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Sound the Alarm.
Leave the Building.
Call the Fire Department.
Crawl if There's Smoke.
Feel Doors Before Opening.
Before opening any doors, feel the metal knob. If it is hot, don't open the door. If it is cool, brace yourself against the door, open it slightly, and if heat or heavy smoke are present, close the door and stay in the room.
Go to the Nearest Exit or Stairway.
If the nearest exit is blocked by fire, heat, or smoke, go to another exit.
Always use an exit stair not an elevator.
Elevator shafts may fill with smoke or the power may fail, leaving you trapped. Stairway fire doors will keep out fire and smoke -- if they are closed -- and will protect you until you get outside.
Close as many doors as possible as you leave. This helps to confine the fire.
Total and immediate evacuation is safest. Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small and you know how to do it safely. If you can't put out the fire, leave immediately. Make sure the fire department is called -- even if you think the fire is out.
Signal FOR Help.
Hang an object at the window (a bed sheet, jacket, shirt) to attract the fire department's attention. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department and report that you are trapped. Be sure to give your room number and location. Sometimes it's Safer to Stay in Place! If all exits from a floor are blocked, go back to your room, close the door, seal cracks, open the windows if safe, wave something at the window, and shout or phone for help.
Don't Jump! the Fire Department Will Rescue You.
Cool Burns.
Use cool tap water on burns, immediately. Don't use ointments. If skin is blistered, dead white, brown or charred, call for an ambulance.
Cook in Approved Areas Or Kitchens and Use Laboratory Tested Appliances.
Stay nearby while appliances are on. Clean up grease and appliances as soon as possible.
Be Careful with Electricity.
Use only laboratory tested appliances. Don't overload outlets. Replace damaged wires.
Electrical Abuse.
appliance power (watts) = the approximate power (amps) being used.
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110 (volts)
Most electrical circuits only supply 15 or 20 amps per room for all the outlets.
Appliances.
Hotplates, percolators, irons, space heaters, etc. should never be left unattended. They should be unplugged after use and not stored until they are cool enough to touch. Also, appliances may overload circuits -- keep heaters away from curtains and furniture -- match the size of an extension cord to the appliance power cord to prevent cord overheating.
Open Flames.
Candles, bunsen burners, barbecue grills, etc. should never be left unattended. Extinguish all open flames, even if left for a very short time. Candles are very hazardous in bedrooms.
Hazardous Storage.
Dispose of all waste as soon as possible. Surplus material and paper recycling containers should be stored in a safe place, not in corridors, stairs or exit ways.
Flammable Liquids.
Gasoline, kerosene, ether, paint, glue, etc. may not be stored in residential buildings. In laboratories, shops and classrooms, storage of flammable liquids is limited to specific quantities and approved containers.
Obstacles.
Storage of bicycles, chairs, desks, and other items is prohibited in all exit ways. Blocked exits have caused "chain reaction" pile ups of fallen people during emergencies.
If You Are Disabled.
If you are disabled (even temporarily), you should do the following:
If You Use Alcohol or Drugs.
You are especially vulnerable to smoke asphyxiation. Even young healthy people may not be able to escape a fire if they are intoxicated. They may not hear the smoke alarm or be able to find an exit. Take special care of anyone who becomes intoxicated,
particularly if the person is a smoker. Let the fire department know if you think someone hasn't evacuated the building.
Exit Signs
Sprinklers
Smoke Detectors
For information or to bring any deficiencies in fire protection and safety equipment to the attention of the Fire Protection Bureau, call (301) 405-3960.
 Fire | 911 |
 Police | 911 |
 Ambulance and Rescue | 911 |
| Emergency TTY Number for the Deaf Fire-Police-Rescue | 911 |
Or Use Campus Emergency Phones
Non-Emergency Assistance
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Health Center | (301) 314-8180 Non-Emergency Only | ---- |
| Information | (301) 405-1000 | 411 |
 | Report Fire-Related Crimes to the Police. There is a reward for information leading to the arrest of an arsonist. Causing a false alarm is a crime punishable by a fine of $5,000 and 5 years imprisonment. Vandalism of fire extinguishers, exit signs, and fire alarms robs you of your fire protection. Any student responsible for these crimes can be expelled from the University, in addition to criminal prosecution. A conviction could prevent your acceptance to graduate or professional school. Certain graphics utilized in this pamphlet are copyrighted by the National Fire Protection Association and are reprinted herein by permission. |
(Rev. 6OCT96)
Department of Environmental Safety
Division of Administrative Affairs
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