Department of Security >>

Fire

In the event of a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station immediately.  The building fire alarm should sound in the building and be transmitted to security.  However, you should also report the fire to the security department by phone:

• (305) 243-6000

Do not assume someone else is making this call; do it yourself!  Security officers will notify the appropriate fire department and will respond to assist fire department personnel as needed. 

When reporting a fire, be specific about the location and size of the fire.  It is important that you always report any fire to the security department, even if it has been extinguished.  Do not attempted to enter a building that is on fire. Police and fire personnel are trained and have the necessary equipment to assist people trapped in a building.

When a building fire alarm sounds you should:

1. Follow the specific fire safety plan for your building. Not all building plans call for immediate evacuation upon an alarm.
2. If you are in a building where evacuation is required, turn off the gas, leave the lights on,  close the windows, and close, but do not lock the doors.
3. Assist the disabled to the nearest stairwell in the building. Have them wait on the landing. Stairwells are checked first by the fire department and are constructed to provide a higher degree of protection.
4. Immediately notify security, police or fire department personnel if a disabled individual is waiting on a stairwell landing.
5. Remember that you must first protect yourself before you can help others.  Entering a smoke filled area to assist someone else, will leave you both in jeopardy.

If there is a fire, you should know:

1. The specific fire plan for your building.
2. The term RACE and it's meaning.
3. What the fire alarm in your building sounds like.
4. At least two exits from your work area.
5. That closing doors helps prevent the spread of fire (but do not lock).
6. That feeling a door with the palm of your hand before opening it will let you know if the fire is on the other side.
7. That by keeping low to the floor and covering your mouth with a wet cloth, you will ease your breathing.
8. How to use a fire extinguisher to protect yourself and aid your escape.
9. Know the term PASS and it's meaning.
10. How to summon the security department, who will then notify the fire department.

Fire prevention is a 24-hour job.  At all times, fire departments are only a telephone call away.  In addition, buildings at the University are equipped with fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers in strategic locations.  This equipment can be used to prevent a fire from spreading while the fire department is in route if you are properly trained.  You can obtain training by contacting the office of Environmental Health & Safety at (305) 243-3400.

Fire extinguishers are for your protection and safety.  They can only function if they are in good operating condition at all times.  If you become aware of equipment that has been removed, vandalized or tampered with, please notify the security department at (305) 243-6079.   

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