Fire and Fire Alarm

• Feel the doorknob or higher on the door with the back of your hand. If it feels hot, fire may be on the other side of the door, so keep it closed. Stuff clothing, towels, etc. (preferably wet) in the door’s cracks to keep smoke out.
  • Even if the door is cool, open it slowly. Stand low and to one side of the door, in case smoke or fumes seep around it.
  • If heat and smoke come in, slam the door tightly, stuff clothing, towels, etc. (preferably wet) in the door’s cracks to keep smoke out, and use your alternate exit.
• If the hallway is clear of smoke, walk in a calm manner to the nearest fire exit and evacuate the building.
  • Use the stairs – NEVER use the elevators.
  • Stay low to avoid smoke, fumes, and gases that may have entered.
  • Close doors as you leave to confine the fire as much as possible. DO NOT lock doors.
  • If the alarm is not already sounding, pull the fire alarm on your way out of the building.
  • Move quickly to your building’s emergency assembly area.

If clothing catches fire, STOP…DROP…ROLL.

• Stop where you are.
• Drop to the ground, and cover your mouth and face with your hands to protect them from the flames.
• Roll over and over to smother the flames.

If forced to advance through flames:

• Hold your breath.
• Move quickly, covering your head and hair.
• Keep your head down and close your eyes as often as possible.

If trapped in a room:

• Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
• Stuff clothing, towels, etc. (preferably wet) in the door’s cracks to keep smoke out.
• Open the window a few inches for fresh air and, if possible, hang a brightly colored cloth or bed sheet out the window to alert the fire department to your location.

If caught in smoke:

• Drop to hands and knees and crawl or crouch low, watching the base of the wall as you go.

If you encounter a small fire (wastebasket-size or smaller):

• Under certain conditions, small fires can be extinguished before there is a full evacuation. The fire must be truly small and controllable and you need both the correct fire extinguisher and knowledge of how to use it. Never enter a smoke-filled room. In any case, constantly evaluate and be ready to evacuate if the fire cannot be easily controlled. Under all circumstances:
  • Alert people in the area.
  • Activate the fire alarm.
  • Maintain an accessible exit.
  • Avoid smoke and fumes.
  • Smother the fire or use the correct fire extinguisher for the type of fire.