Skip to content

Emergency Management

Fire

IF YOU DISCOVER SMOKE OR FIRE

  • If the fire is small enough and you are properly trained, take immediate action to control the fire with available firefighting equipment.
  • If you are unable to control it and it is safe to do so, remove everyone from immediate danger and close the door to confine smoke and fire.
  • Activate the building fire alarm at a pull station along your evacuation route.
  • Before opening a door, feel the door with the back of your hand. Do NOT open any door that feels hot.
  • Do NOT return to your area for personal belongings.
  • If smoke is present, stay low. The best quality of air is near the floor. Proceed to the stairwell and exit to the ground floor.
  • After you are safely out of the danger area, call 911 to report the fire.

IF YOU CATCH ON FIRE

  • DO NOT RUN!
  • STOP where you are
  • DROP to the ground and
  • ROLL over and over to smother flames

IF YOU ARE TRAPPED AND CANNOT EVACUATE

  • If available, wedge wet towels or cloth materials along the bottom of the door to keep out smoke.
  • Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
  • Call 911 to report the problem and provide your location.
  • If you are trapped in an area and need oxygen, only break the window as a last resort. Use caution when doing so.

RESPONSE TO FIRE ALARMS

  • If the alarm sounds and/or emergency strobes begin to blink, evacuate immediately.
  • Never assume a fire alarm is a false alarm!
  • Do NOT use elevators.
  • Do NOT return for personal belongings.
  • Direct and assist visitors and persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.

Return to the building only after you receive the "ALL CLEAR" from authorized personnel or emergency officials.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

If you decide to try and extinguish a small fire with a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym P.A.S.S.

P - Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.
A - Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
S - Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Diagram of how to properly use a fire extinguisher