Medical Emergency Procedures

Fire iconFire

A fire emergency may exist alone or in conjunction with another type of emergency (i.e. earthquake, chemical spill, explosion, criminal activity, etc.). Trained firefighters may not always be immediately available; however, even if they are not available, do not endanger yourself or others in an effort to put out a fire in your building unless you are confident that you can extinguish the fire safely, and have already reported the fire to 911.

Immediate Emergency Actions

  • Pull the nearest fire alarm to evacuate the building.
  • If there are no fire alarms, knock on doors and yell “fire” as you exit the building.
  • Call 911or  and tell thedispatcher the location of the fire. Be sure to give the dispatcher your name, room number, and telephone extension. Do not hang up until the dispatcher releases you.
  • Spread the alarm. Know the exit routes and keep them open.
  • Evacuate the building, closing doors and windows behind you to confine the fire and prevent drafts. Keep doors and windows free of obstructions. Do not use elevators.
  • Feel closed doors with the back of your hand. DO NOT open if doors are hot.
  • Assist the physically disabled or others requiring assistance to exit the building in an emergency.
  • Disconnect electrical equipment on fire. Know the location of equipment switches and electrical panels. Keep area in front of all electrical panels open.
  • If you should become trapped in the building, move to a room on an outside wall with a window. Place a towel or jacket, etc., at the bottom of the door to help prevent smoke from entering the room. Hang a towel, sheet, blanket or other large item from the window so it may be visible from the outside. If you have access to a phone that works, call 911 and give your location.
  • Assemble a safe distance away from the building, utilizing your building pre-designated evacuation assembly point. Do not block driveways or areas to be used by fire or other emergency response units.
  • Do not approach or come into contact with any downed utility lines or other damaged utilities.
  • If you know the location of the fire, material involved, or other pertinent information, meet Fire Department personnel and provide them with all the information you have regarding the fire.
  • Do not attempt to reenter the building until the Fire Department and a University official declares the building safe.
  • Assist in taking a head count of building occupants in order to help determine who may be trapped in the building. Communicate this information to emergency response personnel.
  • Know the location(s) where those not able to evacuate will likely take refuge – e.g., physically disabled persons may not be able to evacuate high-rise buildings. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FIRES AND PREPAREDNESS

Campus Fire Safety.org

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