9.5 Fire Alarms/Emergency Evacuations

When a fire alarm sounds every person — including all employees — must immediately vacate the building in a quiet and orderly manner and follow the directions of the Fire Marshall or Fire Department personnel.  Before leaving one’s office, attempt to lock or secure any valuables or confidential information.  Under no circumstances; however, should an employee ignore the alarm, encourage others to ignore the alarm, re-enter the building without authorization or place him/herself in danger of being harmed.  Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action.

Employees should acquaint themselves with the buildings’ stairwells and exits nearest to their office, and be ready to vacate the building during periodic fire drills according to the following procedure:

Before opening a closed door, touch it lightly with the palm of your hand.  If it is hot, do not open it as this indicates a serious condition outside.  Stay in the room.  If the door seems cool, but there is heavy smoke in the hall when you open the door, close it and stay inside.

If you must stay in the room or office, seal the bottom of the door with a coat or other such item.  Open windows from the top and bottom.  Do not break them.  Stay near the window and signal your presence by waving a bright object out the window.  (Shouting may not be heard.) If you have access to a phone, call security, the fire department or a nearby campus number.  Tell them you are trapped and give them the location. REMEMBER, WHEN YOU CALL SECURITY FIRST THEY CAN INITIATE SEVERAL PROCESSES AT ONCE.  ALSO THEY WILL BE MUCH MORE FAMILIAR WITH THE CAMPUS, YOUR LOCATION AND POSSIBLE METHODS OF ASSISTANCE.

If it is safe to leave the room, leave immediately with all of the items you will need in case re-entry to the building is not immediately possible.  Take your coat, books, pocketbooks, etc.  Close the windows and turn off the lights.  Close doors, proceed quickly and calmly to the nearest exit. Don’t run and never try to use the elevator.

If you encounter smoke, stay as low to the ground as possible.  (Since smoke and most toxic gases rise, the air nearest the floor will be purest.) Cover your mouth and nose with a coat or other appropriate material.

Move as far away from the building as possible, especially the Administration Building.  ALL ROADS should be clear to allow for fire apparatus to move between the building and those who have just evacuated it.

Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by a college or fire department official.

Every office should have a copy of the Emergency Evacuation Procedures (available in the Office of Safety and Security) posted.

Always use caution when fighting a fire.  Try to fight small, contained fires only.

Approved May 9, 2009