Evacuation Procedures for Dorms

In the event of a fire, keep calm. Notify the fire department and follow the directions of fire department personnel. If you must take immediate action, use your judgment as to the safest course of action, guided by the following information:

If The Fire Is In Your Room Or Suite...

• Close the door to the room where the fire is located.
• Make sure EVERYONE leaves the room or suite.
• Close the entrance door as you exit, but do not lock.
• Alert people on your floor by knocking on doors on your way to the exit.
• Activate the fire alarm pull station on your floor.
• Use the nearest stairway to leave the building.

• Do NOT use the elevator
• Call 911 once you reach a safe location. Do not assume the fire has been reported unless firefighters are on the scene.
• Meet your roommates at a pre-determined location outside the building. Notify responding emergency personnel if anyone is unaccounted for.

If The Fire Is Not In Your Room Or Suite...

• Feel your room/suite door and doorknob with the back of your hand. If they are not hot, open the door slightly to check if there is any flame or smoke in the hallway.
• Exit your room/suite and the building if you can do so safely, following the instructions for a "fire in your room/suite."
• If the hallway or stairway is not safe for egress because of flame, heat or heavy smoke conditions and you have access to a fire escape, use it to exit the building. Always proceed cautiously when on a fire escape.
• If you cannot use the stairs or a fire escape, call 911 or the Fire Department Dispatcher and inform them of your situation. Provide the room/suite number and the number of persons present. Then, do the following:
• Seal the front door with wet sheets or towels. Seal air ducts and any other openings where smoke may enter.
• Turn off all air conditioners. Open windows a few inches at the top and bottom unless flames or smoke is coming from below.
• Do not break any windows; they may need to be closed later.
• If conditions in the room/suite appear life threatening, open a window and wave a bedsheet or towel side-to-side to attract the attention of firefighters.
• If smoke conditions worsen before help arrives, get down on the floor and take short breaths through your nose. If possible retreat to a balcony or terrace away from the source of the flames, heat or smoke.