HARR
Building Emergency Plan (BEP) – West Lafayette
Benjamin Harrison Residence Hall (HARR)
107 MacArthur Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana
Revision Date: 3/17/2026
Emergency Contacts
For all emergencies, call/text 911
Non-emergency Contacts
Purdue University Police Department (PUPD): 765-494-8221
Purdue University Fire Department (PUFD): 765-494-6919
Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP): 765-494-0446
Purdue Environmental Health and Safety (EHS): 765-494-6371
Facilities Operations: 765-494-9999
Building Specific Information
Building Emergency Contacts
Building Deputy or Manager
Name: Trevor Blackwood
Email Address: tblackwo@purdue.edu
Phone Number: 765-496-9232
Office/Room Number: MCUT C212
Facility Manager, if applicable
Name: Maintenance Zone A Leader
Email Address:
Phone Number: 765-494-2576
Office/Room Number:
Safety Manager, if applicable
Name: Trevor Blackwood
Email Address: tblackwo@purdue.edu
Phone Number: 765-496-9232
Office/Room Number: MCUT C212
List any other contacts if applicable
Name: Main Office
Email Address: HarrisonHall@purdue.edu
Phone Number: 765-494-2640
Office/Room Number: HARR C207
Life Safety Equipment
Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
AED Location 1: Main Office C207
Contact Person: Trevor Blackwood
Contact Person’s Phone Number: 765-496-9232
Emergency Evacuation
In an emergency evacuation, building occupants shall leave the building at the nearest emergency exit, which may not be the main entrance.
General Evacuation Procedures–If you hear the fire alarm or are instructed to leave the building:
- You must immediately obey evacuation alarms and orders. Tell others to evacuate.
- No one may remain inside a building when an evacuation is in progress.
- Classes in session must cease and immediately evacuate the building.
- If involved with hazardous research or doing a dangerous procedure, immediately shut down operations that could create additional hazards if left unattended. Evacuate as soon as possible.
- When you evacuate, take keys, coat, purse and any other critical personal items with you to the Evacuation/Emergency Assembly Area (EAA). REMEMBER, IN CASE OF A FIRE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOT DELAY EVACUATION.
- Close doors as rooms are vacated.
- Assist those who need help, but do not put yourself at risk attempting to rescue trapped or injured victims.
- Note location of trapped and injured victims and notify emergency responders.
- Walk calmly but quickly to the nearest emergency exit.
- Use stairways only. Do not use elevators.
- Keep to the right side of corridors and stairwells as you exit.
- Remain in EAA until roll is taken and instructions are given.
- Do not reenter the building until authorized fire or police department personnel give the “All Clear” instruction.
Building Specific Evacuation Procedures
Residents and staff should evacuate building(s) and call 911, or Purdue Fire Department, to report fire situation and location.
Clerical and student office staff members, located in main office, will follow fire evacuation procedures, including locking safes and doors and taking the Emergency Bag, Safety Binder, and building rosters/highlighter/pen to the Emergency Assembly Area location east of the SE Entrance by MacArthur Dr.
Residents Evacuate to their assigned locations per floor.
Evacuation/Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) Location (after you have evacuated your building)
The Building Deputy or representative should provide first responder personnel as much information as you know. Provide this information to Incident Command, Command 14 (PUFD command vehicle), or the nearest public safety official as soon as possible.
Once out of the building, occupants shall meet at the following Evacuation/Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) locations:
1. Primary EAA Location (should be outside, in an area away from the building):
- Primary location (should be outside, in an area away from the building): Clerical and Office Staff: East of the SE Entrance by MacArthur Dr. Residents: Assigned assembly location per floor.
- Secondary location (should be inside a nearby building in case of inclement weather): Hillenbrand Main Lobby/Formal Lounge.
2. Secondary EAA Location (should be inside a nearby building in case of inclement weather):
All clerical, service, and Admin staff should head to Hillenbrand Hall and meet in the main lobby/formal lounge area in case of inclement weather.
Residents will assemble in their locations per floor.
Please note: Building occupants may return to the building once they receive an all-clear from on-site emergency personnel.
Shelter in place
During a severe weather incident (such as a tornado warning), occupants can take shelter in a safe location, such as an interior room with no windows, ideally in the lower level of the building.
Severe weather shelter-in-place options in this building include, but are not limited to:
Types: You may be required to Shelter In Place for events such as:
- Tornado warning or other severe weather events.
- Hazardous materials release.
- Active threat, such as a shooter.
- As directed by police personnel for any other situation that requires you to find protection within a building.
When to Shelter in Place: You must immediately seek shelter in the nearest facility or building (preferably in a room with no windows) when:
- You hear the All Hazards Outdoor Emergency Warning Sirens.
- When directed by police or fire department personnel.
General Procedures: PurdueALERT, the university’s emergency warning notification system, will be used to notify the Purdue community of a “shelter in place” situation.
If you are “sheltering” due to a tornado warning, immediately go to a safe location in your building.
- Proceed to the basement of any building that has a basement or sub-walk. Position yourself in the safest portion of the area away from glass. Be prepared to kneel facing a wall and cover your head.
- In high-rise (four stories or more) buildings, vacate the top floor and move to a lower floor or to the basement. Position yourself in an interior corridor away from glass. Be prepared to kneel facing the wall and cover your head.
- If time permits, occupants of wood-frame or brick buildings with wood floors should leave the building and go directly to a more substantial concrete building, preferably with a basement.
- Any occupant who encounters a student or visitor should direct them to take appropriate actions.
- Any occupant that encounters a physically disabled individual should assist them if possible, or note the person’s location and communicate it to emergency responders.
- Try and obtain additional clarifying information by all possible means (e.g. Purdue Campus Emergency Status page www.purdue.edu/ea, TV, radio, email, etc.)
If you are “sheltering” due to an active threat, building intruder or a civil disturbance on campus, immediately go to a safe location in your building.
- If possible, take refuge in a room that can be locked.
- If possible, close and lock the building’s or room’s door(s). If unable to lock the door secure it by any means possible.
- Hide under a desk, in a closet, or in the corner.
- After getting to a safe location and without jeopardizing your safety, try and obtain additional clarifying information by all possible means (e.g. Purdue Emergency Status page www.purdue.edu/ea, TV, radio, email, etc.)
- Report any suspicious activity if you can do so without jeopardizing your safety. Call or text 911 if possible.
If you are “sheltering” due to a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) accidental release of toxic chemicals the air quality may be threatened and sheltering in place keeps you inside an area offering more protection. For a HAZMAT situation you should, if possible, take the following actions:
- Close all windows and doors.
- Move to the shelter in place location.
- Do not go outside or attempt to drive unless you are specifically instructed to evacuate.
- Do not use elevators as they may pump air into or out of the building.
- Any occupant who encounters a student or visitor should direct them to take appropriate actions.
- Any occupant that encounters a physically disabled individual should assist them if possible.
- Try and obtain additional clarifying information by all possible means (e.g. Purdue Emergency Status page www.purdue.edu/ea, TV, radio, email, etc.)
Building Specific Shelter in Place Procedures and Locations:
Shelter in Place Location: 1st Floor Central Wing hallways away from Windows.
Staff are advised to sign up for text messaging from Purdue in the event of a shelter in place event. Purdue will activate an audible campus wide alarm system in the event of shelter in place. Residents should stay inside and lock all doors until an all clear communication is received by text or other form of communications by Hilltop staff, RA’s, e-mail, or text message.
If you are directed to shelter in place, but you are unaware of the specific reason, proceed to the lowest level of the building but continue to seek additional information by all possible means to determine the type of incident. Once you have determined the type of emergency, follow the below chart:
| EMERGENCY | SHELTER IN PLACE OPTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION |
|---|---|
| Weather-Related – Tornado Warning | Basement corridors, basement offices, basement restrooms Or the lowest level of the building (stay away from windows and doors) |
| Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Release | Remain or find an unaffected office or work area and close windows and doors. |
| Active threat, such as a shooting | Seek a safe location, preferable a room without windows that can be locked or secured by barriers. |
All-Clear Procedures
- Do not re-enter the building until the all-clear announcement is given by a Purdue Police or Fire Officer.
- The All Hazards Outdoor Warning Sirens will not be used to send an all clear signal. Seek additional information by all means possible to include Purdue ALERT, Purdue Campus Emergency Status webpage (www.purdue.edu/ea), TV and radio channels.
Class suspension or Campus closure
The President of the University, or in his or her absence, the Executive Vice President for Business and Finance, Treasurer and/or the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, will make a decision to declare class suspension or campus closure. Additional information will be forwarded to the campus community by the Marketing and Media Office.
Building Information for First Responder
Building Description
Harrison Hall is a large residence hall with 3 major wings in the building. the north and south wings are 8 stories tall and each house ~450 residents. The center section is 2 stories tall and is public and office space. Each of the wings has a separate fire alarm system. If the entire building is to be evacuated, 3 pulls will have to be made- one in the north wing, one in the south wing and one in the central area.
Building Departments
| Department | Safety Coordinator | Phone | Building | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Services | Michael Royer | 4-7119 | MCUT | C142 |
| UR Operations | Harrison Clerk | 4-2640 | HARR | C207 |
| UR Residential Life | Natalie Rice | 6-6616 | MCUT | C201 |
| Physical Facilities | Scott Gilkey | 4-2576 | HARR | C154 |
Building Critical Operations
| Operation | Department | Phone | Responsible Person | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Building Alarms
In addition to building fire alarm systems, many campus buildings have specialized alarms that building occupants may need to be aware of. These could include freezer temperature alarms, HVAC flow alarms and door/access alarms. Also, certain classrooms on campus may have an Alertus Emergency Beacon installed.
These alarms are listed below:
1st floor outside room C152 is a horn that is for sump pump failure. If this horn is going off and the red light is going, then both sump pumps have failed and we will need a first responder here to take care of it after business hours. The failure is in room BE04 in the basement.
All wings have fire alarms, but are treated as separate buildings, An alarm in the North Wing for instance would not trigger the Central or South Wing fire alarms and only those in the North wing would need to evacuate.
Building Safety Committee
| Name & Position | Department | Phone | Building | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevor Blackwood — Chair | UR | 6-9232 | MCUT | C212 |
Building Occupants and Responsibilities
Department Head or Designated Representative
- Appoint the building deputy or designated representative to develop, coordinate and distribute the BEP to building residents.
- Approve the plan prior to inclusion in the online BEP list on the Office of Emergency Preparedness BEP webpage.
- Ensure all people in their department are aware of the BEP and its content including exit routes and the location of their Evacuation/Emergency Assembly area (EAA).
Building deputy or BEP developer
- Prepare, coordinate and distribute the BEP to building occupants.
- Ensure the BEP is readily available and used during emergency incidents.
- Review the BEP to ensure information and procedures are current.
- List all Critical Operations in the BEP for first responder reference and use.
- Assist in the development of internal emergency notification procedures ensuring building occupants are notified of the emergency.
- Assist in building evacuation.
- Report to Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) and provide any incident information to Incident Command, Command 14 (PUFD command vehicle) or the nearest public safety official as soon as possible.
- Collect and provide essential information to emergency response personnel (e.g. location of the incident, persons in the building, special hazards, etc.).
- Develop additional building-specific information that makes the BEP more effective (e.g. specific procedures for any assigned individual that requests additional assistance, evacuation maps, emergency assembly area, etc.).
- Include in the BEP any additional information as directed by the department head or the individual responsible for the building.
Building Occupants
It is the responsibility of all members of the Purdue community to ensure a healthy and safe environment. Whereas the BEP is regulated by OSHA and the Indiana Fire Code, all elements within the plan apply to all members of the Purdue community. Building occupants should be familiar with emergency procedures and are expected to take all alarms and alerts seriously.
Emergency Notifications (PurdueALERT)
PurdueALERT is Purdue University’s mass communication tool for alerting campus to immediate dangers such as severe weather, active threats and ongoing threats that could cause harm.
The following communication methods make up the university’s Emergency Communication Plan for Indianapolis:
- ALL-HAZARDS OUTDOOR EMERGENCY WARNING SIRENS: This means to immediately seek shelter (shelter in place) in a safe location within the closest facility/building. This course of action may need to be taken during a tornado, active threat such as a shooting or a major release of hazardous materials in the outside air.
- BUILDING FIRE ALARMS (INDOORS): This means immediately evacuate the building and proceed to your emergency assembly area as defined in the BEP.
- Use all communication means available to find out more details about the emergency. Remain in place until police, fire or other emergency response personnel say it is safe to leave.
- TEXT MESSAGING: Purdue University faculty, staff and students may sign up to receive an emergency notification text message. Members of the campus community may register up to three numbers to receive emergency text messages.
- X (formerly Twitter): Use the X app for push notifications from @purdueALERT to your smartphone. This is a good method for contractors, parents, visitors or community members to receive PurdueALERT emergency messages.
- DIGITAL SIGNS: Digital signs around campus will display the same PurdueALERT message that gets sent via text message to opted-in campus subscribers.
- DESKTOP POPUP ALERT: An alert will be sent to the majority of university computers. Alert language will only display if a user is logged in.
- EMAIL: An email can be sent to all people with a purdue.edu address. When building deputies receive an emergency notification, they will forward an email to others in the building or go to offices or rooms in person, if time permits and their safety is not in jeopardy. They also may post signs on doors or in hallways.
- WEST LAFAYETTE / INDIANAPOLIS EMERGENCY STATUS WEBPAGE: The Campus Emergency Status webpage is the focal point of the most complete information for all campus-related emergencies.
- MEDIA: The university works with the news media including radio, TV and newspapers to help spread the word.
Additional Assistance During an Emergency
Tips for individuals needing assistance
In the event of an emergency that may require the evacuation of a campus building, the following procedures are recommended:
- If able to evacuated, please do so at that time. Remember to use the stairs if able. Never use the elevator during a fire alarm.
- If not, shelter in place in an area with no immediate hazards and call or text 911. Advise the police dispatcher of the location. Even if the caller is unable to speak, the dispatcher will then automatically surmise that the caller may be in trouble and will respond accordingly.
- If unable to call 911, advise others of the location and have them inform emergency personnel of the location.
- If in no immediate danger, remain in the location and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
- If in immediate danger, move to an area to shelter in place. Recommended areas would be a room with an outside window or a room with a sprinkler system if available.
- Carry a sounding device like a small whistle, flashlight and cell phone to alert emergency personnel of the location.
Tips for people who offer to help those needing assistance
- Always ask someone requiring additional assistance how to help before attempting to provide assistance.
- Only attempt an emergency evacuation after having emergency assistance training or if the person is in immediate danger and cannot wait for emergency personnel.
- If you know of someone who needs assistance, notify emergency personnel or call/text 911 immediately.
Evacuation & Shelter In Place
Evacuation
In the event of an emergency that may require the evacuation of a campus building, the following procedures are recommended:
- Immediately obey evacuation alarms and orders. Tell others to evacuate.
- No one may remain inside a building when an evacuation is in progress.
- Classes in session must cease and immediately evacuate the building.
- If involved with hazardous research or doing a dangerous procedure, immediately shut down operations that could create additional hazards if left unattended. Evacuate as soon as possible.
- Take keys, coat, purse and any other critical personal items to the Evacuation/Emergency Assembly Area (EAA). REMEMBER, IN CASE OF A FIRE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOT DELAY EVACUATION.
- Close doors as rooms are vacant.
- Assist those who need help, but do not put yourself at risk attempting to rescue trapped or injured victims.
- Note location of trapped and injured victims and notify emergency responders.
- Walk calmly but quickly to the nearest emergency exit.
- Use stairways only. Do not use elevators.
- Keep to the right side of corridors and stairwells as you exit.
- Remain in EAA until roll is taken and instructions are given.
- Do not reenter the building until authorized fire or police department personnel give the “All Clear” instruction.
Shelter In Place
Shelter in place means seeking immediate shelter inside a building or university residence. This course of action may need to be taken during a tornado, active threat, release of hazardous materials in the outside air or a civil disturbance. When you hear the sirens, immediately go inside a building to a safe location and use all means of communication available to find out more details about the emergency. Remain in place until police, fire or other emergency response personnel provide additional guidance or tell you it is safe to leave. Keep to the right side of corridors and stairwells as you exit.
Severe Weather
- Proceed to the basement of any building that has a basement or sub-walk. Position yourself in the safest portion of the area away from glass. Be prepared to kneel facing a wall and cover your head.
- In high-rise (four stories or more) buildings, vacate the top floor and move to a lower floor or to the basement. Position yourself in an interior corridor away from glass. Be prepared to kneel facing the wall and cover your head.
- If time permits, occupants of wood-frame or brick buildings with wood floors should leave the building and go directly to a more substantial concrete building, preferably with a basement.
- Any occupant who encounters a student or visitor should direct them to take appropriate actions.
- Any occupant that encounters a physically disabled individual should assist them if possible or note the person’s location and communicate it to emergency responders.
- Try and obtain additional clarifying information by all possible means (e.g. Campus Emergency Status page, TV, radio, email, etc.)
Active Threat
If an active threat is outside the building, the best option may be to shelter in place:
- Proceed to a room that can be locked, barricaded or secured in some way. Close and lock all the windows and doors and turn off all the lights.
- Hide under a desk, in a closet or in the corner. If possible, get everyone down on the floor and ensure that no one is visible from outside the room.
- One person in the room should call/text 911, advise the dispatcher of what is taking place and inform them of your location.
- Remain in place until the police, or a campus administrator known to you, gives the all-clear. Unfamiliar voices may be the threat attempting to lure victims from their safe space.
- Do not respond to any voice commands until you can verify with certainty that they are being issued by a police officer.
- After getting to a safe location and without jeopardizing your safety, try and obtain additional clarifying information by all possible means, including text, email, Campus Emergency Status page, TV, radio, etc.
- It would be useful to have a cell phone, hard-wired telephone or computer system in the shelter location to assist in obtaining additional information as well as being able to report any life-threatening conditions.
- Report any suspicious activity if you can do so without jeopardizing your safety. Call/text 911 if possible.
- Normally, police department personnel, PurdueALERT text and all-hazards outdoor warning siren layers will be the primary notification methods.
If an active threat is in the same building:
- Determine if the room can be locked. If so, follow the same procedure described in the previous paragraph.
- If the room cannot be locked, determine if there is a nearby location that can be reached
safely and securely, or if you can safely exit the building. - If you decide to move from your current location, be sure to follow the instructions outlined
below.
If an active threat enters your office or classroom:
- Try to remain calm.
- Call/text 911, if possible, and alert police to the location of the threat. If you can’t speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen to what’s taking place. Normally, the location of a 911 call can be determined without speaking.
- You have options–you can make attempts to run, hide or fight.
- Run and escape the area of threat.
- Hide by seeking cover and/or concealment.
- Fight by overpowering or distracting with force. This should be considered a very last resort.
- If the threat leaves the area, proceed immediately to a safer place and do not touch anything that was in the vicinity of the threat.
Under all circumstances:
- If you decide to flee during an active threat situation, make sure to have an escape route and plan in mind.
- Do not carry anything while fleeing. Move quickly, keep hands visible and follow the instructions of any police officers you may encounter.
- Do not attempt to remove injured people. Instead, leave wounded victims where they are and notify authorities of their location as soon as possible.
Hazardous Materials Release
For spills, releases or incidents requiring special training, procedures or personal protective equipment (PPE) that is beyond the abilities of present personnel, take the following steps:
- Immediately notify affected personnel and evacuate the spill area. Pull the fire alarm if building evacuation is required.
- Call 911 to report the incident.
- Give the operator the following information:
- Your name, telephone number, and location
- Time and type of incident
- Name and quantity of the material, if known
- The extent of injuries or damage, if any
- If possible, seal off the affective area to prevent further contamination of others until the arrival of emergency personnel.
- Anyone who is contaminated by the spill should wash off the contamination, remain in the vicinity and give his/her name to the emergency personnel. If needed, first aid can be started immediately.
- No effort to contain or clean up spills and releases should be made unless you have been trained in the proper methods to do so.
- Take appropriate steps to make sure no one evacuates through the contaminated area.
- If an alarm sounds, follow established building evacuation procedures listed above.
- An incident command post will be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the incident command area unless you have official business, including information regarding the chemical or other material that has been spilled.
- Do not re-enter the area until directed by emergency personnel.
If you are directed to shelter in place due to a hazardous material (HAZMAT) accidental release, the air quality may be threatened and sheltering offers more protection. For a HAZMAT shelter in place situation, take the following actions:
- Close all windows and doors.
- Move to the shelter-in-place location.
- Select an interior room above ground with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to sit.
- Do not go outside or attempt to drive unless specifically instructed to evacuate.
- Do not use elevators as they may pump air into or out of the building.
- Share notification with others and assist persons with disabilities, if possible.
- Try and obtain additional clarifying information by all possible means, including text, email, Campus Emergency Status page, TV, radio, etc.
- It would be useful to have a cell phone, hard-wired telephone or computer system in the shelter location to assist in obtaining additional information as well as being able to report any life-threatening conditions.
All-Clear Procedures
- Do not re-enter the building until the all-clear announcement is made by police or fire personnel.
- The All-Hazards Outdoor Warning Sirens will not be used to send an all-clear signal. Seek additional information by all means possible, including through PurdueALERT, Campus Emergency Status page, TV and radio channels.