Emergency Procedures

With anywhere between five and 65,000 people taking part in a tradeshow, convention, expo or meeting on any given day, the Pennsylvania Convention Center is extremely diligent when it comes to the safety of our guests. Please familiarize yourself with our emergency procedures below.

  • Evacuation Plan
    Familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Note all emergency exits in your area. The key to a successful evacuation is for everyone to remain calm. In the event that evacuation is necessary you will be informed via a voice-recorded message advising you to proceed to the nearest exit. If you are assisting in the evacuation of your show attendees and exhibitors, make sure they are instructed to leave by way of the nearest exit in a calm and orderly fashion. Physically challenged guests should be escorted to the nearest fire stair. It will then be necessary to notify command station via house phone at ext. 4911 or nearest security personnel with the exact location of the individual so that the Fire Department is notified for retrieval of the individual.
  • Fire—Code Red
    If a fire is suspected contact the Command Station at 215-418-4911 or via the beige house phones at ext. 4911. Give the location and extent of the suspected fire. The Command Station will dispatch Security and Engineering and will call the Fire Department. The Command Station will also notify the Emergency Response Leaders, who will be in touch with Show Management. If evacuation is necessary, see evacuation plan above.
  • Medical Emergency—Code Green
    If you come across an injured person or someone who needs medical attention, identify yourself to the individual if possible and obtain as much information as possible from him/her. Contact the Command Station, via the beige house phone at ext. 4911. Relay information to the Command Station. The Command Station will either contact the show EMS or the Philadelphia Fire Department Rescue Unit. It is important that you know where you are so medical attention may be rendered as quickly as possible. Do Not Call 911.
  • Bomb Threat—Code Black
    When a call is received, you should try to keep the caller on the line as long as possible in order to obtain as much information as possible. Try to be calm when speaking to the caller. After a threat has been made and the call has been terminated call the Command Station at 215-418-4911. Do Not Use your Radio, at this point since the frequency of a two-way radio could trigger the device. Pagers as well as cell phones should also be turned off. Command Station will call the police and notify the Emergency Response Team. The Emergency Response Team will be in touch with Show Management. If evacuation is necessary, see evacuation plan above.
  • Civil Disturbances
    If you see protestors or witness a civil disturbance, notify the PCCA Command Station via the beige colored house phone at ext. 4911. The Command Station will notify security personnel and the appropriate management staff to report to your location. Command Station will also notify the Philadelphia Police Department, Security Services, and will meet with appropriate Show Management and advise them of the situation.