Welcome back! With the semester just getting underway, the Safety & Security Committee has been busy this summer laying the groundwork for a safe and prepared academic year.

Emergency Planning

The draft Offsite Emergency Plan is currently under review. Committee members are expected to read through it this month, and it will be brought forward for formal approval at the September meeting. Alongside this, the committee has begun discussions of ZSR’s Continuity of Operations Plan, which will guide us in maintaining essential library services during unexpected disruptions.

Training Opportunities

Training remains a central focus for the fall semester. A Fire Safety and Fire Extinguishing Training is scheduled for September 3 at 1:00 p.m. in EHS Room 113, located in the Facilities Compound on Wingate Road. All committee members are encouraged to attend. Planning is also underway for First Aid and CPR training, coordinated by Hu Womack with Bridget Marrs, with dates to be announced soon.

Annual Report & Planning Ahead

This summer, the committee reviewed its 2024–25 Annual Report and set goals for the new academic year. Priorities for 2025–26 include producing three Safety & Security Bulletins, conducting the annual building walkthrough in September, and carrying out the Emergency Supplies Audit in October. October will also see flashlight checks across departments and updates to the Safety & Security webpage. Longer-term projects, such as updates to the Emergency Brochure and the Emergency Procedures Document, are scheduled for 2026. The committee also stands ready to support the work of the Administrative Data Task Force once guidance is shared.

Facilities & Safety Notes

Summer renovations at ZSR included the installation of new emergency signage in study spaces to better guide students and staff during evacuations. Facilities also addressed two significant building issues: cracks in the library’s foundation and a water leak on Reynolds 6, which fortunately tested negative for asbestos. Both issues have now been repaired, and monitoring will continue as renovation work progresses.

Stay Prepared with these Resources

ZSR Library works closely with campus partners to keep our community safe and informed. Here are key resources you can bookmark and use throughout the year:

Wake Safe App Info

    • Be sure to monitor email and Wake Alerts for timely notifications about University closures and delays. The Wake Safe App can be found here.

Seasonal Reminders

As construction in and around ZSR comes to an end, please be mindful of safety, as some areas may still be affected and not entirely complete. If you see anything that looks suspicious or unsafe, please notify the Safety & Security Committee or the Dean’s Office.

  • Red Cross Heat Advisory: During warm weather, remember to drink plenty of water and be mindful of the dangers extreme heat can cause.
  • Red Cross Hurricane Information: Hurricane season will soon be here. Please stay alert to weather conditions and listen for official broadcast warnings.

Looking Ahead

The September committee meeting will be a busy one: we will finalize plans for the annual walkthrough and vote on the Offsite Emergency Plan. October will bring the Emergency Supplies Audit, flashlight checks, and updates to the Safety & Security webpage.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and thank you for helping us keep ZSR a secure place for our community.

The ZSR Safety & Security Committee