Fire Drill Instructions

If fire or smoke is observed within a building, regardless of size, activate the Fire Alarm Pull Station (typically a red box with the word “FIRE” at building exits, stairwell entrances, and in some instances corridors or classrooms). In some buildings, smoke or heat detectors will automatically activate the fire alarm system. When a fire alarm is activated, evacuation is mandatory.

Once the fire alarm system has been activated, an individual should:

• Turn off all hazardous experiments before evacuating the building.
• Collect essential personal belongings as quickly as possible, if it is safe to do so.
• Know of at least two exit routes out of your area.
• Close all doors behind you as you evacuate but do not lock them.
• If any door is hot to the touch, do not open it.
• When smoke is present crawl low to the floor to minimize smoke exposure.
• If you’re trapped in a room during a fire, place an object under the door to block smoke (clothing, towels, blankets, etc.) from entering into the room, then call 911.
• As you are evacuating, alert others that they must evacuate immediately.
• Evacuate the building using the nearest exit or stairwell. Do not attempt to use an elevator.
• Proceed to the building’s pre-determined evacuation points and remain there with your department or group until you are told otherwise by emergency personnel.
• Individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the stairs should wait in an enclosed stairwell for rescue assistance.
• Alert emergency personnel of individuals who require assistance and any unaccounted personnel that could not be evacuated.

Individuals requiring assistance

• If possible, know the needs and capabilities of faculty, staff, and students who frequent your building and/or work area.
• Ask the individual if they would like assistance prior to giving it.
• In the event of a fire, do not place yourself in danger while attempting to assist another individual.
• Individuals who are blind or visually impaired:
  • Offer physical assistance - Do not grab the individual and pull them along. Instead, offer your elbow and guide the individual to the nearest emergency exit. If possible, have someone follow behind you to protect the individual from being pushed down while exiting the building.
  • Offer verbal assistance - Calmly describe a safe path of egress to the nearest exit and warn the individual of potential obstacles within the path of egress.
• Assisting individuals with mobility impairments:
  • Provide assistance based on the individual’s ability to maneuver through doorways and up/down stairways.
  • If possible, assist the individual to the nearest emergency exit or stairwell entrance.
  • If you cannot assist the individual down the stairs, calmly inform the individual that help is on the way.
  • Alert emergency personnel of the individual’s location.