Fire Alarms

During an audible fire alarm activation or when ordered to leave by the police, emergency personnel, or college staff, please take the following actions:

1. ALWAYS EVACUATE A BUILDING IF THE FIRE ALARM IS SOUNDING
2. Inform others in the building who may not have responded to the alarm to leave immediately.
3. The alarm may not sound continuously. If the alarm stops, continue to evacuate the building and warn others who may attempt to enter the building.
4. If time permits, turn off computers, unplug electrical equipment, take your purse or wallet, and close windows and doors before leaving.
5. If you have a mobility impairment, request assistance from those nearest you. If no one is there to render assistance, proceed to the nearest stairway landing, and shout for help. Consultation about these procedures is available from the Police Department.
6. When fire alarms sound, do not use the elevators. An elevator may become a trap. Assist (help carry, if necessary) all disabled persons in using the stairs.
7. If there is a closed door in your exit path, touch the door lightly with the back of your hand to ensure it is not warm. If it is not warm, open slowly. Be prepared to close the door quickly if smoke or flames are present.
8. If there is smoke in your only exit path, crawl on hands and knees, keeping your head as close to the ground as possible to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
9. Relocate to a nearby parking lot and keep the pathways and roadways clear for responding emergency personnel.
10. Do not return to the building until told to do so by the Police Department or emergency personnel.