Fire Safety

Prepare Before a Fire

ALWAYS familiarize yourself to where you are and be sure to know

how to reach the TWO nearest EXITS.
Remember that in a fire situation, smoke is blinding and will bank down
in the rooms and hallways. This condition may force you to crouch or
crawl to escape to safety. By ALWAYS being aware of your surroundings,
your knowledge of the nearest EXITS and having a PLAN will greatly
increase your ability to deal with sudden emergencies.
If You Discover a Fire or See Smoke

If building fire alarm is not sounding, manually activate the alarm by

pulling a fire alarm pull station located near an exit.
Immediately exit the building.
Call the Police or call 197.
The first step after discovering a fire is to evacuate the area, closing all doors
behind you. Locate the nearest manual fire alarm pull station and activate it, then
contact the Police. Whenever possible, and without putting yourself at risk, shut
down laboratory or industrial equipment before leaving.

Steps to Safety in Fires:

Isolate the area by shutting doors when exiting.

Use stairs, never take the elevator during a fire.
Notify the Police when you can do so safely.
Never attempt to re-enter the building unless cleared to do so by the
Fire Department.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO PUT OUT A FIRE ON YOUR OWN!
(Unless the fire is very small and you have been trained to do so).

If Building Fire Alarm is Activated or Someone Informs You of a Fire

Walk to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevators.

If able, assist people with special needs.
Notify emergency personnel if you know or suspect someone is trapped
or still inside the building.
Assemble outside at the Area of Gathering away from the building and
do not attempt to re-enter the building until authorized to do so by the
emergency responders.
If Caught in Smoke

Drop to hands and knees and crawl towards the nearest exit.
Stay low, smoke will rise to ceiling level first.
Hold your breath as much as possible; breathe through your nose and
use a filter such as a shirt, towel or handkerchief.
If Trapped in a Room

Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.

Wet and place cloth material around or under the door to help prevent
smoke from entering the room.
If the room has an outside window, be prepared to signal to someone
outside.
Clothing on Fire (Stop, Drop and Roll)

Direct or assist a person to roll around on the floor to smother the

flames.
Only drench with water if a laboratory safety shower is immediately
available.
Obtain medical attention. Call 197.
Report incident to supervisor.
Using a Fire Extinguisher

Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small and you have been trained to
do so safely. If you cannot put out the fire, leave immediately and make sure the
building alarm is activated and emergency personnel are notified.

Remember
Walk to the nearest exit; DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
IF YOU GET CAUGHT IN SMOKE:
Stay low, smoke will rise to ceiling level first.
Drop to hands and knees and crawl towards the nearest exit.
Hold your breath as much as possible; breathe through your nose and
use a filter such as a shirt, towel or handkerchief.
Be aware of your surroundings, take note of and follow EXIT signs.