Office of Emergency Management

Fire Safety

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

There are many reasons why a sudden evacuation may be necessary. Have a plan that includes an alternative 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 toward 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.

Prepare before a fire

  • ALWAYS familiarize yourself with 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 rooms and hallways. This condition may force you to crouch or crawl to escape to safety. ALWAYS being aware of your surroundings, knowing the locations 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

  • Do NOT use the elevators during a fire or fire alarm activation. Proceed to exits, using stairways if necessary. Persons with mobility issues should follow the guidance listed in sections below. 
  • Move quickly to the nearest accessible exit. Pathways to exits are marked with EXIT signage.
  • Notify others and help them evacuate along the way. If the building fire alarm is not yet sounding, manually activate the fire 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 listed on the Fire Safety website. 
  • From a safe location, call 911 to alert the local Fire Department, then place a second call to 617-627-6911 to provide details for Tufts University first responders.

Evacuation procedures for persons with mobility or physical disabilities

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

  • Relocate to the entrance of an enclosed stairwell, marked by a red EXIT sign. Call the University Police at 617-627-6911 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 to below your floor level, enter the stairwell with assistant(s) if available, and wait on the stair landing. Make sure that the door is securely closed. 
  • Update the University Police at 617-627-6911 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?

  • If you are trained and confident in fire extinguisher use. 
  • If the fire is small (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.

If caught in smoke

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

If trapped in a room due to fire or smoke

  • Call the University Police: 617-627-6911 to report your location and conditions. Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire. 
  • Wet cloth material and place it around or under the door to help prevent smoke from entering the room. 
  • If the room has an exterior 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. 
  • Report incident to supervisor. 

Report ALL fires, no matter how small, to the University Police at 617-627-6911. On the Boston Health Sciences and SMFA campuses, call 911 first to report a fire.

Fire Evacuation/Drills

  • Drills are conducted at each student residential building during each semester. 
  • Drills are conducted at each high-rise building on the Boston campus annually. 
  • All building occupants are expected to participate in fire/evacuation drills.

Fire Protection Systems

  • Each student residential building is equipped with fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems. 
  • Each academic building is equipped with a fire alarm system, and many academic buildings also have fire sprinkler systems.