Public Safety » Emergency Preparedness

Creating a safe environment and a secure campus is a responsibility shared by everyone at Gwynedd-Mercy College. We all need to be particularly aware of our surroundings as we continue pursuing our academic mission. While our nation's security interests require that we be alert, we should not respond out of fear or panic. A plan to help guide us through different emergencies has been developed. What follows are some answers to frequently asked questions.

1. How has Gwynedd-Mercy College developed a plan?

The College has an emergency response plan that was prepared in consultation with Lower Gwynedd Police, Fire and Rescue, county and state leaders, and area schools. The Director of Public Safety and Security and his designee are responsible for putting the plan into motion.

2. Is the College prepared for different types of emergencies?

The College plan includes responses for a variety of emergencies including medical issues, security breaches, terrorist threats, evacuations, weather-related situations and other types of emergencies. The University has access to multiple resources of its own as well as those available through local police departments, area hospitals, and other regional and federal agencies designed to support citizens in need.

3. If an emergency arises, how do I get information?

In the event of a campus emergency, information pertaining to the situation can be found on the home page of the college web site and on the campus telephone system voicemail. Emergency information sites include: www.ready.gov, www.emailemergency.org, www.dhs.gov, www.lowergwynedd.org, www.fema.org . Faculty and staff can also reference their phone chain list. Public Safety and Security can be reached at (215) 641-5522, ext.522. Students, Faculty and Staff will also receive notice via email, voice mail broadcasts, mass meeting and from distributed fliers. Residence Life Professional Staff will be in their buildings to convey information to residential students. These resources will be continually updated.

4. How do parents and family members get information?

In the event of a campus emergency an information control hotline will have taped updates on the situation. The College will make every attempt to keep telephones operational. Public Safety and Security can be reached at (215) 641-5522. The home page of the College web site will be another source of updates.

5. What can be done right now to maintain a safe environment?

Being observant and reporting suspicious or unusual activity to Campus Public Safety are two excellent ways to promote safety. Activity to report could include:

• People in buildings or areas who do not seem to have legitimate business there
• Unauthorized people in restricted or private areas
• Abandoned parcels in unusual areas
• Abandoned vehicles
• Unfamiliar vehicles with person/s sitting inside

Other ways to promote safety include normal security procedures:

• Do not prop open doors or windows and remove the prop if you observe it
• Lock your car, room or apartment when you leave
• Protect your access codes to computer files, bank machines and other personal data
• Become aware of exits in academic buildings, residence halls, etc.
• Avoid dangerous behaviors (walking alone, drinking excessively, entering unfamiliar areas)
• Use emergency telephones located on campus when necessary

6. Who should I contact if I notice something or have a concern?

Contact Campus Public Safety at (215) 641-5522, or on campus ext.522.

Other people you can contact are the Director of Public Safety and Security James McNesby At (215) 542-5785 or Lower Gwynedd Police Department at (215) 646-5300.

Please be observant and take the responsibility to keep yourself and others safe.