Tenant Handbook


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Shelter in Place Plan

Purpose of the Plan

The Philadelphia Fire Code requires various buildings to develop a plan to shelter occupants inside the building in the event of a hazardous material, biological, or other emergency outside the building. The purpose of the shelter-in-place plan is to safeguard occupants during an emergency outside the building by preventing or limiting the infiltration of hazardous materials into the building by closing doors, shutting off air handling/HVAC systems and moving occupants away from perimeter windows and doors to safer locations within the building. Where possible these locations will be near restrooms. Once a year there will be a shelter-in-place drill conducted to ensure occupants know what to do and where to go in an emergency.

Procedures

An announcement will be made via the public address system when a shelter-in-place emergency is occurring. This announcement will be repeated (3) times. Upon the announcement being made for the 3rd time, the elevators will be recalled to the Lobby Level (or 2nd Floor depending on situation) and all Lobby Level and Truck Dock doors will be closed and locked. In addition, Security will insure that all retail tenants with direct access doors to the street level close and secure their outside doors. Please note that in accordance with City Fire Code, all fire exit doors will be accessible for egress.

 

When an emergency is announced Tenant Safety Wardens are to ensure that all occupants in their suite go to their designated shelter locations.

 

Fire Tower re-entry stair tower doors (these doors are labeled) will be unlocked during the emergency to allow for interfloor travel if necessary. In some types of emergencies, occupants in the lower levels could be directed to the upper floors to avoid possible exposure to outside contaminants that are heavier than air.

 

During certain types of emergencies, the Building Engineers will shut down all air handling equipment and close all outside air dampers.

 

Building Management will monitor the emergency via the city’s emergency broadcast network, local news radio, and cable TV emergency broadcast systems. Updates will be provided to the building occupants via the public address system when available.

 

Shelter Locations

Shelter locations should be the inner most interior of rooms or spaces within the confines of your respected area, away from perimeter windows and doors.

 

Physically Disabled Persons

As with fire emergency procedures, the Tenant Safety Wardens shall assist those with a physical disability to their shelter location.

 

All Clear

When notified that the emergency is over, Building Management will provide further instructions to occupants via the public address system.

 

Annual Shelter-in Place Drill

The annual shelter-in-place drill will be scheduled through the Building Management Office.