Fire
IF YOU DISCOVER SMOKE OR FIRE
- If it is safe to do so, remove everyone from immediate danger and close the door to confine smoke and fire.
- Activate the building fire alarm at a pull station along your evacuation route.
- If the fire is small enough and you are properly trained, take immediate action to control the fire with available firefighting equipment.
- If leaving a room, feel the door with the back of your hand before opening it. Do NOT open any door that feels hot.
- Do NOT return to your area for personal belongings.
- If smoke is present, stay low. The best quality of air is near the floor. Proceed to the stairwell and exit to the ground floor.
- After you are safely out of the danger area, dial 911 to report the fire to emergency personnel.
IF YOU CATCH ON FIRE
- DO NOT RUN!
- STOP where you are
- DROP to the ground and
- ROLL over and over to smother flames
IF YOU ARE TRAPPED AND CANNOT EVACUATE
- If available, wedge wet towels or cloth materials along the bottom of the door to keep out smoke.
- Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
- Call 911 and report the problem and provide your location to emergency personnel.
- If you are trapped in an area and need oxygen, only break the window as a last resort.
- Use caution when breaking the window.
RESPONSE TO FIRE ALARMS
- If the alarm sounds and/or emergency strobes begin to blink, evacuate immediately.
- Never assume a fire alarm is a false alarm!
- Do NOT use elevators!
- Do NOT return for personal belongings.
- Direct and assist visitors and persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.
Return to the building only when instructed by authorized personnel.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
If you decide to try and extinguish a small fire with a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym P.A.S.S.
P - Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.
A - Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
S - Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
![Diagram of how to properly use a fire extinguisher](../images/fireextinguisherinstructions.png)