Fire Alarm What to do in case of . . . Fire Alarm
If you discover a fire or smoke condition:
Remember "RACE"
R = Rescue anyone in immediate danger, if possible.
A = Alarm. Pull the nearest fire alarm.
C = Contain. Close doors and windows where possible.
E = Extinguish* or E = Evacuate. Follow EXIT signs.
*Do not attempt to fight a large or spreading fire with a fire extinguisher. Make sure you have activated the fire alarm before you use an extinguisher.
If you hear a fire alarm:
- STOP WORK AND EVACUATE THE BUILDING.
- Follow the EXIT Signs. Do not assume it is a false alarm or a fire drill!
- Use stairs. Do Not Use Elevators.
- Keep fire doors in stairways closed. Do not block the fire doors, stairways, or exits.
- Evacuate and proceed until you are outside of the building.
- Walk at a normal pace. Follow the instructions of the emergency response personnel.
- Wait outside until "All Clear" is announced by Security personnel. Do not re-enter the building until an "All Clear" is announced.
Be safe, GET OUT:
You can save a life! How? Exit the building when the fire alarm sounds!
When a fire alarm sounds, all building occupants must evacuate the building. The importance of this life-saving action cannot be overemphasized. Many fire fatalities have been caused because occupants assumed the alarm was false or were busy completing a task in the building.
Your safety is the most important concern; please evacuate the building any time the fire alarm sounds. Although you may have experienced false alarms in your building or elsewhere, it is imperative that you evacuate the building upon hearing any fire alarm. If you wait to smell the smoke before leaving, you are risking your health and your life may be in danger.
An emergency alarm may sound upon the release of colorless and odorless chemicals. Therefore, there may be life-threatening fire or non-fire conditions that are not immediately noticeable. Your immediate and calm evacuation is necessary during any fire alarm.
Emergency evacuation plans are posted throughout all campus buildings. Please read and practice the directions and instructions given on the emergency evacuation plans in your building. Using those plans, learn the location of all emergency exits and use or practice locating them occasionally, preferably at least twice a year. It is important to know and practice when to go, where to go, and how to go to escape a fire. In addition, buildings and departments should have a plan for designated locations for employees to meet outside the building and should be prepared to assist first-responders in identifying persons unaccounted for in actual emergency situations.
We have posted this information because in the past some occupants have not evacuated the buildings upon the sounding of a fire alarm. Their action not only risks their own lives, but also risks the lives of emergency responders and rescuers. In addition, not evacuating in a timely manner will deplete the resources of the emergency responders, who must now rescue the occupants instead of neutralizing the cause of the emergency.
Faculty and staff should direct their students and employees to follow the evacuation procedures during any fire alarm in the building.
Point Park University is committed to a high level of fire and life safety, however, every individual needs to take part to maintain and improve the level of personal and building fire safety. In particular, note that good housekeeping is one of the most important elements of fire prevention. Do not allow anyone to store anything in stairwells or corridors, and never allow any fire doors to be blocked open. It is your life; you are in charge of fire safety!