Fire Department
When There's a Fire
When the fire alarm sounds
All fire alarms should be treated as the real thing. It is important to understand that any delay in evacuating may be harmful to you as smoke from what appears to be a minor or small fire may carry hazardous toxins. Be prepared.
- Stop what you are doing immediately. Secure any confidential work quickly. If this is not possible, take it with you.
- Go to the nearest stairway or designated exit. Do not carry coffee, soda, or food. Take only what is necessary.
- Enter stairway and move to the inside railing. Allow personnel from lower floors to intertwine with you as you proceed down the stairs.
- Once you exit at the ground floor (or designated exit level) do not stop. Proceed away from the building for at least one hundred (100) feet, or to your designated safety area.
- Obey the monitors. They have taken the time to become familiar with the fire safety plan and are there for you safety.
If a fire occurs in your building
Report the fire to the Fire Department by dialing 911. Don't assume someone else has already called.
- Prior to leaving your office, feel the door before opening it. If the door is hot, or if smoke is seeping through, do not open. Try another door if available. If you choose to open the door do it cautiously and if possible proceed as outlined in your escape plan.
- Walk quickly, keep calm, and pull the building fire alarm if it is not already ringing, to alert others.
- If you encounter smoke, stay low where the air is better. Take short breaths until you reach the stairwell. Once in the stairwell, you are in a relatively safe area and can move at a more normal pace.
- If you should become trapped in your office and cannot reach an alternate exit, keep the door closed and seal off any cracks. If a telephone is available, call 911 and report you are trapped and give your location in the building. Then go to a window and signal for help. Do not panic or jump.
- Evacuate by using the stairway, not the elevator. The elevator is reserved for use by the Fire Department in an emergency situation.
- Do not re-enter the building until directed to do so by the Fire Department.
