How to handle a protest in the Library

In light of the advertised "Occupy" protests scheduled for today; I figured we should discuss a bit of what to do in the event of protests/marches in the Library.

From the campus coordinators, the below statement:

If marchers enter your building, let them. Try to carry on business as usual. If the noise becomes too great, or the crowd too large, feel free to close and lock your office doors - this is a departmental decision. Do not close your buildings unless the Police advise you to.


As a reminder, in the past, some of these activities have included repeated fire alarm pulls. If a building fire alarm sounds, follow your normal procedures and evacuate the building. Do not re-enter until given the “all clear” by a Campus official. We are working with the Campus Fire Marshal’s office to address these types of situations and if your facility is involved we will be contacting you.


If there is a protest march, and they mob on any one of the gates, you should simply allow them to pass, and call security and the Info Desk Supervisor to advise of the situation.  Do not get in the way of the herd.

If you experience an immediate threat or safety concern please, use your judgment to close and lock the doors if you are concerned about a person or a group of people with the intent to be destructive or violent and do not have time to confer with your supervisor. Do not put yourself in harm's way. Call 911 or press the panic button if needed. 

If there is a prank fire alarm, we will do the standard fire evacuation drills.


Remember:

• When you are leaving, take your walkie with you outside, this is how you will be advised of the "all clear" and know when to enter to re-enter to establish the interior perimeter status quo.
• You are not to leave the post outside the building unless relieved by a staff member or your personal safety is in jeopardy; your role will be to assist security in keeping the outside building perimeter in tact while emergency services evaluate the situation. 

While we expect no problems, it is always better to be prepared...