University Police Emergency Procedures Guide

Fire Safety Protocol 

If you know how to recognize and reduce potential fire hazards, you can increase your chances of protecting yourself and those around you.

Be Prepared

• Be aware of your surroundings and locate alternate routes to exit from your area and the building.
• Take note of the locations of fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations in your area.
• Participate in fire drills.
• Know how to use a fire extinguisher

If a Fire Alarm is Activated

1. If you hear a fire alarm in your building, you should exit the building immediately
2. Proceed to the nearest exit - DO NOT use elevators
3. Using the back of your hand, feel the handle and the top and bottom of the door for heat. DO NOT open the door if it is hot. If it's not hot open the door slowly standing behind the door and to one side; be prepared to close it quickly if fire is present. If you feel heat or heavy smoke is present, proceed to an alternate exit.
4. Exit the building in a calm manner using the stairs DO NOT use an elevator. Close any doors as you pass through them.
5. Stay low if moving through smoke.
6. Once you exit the building respond to the designated assembly location.
7. Do not re-enter or return to the area until instructed to do so by emergency personnel.

During a Fire

1. Activate the nearest fire alarm
2. Notify occupants and help those in your immediate area who may need assistance
3. Contain the fire by closing doors as you exit
4. Evacuate the building at the nearest exit. Use stairs when evacuating upper levels and DO NOT use elevators
5. Stay low under any smoke.
6. Go to the designated assembly area for the building
7. Call 911 or activate a blue light phone as soon as you are in a safe place
8. Re-enter the area only when directed by authorities

*Use a fire extinguisher on small (wastebasket-size) fires; but ONLY if it is safe to do so.

If Trapped

1. Retreat and close as many doors as possible between you and the fire
2. Seal cracks around doors and vents to prevent smoke from entering
3. CALL 911 to report your location
4. Open a window a few inches for fresh air and hang out a brightly colored cloth, piece of clothing or bed sheet. If you have a flashlight, use it to signal at night.

If Caught in the Smoke

1. GET LOW AND GO!
2. Drop to your hands and knees and crawl or crouch low with your head 30 to 36 inches above the floor, watching the base of the floor as you go.
3. Breathe shallowly through your nose using a shirt, blouse, or cloth (hold your breath as much as possible)

Through the Flames

1. If you are forced to advance through flames, follow these recommendations
2. Hold your breath
3. Move quickly, covering your head and hair
4. Keep your head down and close your eyes as often as possible
5. Once you clear the area remember Stop, Drop, and Roll to smother if you are on fire.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Use the "P-A-S-S" method

1. Pull - Pull the safety pin from the handle
2. Aim - Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze - Squeeze the handle
4. Sweep - Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire