Fire

Post

In the event a fire is detected within any part of this facility, proceed according to the following plan:

The person(s) discovering the fire will:

  • CALL EMERGENCY 9-1-1 AND REPORT THE FIRE.
  • Activate the fire alarm.
  • Shut doors and windows to confine the fire.
  • Attempt to suppress the fire, if feasible..
  • Evacuate the area of the fire if necessary.
  • Always keep low! Smoke and gases collect near the ceiling first.

Before opening any closed door, check to see if the door is hot. Do not open a hot door!

Emergency Response Team personnel will:

  • Check to be sure that elevators are empty, turn off and lock controls.
  • Turn off building electricity and gas service.
  • Designate personnel to go to the nearest main intersection(s) to direct fire department vehicles to the scene.
  • If toxic or hazardous materials are involved in the fire, cease all firefighting and security activity and evacuate completely – trained fire department hazmat teams will assume all responsibilities for firefighting and hazard response! All personnel will cooperate with Emergency Response Team personnel and evacuate the building as soon as possible, using the Evacuation Procedures and Routes link.
  • Designate teams of personnel to secure valuable or irreplaceable items and information, if feasible.
  • Determine the evacuation status of the threatened area. Do not allow re-entry.
  • Ensure that access routes are kept often for fire department personnel and equipment.
  • Upon the arrival of the fire department, establish contact with fire department Incident Commander and coordinate subsequent activities with him.
  • Prevent the return of personnel to the affected area until re-entry is authorized by the fire department.
  • Provide first aid/CPR treatment for any injured persons.

If a Forest or Brush Fire is detected near this facility

The person(s) discovering the fire will:

  • CALL EMERGENCY 9-1-1 AND REPORT THE FIRE.
  • Notify the Facility Emergency Manager.
  • If the fire is relatively small, take available fire extinguishers and any hoses that will reach the fire, and attempt to control or contain the fire until the fire department arrives.

Emergency Response Team personnel will:

  • Designate personnel to go to the nearest main intersection(s) to direct fire department vehicles to the scene. Ensure that access routes to the fire are kept open for fire department personnel and equipment.
  • Upon the arrival of the fire department, establish contact with fire department Incident Commander and coordinate subsequent activities with him.
  • If the facility or safe egress routes appear to be threatened, secure valuable and irreplaceable items and information, and any toxic or hazardous materials, and be prepared to evacuate personnel from the threatened area.

Fire Extinguisher Instructions

  • P = PULL safety pin from handle
  • A = AIM (nozzle, cone, horn) at base of the fire
  • S = SQUEEZE the trigger handle
  • S = SWEEP from side-to-side, (watch for re-flash)

For larger fires, GET OUT, close doors, confine fire as much as possible.

If your Clothing Catches Fire

STOP…DROP…ROLL

If Trapped in a Room

Place cloth material around/under door to prevent smoke from entering.

Retreat – close as many doors as possible between you and the fire. Be prepared to signal from window – but, DO NOT break glass unless absolutely necessary (outside smoke may be drawn in).

If Caught in Smoke

Drop to hands and knees and crawl; hold breath as much as possible; breathe shallowly through nose and use blouse, shirt, jacket as filter.

If Forced to Advance Through Flames

Hold your breath; move quickly; cover head/hair; keep head down and eyes closed as much as possible.

In Summary

Your own common sense is the finest safety device ever developed. Above all…remember to use your head!

Prepare yourself in advance; know where to go and how to get there. If your work station is located within an office, know in advance exactly how many doors you will have to pass along your evacuation route before you reach your nearest exit door. This tip will be very helpful in the event you encounter heavy smoke. Remember, when heavy smoke is present, often the exit signs above the doors may be camouflaged by the smoke. If you know in advance how many doors you will have to pass, you can then crawl or crouch low with head “30-36″ from the floor (watching the base of the wall) and count out the number of doors you pass, so you will know when you reach the exit door (even if you can’t see that it is the exit).