Fire Emergencies

  1. In all cases of fire the Department of Public Safety must be notified immediately. This can be done via the emergency # 6888 or by activating a building’s pull station.
  2. Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and pull boxes in your building. Training and information are available through the Department of Public Safety at ext. 6888.
  3. If a minor fire appears controllable, immediately contact (personally or preferably have someone else call) the Department of Public Safety at ext. 6888. Then promptly direct the discharge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
  4. If an emergency exists, activate the building’s fire alarm system.
  5. In the case of large fires that do not appear controllable, immediately activate the building’s fire alarm system and, if time permits, call 6888 to report the exact location of the fire. Then evacuate all rooms, closing all doors and windows (if time permits) to confine and reduce oxygen available to it. Do not lock doors.
  6. When the building evacuation alarm is sounded, always assume that an emergency exists. Touch closed doors; do not open them if they are hot. If the door is cool, brace yourself behind the door and open it slowly. Bracing yourself behind the door prevents the door from being blown open due to the pressure created by the fire. Walk quickly to the nearest exit and alert others to do the same. Do not use the elevators during a fire.
  7. Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.
  8. Once outside, move to a clear area at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
  9. Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a College official.
  10. If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for rescue crews. Place a wet cloth at the base of doors to keep smoke from entering. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location. Dampen a cloth with water, place it over your nose, and breathe lightly through it.
  11. Should your clothing catch fire, stop, drop and roll. Rolling on the ground will help smother the fire.