FIRE PREVENTION SAFETY TIPS

IF THERE IS A FIRE
Sound the Alarm:
If you discover or suspect a fire, activate the fire alarm. If your building has no manual pull stations, or if there is no alarm in the building, alert other occupants by pounding on doors and shouting as you leave.

Leave the Building:
When you hear the fire alarm, leave the building immediately. Close hyour door and any others as you exit as this helps confine the fire.  Assist those who need it in exiting the building if you are able. Once out, move away from the building and out of the way of the fire department. DO NO RE-ENTER FOR ANY REASON. NOTHING LEFT INSIDE IS MORE VALUABLE THAN YOUR LIFE. Look around and account for others.  If someone is missing, advise Public Safety or the fire department immediately upon their arrival.  When it is safe to go back into the building, you will be advised by Public Safety or the fire department.  Just because the fire alarm has stopped sounding, this is not a signal to re-enter.

Call Public Safety:
Dial 911. give as much information as possible to the emergency dispatcher.


TO SURVIVE A BUILDING FIRE
Go Out The Nearest Exit:

	If it is blocked by fire, heat, or smoke, go to another exit.
	Always use an exit staircase, not an elevator. Elevator shafts may fill with smoke or the power may fail, leaving you trapped.  Stairway fire doors will keep out fire and smoke if they are closed, and will protect you until you can get outside.

Feel Doors Before Opening:
Before opening any door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot, don't open the door. If it is cool, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly. If heat or heavy smoke are present, close the door and stay in the room.

Crawl if There's Smoke:

	If you get caught in smoke, get down and crawl.  Cleaner, cooler air will be near the floor. Get Low - and Go!
	Total and immediate evacuation is safest.
	Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small and you know how to use it safely.  If you can't put out the fire, leave immediately. Make sure Public Safety is called even if you think the fire is out.

IF YOU GET TRAPPED
Sometimes it's safer to stay in place! If all exits from a floor are blocked, go back to your room and do the following:

Keep the Doors Closed:
Seal cracks and vents if smoke comes in.  If you're trapped in a room and there's no smoke outside of the building, open the windows from the top to let out the ehat and smoke, and from the bottom to let in the fresh air.

Signal For Help:

	Hang an object at the window (a bed sheet, jacket, or shirt) to attract the fire department's attention. If there is a phone in the room, call Public Safety and report where you are and that you are trapped.  Be sure to give your room number and location.
	Don't jump! The fire department will rescue.

IF YOU ARE ON FIRE

Stop, Drop, and Roll:
If your clothes catch on fire, don't run - stop, drop, and roll - wherever you are.  Rolling smothers the fire.

Cool Burns:
Cool burns with water, immedately. If skin is blistered, dead, white, brown, or charred, or you are just not sure, call Public Safety.


TO PREVENT FIRES

Smoke Carefully:
If you smoke, don't smoke in bed or near flammable materials. Use large ashtrays and be sure ashes, matches, and cigarette ends are cold before you dispose of them.  don't smoke while intoxicated.

Cook in Approved Areas or Kitchens:
Stay nearby while appliances are on. Clean up grease and appliances as soon as possible.

Be Careful With Electricty:
Use only laboratory tested and approved appliances. don't overload outlets or circuits. Replace damaged wires.


HELP ELIMINATE FIRE HAZARDS

Electrical Hazards:
Use of multiple head adapters in electrical outlets to obtain more outlets is prohibited. The use of extension cords (where permitted) is limited to a maximum of 90 days and the cord must be rated equal to or greater than the equipment it is being used to supply. Immediately replace damaged power cords or discontinue use of the appliance. Match your appliance power requirements to the circuit power.

Appliances:
Coffee makers, irons, space heaters (where permitted), halogen lamps (where permitted), etc. should never be left unattended while turned on. Unplug heat producing appliances after use and wait until they are coll enough to touch before storing.

Open Flames:
Candles (where permitted), Bunsen burners, barbeque grills, etc. should never be left unattended.  Extinguish all open flames, even if left for a very short time.

Hazardous Storage:
Dispose of all waste as soon as possible in approved containers. Containers should be stored in a safe place, not in corridors, stairs or exit ways.

Flammable Liquids:
May not be stored in residential buildings.  In laboratores, shops, and classrooms, storage of flammable liquids is limited to specific quantities and approved containers, in appropriate flammable storage lockers.

Obstacles:
Storage of furniture, recycling, surplus material, and other items is prohibited in all exit corridors. blocked exits have caused 'chain reaction' pile-ups of fallen people during emergencies.


PROTECT YOURSELF

Participate in Fire Drills:
Fire drills are conducted, in accordance wit hthe State Fire Code, in order to familiarize you with the sound of your building's fire alarm and the emergency exits which you use.  You should also learn where other exits are - now!

If You Are Disabled:
If you are diabled (even temporarily), you should do the following:

	Learn about fire safety.
	Be aware of your own capabilities and limitations.
	Plan ahead for fire emergencies.  Look for and familiarize yourself with 'areas of refuge' like stair enclosures or the other side of corridor fire oors.  Most elevators are designed to stop operating when the alarm is sounding and are not safe during fires. Sometimes, it may be safer to stay in your room.  Following the advice for being trapped.  contact Public Safety for assistance.

If You Use Alcohol or Drugs:
You are especially vulnerable to smoke asphyxiation. Even young healthy people may not be able to escape a fire if they are intoxicated.  They may or not hear the smoke alarm or be able to find an exit. Take special care of anyone who becomes intoxicated, particularly if the person is a smoker. Let the fire department know if you think someone hasn't evacuated the building.