ZSR Safety & Security Committee Bulletin – Spring 2025

Who We Are

The ZSR Safety and Security Committee is integral to ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We’re dedicated to maintaining emergency preparedness, improving safety protocols, and ensuring that facilities meet the highest standards for security and accessibility.

Our work includes developing and refining emergency plans, coordinating training sessions, identifying safety concerns, and collaborating with Wake Forest University’s Environmental Health & Safety team, Campus Police, and Facilities Management. Through these efforts, we aim to promote a culture of preparedness and create a safer space for the entire library.

What We Are Currently Working On

The committee has been actively working on several projects over the past semester, with a strong focus on improving emergency preparedness, training opportunities, and overall facility safety.

Emergency Preparedness & Evacuation Planning

Keeping our emergency response procedures up to date is a key priority. Recently, the committee reviewed and updated the ZSR Emergency Plan to remove committee member names, as these roles rotate regularly. Additionally, Public Services staff will now take responsibility for Atrium evacuations, a change that better reflects our current workflow and staff availability.

Beyond the main ZSR building, we have drafted an Emergency Plan for the Offsite Shelving Facility, ensuring that staff working in this space have clear procedures in place should an emergency arise. Ty took the lead on this initiative, working with Craig and James to determine what resources, such as a mobile disaster kit, should be kept onsite. The mobile disaster kit is now complete and located at the Offsite Facility. Development of the emergency plan is ongoing, and we will provide updates as the plan develops.

Training & Safety Procedures

One of the most critical aspects of emergency preparedness is training, and we are working to ensure that all staff have access to relevant safety resources. The committee is currently coordinating a fire extinguisher training session with Environmental Health & Safety. The training is expected to take about 30 minutes. Employees who previously indicated interest in safety training will be contacted with further details.

Additionally, as we refine our emergency procedures, we are clarifying evacuation responsibilities for designated staff members. These expectations will be shared in a future update, ensuring that everyone understands their role in an emergency.

Building & Facilities Safety

Over the past semester, the committee has continued its work on identifying and addressing safety concerns. The annual Building Walkthrough Assessment revealed a number of issues that need to be addressed, and while Facilities is currently engaged in multiple large-scale projects, we are prioritizing and submitting safety concerns for resolution as efficiently as possible.

We are also reviewing and replacing outdated emergency signage in study carrels. Previously, these signs were created by Campus Safety, but they are no longer being produced. The committee has recommended new signage that will include important emergency contact information, Wake Safe App details, and a direct link to campus text alerts.

To improve communication regarding facility maintenance issues, we are implementing a standardized “Out of Order” sign for broken equipment and facilities. This new sign will include a date reported field and a QR code that links directly to the library chat service, making it easier for patrons and staff to track and report ongoing issues.

Decoration Safety Guidelines

As we continue to support campus engagement through creative and welcoming spaces, we have also turned our attention to safety concerns related to seasonal and event decorations in the library. To address previous challenges, we have established new guidelines for decorations in public areas. These guidelines ensure that:

  • Exit signs, fire alarms, and emergency exits remain clearly visible and unobstructed.
  • Window coverings do not block natural light or visibility, as this violates fire codes.
  • Decorations are placed in safe, accessible locations, avoiding stairwells or corridors that serve as emergency exits.
  • Only unbreakable, non-glass decorations are used to minimize risk.
  • Electrical decorations are avoided to reduce fire hazards.
  • Proper lifting techniques and ladders are used when installing decorations to prevent injuries.

We are currently working with WFU’s Compliance Office to formally incorporate these guidelines into broader university policies. These measures will ensure that ZSR remains both festive and safe throughout the year.

Disaster Preparedness & Supply Maintenance

Ensuring that emergency supplies are well-stocked and readily available is another priority for the committee. Over the past semester, we have reviewed and updated disaster supply inventories in multiple locations, including Room 200, the Wilson 2 Mailroom, and Room 408. These areas now contain plastic sheeting, flood barriers, flashlights, and additional emergency supplies.
Additionally, as part of our ongoing efforts to improve emergency preparedness, we are implementing an annual flashlight check across library departments. Each department will be responsible for ensuring that their emergency flashlights are in working order, with assignments coordinated by library directors. This simple step will help us maintain readiness in the event of a power outage or other emergency situation.

Wake Safe App

As a reminder, the Wake Safe App is an essential tool for personal safety on campus. This app provides quick access to emergency contacts, real-time alerts, and the SafeWalk feature, which allows students to request a virtual escort for additional security when traveling across campus at night.
We strongly encourage all library staff and students to download the Wake Safe App and familiarize themselves with its features. Having this resource at your fingertips can make a crucial difference in an emergency.

Download the Wake Safe App

For additional information on safety procedures, emergency training, and security resources at ZSR, please visit:

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding library safety and security, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continued support in making ZSR a safe and secure environment for all.