If you discover a fire or smell smoke, sound the building fire alarm. Know the location of the alarm signal stations and how they operate.
The security person stationed at the lobby desk will call campus police when an alarm is transmitted. Campus Police will notify the Fire Department, without delay by dialing 911.
When the fire alarm sounds, leave at once. Close all doors behind you. Proceed into the fire exit and leave the building. After leaving the building, do not reenter until given permission by campus police or the Fire Department.
Do not use the elevators. They will stop if power fails, causing occupants to become trapped. Elevator shaft ways are like chimneys. Smoke could enter the elevator shaft thereby asphyxiating the occupants trying to evacuate the building.
Feel the door that leads from your office to the corridor before opening it. If it is hot or smoke is seeping in, do not open it. If you become trapped in your office and cannot reach the fire exit, keep the door closed and seal off any cracks. Use a phone in the office to call the Fire Department by dialing 1-1234 and give the location of your building, the floor you are on and the office number (or name if number does not apply).
If the door feels cool, open cautiously. Be braced to slam it shut if corridor is full of smoke or if you feel heat pressure against door. If corridor is clear, proceed with the escape plan.
Disabled persons: A responsible person or persons that work in the area of the disabled should be assigned to assist in the event of fire. These persons are taken into the fire exit and will remain on the landing. The fire department will arrive in minutes to assist.
If caught in smoke or heat, stay low where air is better. Take short breaths (through nose) until you reach an area of refuge.
Important: Keep all fire exit and corridor doors closed at all times. These doors are fire rated to keep smoke and heat from entering stairways and adjoining corridors. If at any time you observe these doors propped or tied open, please close them and report the location to the University Fire Marshal by calling 215-204-8687, or extension 1-8687.
