Fire Safety

Always "know two (2) ways out" from wherever you are; do not use elevators.

There are many reasons why a sudden evacuation may be necessary.
Have a plan that includes an alternate escape route in case the primary route is not accessible.

If you get caught in smoke:

Stay low, smoke will rise to ceiling level first.
Drop to hands and knees and crawl towards the nearest exit.
Hold your breath as much as possible; breathe through your nose and use a filter such as a shirt, towel or handkerchief.
Be aware of your surroundings, take note of and follow EXIT signs.

In a fire, smoke may quickly fill hallways and obscure vision. Count the number of doorways between your room/office and the exits so you can find your way out, even in binding smoke.

Prepare before a fire:

ALWAYS familiarize yourself to “where you are” and be sure to know how to reach the TWO nearest EXITS.
Remember that in a fire situation, smoke is blinding and will bank down in the rooms and hallways. This condition may force you to crouch or crawl to escape to safety. By ALWAYS being aware of your surroundings, your knowledge of the nearest EXITS and having a PLAN will greatly increase your ability to deal with sudden emergencies.

If you are notified of, or discover a fire:

Move quickly to the nearest accessible exit.
Notify, and assist others to evacuate along the way.
If the building fire alarm is not yet sounding, manually activate the alarm pull station located near the exit.
Exit the building and proceed to the “Area of Gathering”
“Area of Gathering” and “Area of Relocation” information for each building is posted in the lobby, and is listed on the Fire Safety website.
From a safe location call 617.627.6911 (x66911 from a campus phone) to provide details for first responders.
On the Boston health sciences or SMFA campuses call 911 first to provide details for first responders.

Evacuation procedures for persons with mobility issues:

In the event of an actual emergency incident, persons with mobility issues or who are unable to safely self-evacuate should follow this procedure:

Relocate to an entry to an evacuation stairwell, marked by a red EXIT sign.
Call University Police at 617.627.6911 (x66911 from a campus phone) to notify a dispatcher of your location, identifying the stairwell number or a nearby room number.
Wait NEAR the enclosed exit stairwell if there is NO smoke or other threats to your safety. Most fire alarm activations are brief, allowing occupants to return within a few minutes.

If smoke, fire, or other threat is imminent, move into the stairwell:

After the stairwell crowd has passed below your floor level, enter the stairwell with assistant(s) and wait on the stair landing. Make sure that the door is securely closed.
Update University Police at 617.627.6911 (x66911 from a campus phone) to notify dispatchers that you have relocated INTO the stairwell.
Wait for assistance. First responders will be assigned to assist you if evacuation is necessary.

When should you use a fire extinguisher?

Only if you are trained and confident in fire extinguisher use.
Only if the fire is small in size (no larger than a small trash can).
If you do fight the fire, use only ONE (1) extinguisher, then evacuate the building.
As a reminder: you are NOT obligated to fight fires of any size. If you have any doubt, do not attempt to fight the fire.

TOTAL AND IMMEDIATE EVACUATION IS THE SAFEST.

If caught in smoke:

Drop to hands and knees and crawl towards the nearest exit.
Stay low, smoke will rise to ceiling level first.
Hold your breath as much as possible;
Breathe through your nose; and
Use a filter such as a shirt, towel or handkerchief.

If trapped in a room due to fire or smoke:

Call University Police: 617.627.6911 to report your location and conditions.
Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
Wet and place cloth material around or under the door to help prevent smoke from entering the room.
If the room has an outside window, be prepared to signal to someone outside.

Clothing on fire (Stop, Drop and Roll):

Direct or assist a person to roll around on the floor to smother the flames.
Drench with water if a laboratory safety shower is immediately available.
Obtain medical attention. Call 617.627.6911 (x66911 from a campus phone)
Report incident to supervisor.

Report ALL fires, no matter how small, to the University Police at 617.627.6911 (x66911 from a campus phone). On the Boston health sciences and SMFA campuses call 911 first to report a fire.