact Campus Safety and proceed to evacuation refuge areas (stairwells).