Fire Safety

If There's a Fire

Pull the Alarm: Pull the fire alarm as soon as you find or suspect a fire.

Exit Immediately: Leave the building. As you leave, warn other occupants by knocking on doors and shouting.

Use the Stairs: Go to the nearest stairway or exit. Do not use an elevator. Stairway doors--if closed--will keep out fire and smoke and protect you until you are outside.

If the nearest exit is blocked by heat, fire or smoke, stay low and go to another exit.

Stay out of the building until given the OK to return by fire officials.

Call O: Report the emergency from a safe location. Dial O from a campus phone or 911 from an off-campus phone or pay phone. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible.

Fighting a Fire

If the fire is very small, and you know how to use a fire extinguisher safely, you may attempt to put out the fire. Make sure the fire department has been called first!

Be sure you have the right fire extinguisher for the type of fire you are attempting to fight. Using the wrong type of extinguisher may make the fire worse.

Do not let the fire get between you and your exit route. Stay between the fire and the door.

If one extinguisher does not put out the fire, get out immediately, closing the door behind you.

Types of Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are categorized by the the type of fires they put out:

• Type A--Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and plastics.
• Type B--Flammables liquids such as gasoline, oils, paints, and grease.
• Type C--Electrical fire such as burning wires, switches, machinery, and appliances.

Fire extinguishers will have a label indicating what type of fire they can extinguish. Most extinguishers on campus are ABC extinguishers and can fight all three kinds of fires.

Using the wrong extinguisher can be dangerous. For example, using a Type A extinguisher on a Type B fire (burning liquid) can cause the liquid to dissipate, spreading the fire.

If you're not sure about either the type of fire or the type of extinguisher, wait for the fire department.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

If you know you have the right extinguisher and the fire is small enough to fight safely, remember the PASS acronym, to use
your extinguisher effectively:

Pull the safety pin at the top of the extinguisher.

Aim the nozzle, horn, or hose at the base of the flames.

Squeeze the handle of the extinguisher.

Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire goes out.

Fire Safety Tips

• Know your exits.
• Keep your exit paths clear.
• Know where the nearest fire alarm and fire extinguisher are.
• Never leave open flame unattended.
• Remember--extension cords are for temporary power only.