The Department of Fire & Emergency Services (FES), in addition to implementing the University’s crisis emergency plan (see emergency preparedness), maintains an active partnership with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses & Inspection and Fire Department, in order to ensure compliance with all city, state and federal fire and building codes for the University.

FES conducts routine inspections of buildings and fire alarms; supervises mandatory evacuation drills; reviews all plans for construction, renovation and installation of fire protection and sprinkler systems; monitors all campus elevators for safe operations; coordinates regular inspections of all elevator emergency phones; conducts pre-event inspections (such as Spring Fling, Hey Day, concerts etc.); and provides fire and emergency services trainings for the entire Penn community.

Fire Protection Reliability

The members of FES have an extensive professional and academic background in fire protection, fire prevention, safety, code management, fire investigation, building inspections, fire suppression, hazardous materials and training. FES strives to ensure a safe operational and living environment for all Penn students, faculty and staff by providing a contemporary fire and safety program that is continuously reviewed, updated and coordinated with University community members.