In the Event of a Fire

Lock Haven University

In the Event of a Fire

Fire Alarm

If you see smoke or flames...

When an employee suspects (see or smell smoke or flame) or sees an actual fire, the employee shall use the C.A.R.E. model:

Contain the fire if possible by closing all doors.
Activate the Alarm by pulling the nearest fire alarm pull station and
Report the fire to Law enforcement or Dial 9-911
Evacuate or Extinguish. In most cases, it is best to leave the building by using the nearest FIRE EXIT (use the stairs only) and DO NOT re-enter the building until an all clear is given by the local Fire Chief or University Law Enforcement Officer.

A fire extinguisher should only be used when you...

You have been trained.
You have the proper type and properly charged unit for the fire you are fighting.
You have first contained the fire, activated the building alarm and have reported the fire.
You have your back to an unobstructed exit.
Everyone else has left the area.
There is little smoke or flames.

Never fight a fire if it has left its source of origin, you are unsure of the type of extinguisher you are using or you lack a safe way to escape should your efforts fail. If the fire can not be brought under control in 30 seconds, then abandon your efforts, close the door(s) and evacuate immediately.

Residence Hall Process:

Sleep with your bedroom doors closed and locked at night. A closed door will help slow the spread of fire, smoke, and heat. When leaving your room during an alarm, be sure to close and lock your door behind you.
The presence of smoke/heat will automatically activate the alarm system. If you discover or suspect a fire, pull the alarm and begin evacuation. If the alarm fails to operate, alert the other residents by knocking on doors and shouting a warning.
When you hear the alarm, take a coat, shoes, and a towel, and be prepared to evacuate. Do not stop for personal belongings. Never hide in closets, under beds, or in showers to avoid evacuations.
Touch the surface of your door before opening it. If it feels hot, DO NOT open it and do not panic, it is time to stop and think before going any further. If the door knob is warm, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly (fire can create enough pressure to push open the door if it is not held firmly). If heat or heavy smoke is present in the hall, close the door, and stay in the room.
If you cannot leave your room, seal the cracks around your doors and vents using wet towels if possible. Hang a sheet or any other type of distress signal from your window.
If the door feels cool, open it just a crack and check for smoke. If there is none, leave the building immediately.

Fire Prevention

The best defense against fire is always prevention. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent fires. Here are just a few…..

Do not use space heaters.
Smoke only in designated areas. Be certain to properly extinguish all smoking materials.
Keep all pathways clear. Do not block exits, fire extinguishers or sprinkler heads (18 inch clearance).
Limit the use of extension cords and power strips. Never use an extension cord and a power strip together.
Check electrical equipment at the end of the day to be sure it is shut off. Check items such as computers, coffeepots, copiers, fans and other electrical equipment.
Check for frayed wires and missing grounding plugs on an on-going basis.
Practice good housekeeping. Never store combustible material such as wood, paper and cardboard near sources of heat. Maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet.
Equipment such as refrigerators, microwaves and copiers must be plugged into a wall outlet. Never use extension cords for these items.
Never prop open fire doors. Fire doors close automatically when the alarm is activated. This prevents the stairways from acting as a chimney and spreading smoke and fire throughout a building.

Escape

Evacuation

In the event of a fire or fire alarm, Resident Directors must be sure that all occupants evacuate the building and individuals who may need help are assisted to safety.

Each Resident Hall should develop an evacuation plan, which includes a primary and a secondary escape route. Establish a designated area to meet outside the building. This location should be known to everyone in your Hall and be far enough away from the building to ensure safety and avoid blocking access by emergency personnel.

Your evacuation plan should also include a way to be certain that everyone has left or is otherwise accounted for when you leave the building.

Dial 911

Evacuation Tips

You must leave the building immediately during an alarm.
Do not "investigate" the source of a potential fire or hazardous material emergency.
As you leave, close all doors behind you to limit the movement of smoke, flames or noxious odors.
Walk-do not run-to the nearest exit out of the building.
Do not re-enter the building for any reason once you have left.
Gather at your designated area.
Supervisors should account for everyone on their staff.
Never use an elevator to exit a building during a fire alarm.

Training

Fire safety and fire extinguisher training is available from EHS. We invite department chairs, directors and supervisors to contact EHS to arrange training for your area(s).

Fire Safety Training

Fire safety training emphasizes prevention and evacuation along with awareness regarding the use of fire extinguishers.

Fire Extinguisher Training

Fire extinguisher training covers fire safety basics along with an emphasis on the types of fire extinguishers and their proper use. This training involves the "hands on" use of extinguishers with a controlled fire. Attendees will be qualified for the use of fire extinguishers for a period of one year.

Fire extinguisher training is intended for those employees who may discover or respond to a fire. If you would like to schedule fire safety or fire extinguisher training, please contact EHS @ 4428

HOW TO USE A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Remember the acronym, "P.A.S.S."--
P	......Pull the Pin.
A	......Aim extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.
S	......Squeeze trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
S	......Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the extinguishing agent.

Fire Alarms & Safety Equipment:

You may not disregard a fire alarm or fail to evacuate a building in which a fire alarm is sounding, regardless of its nature (drill, false alarm, or actual alert).

Tampering with the fire safety equipment (e.g. alarms, extinguishers, smoke detectors sprinklers and emergency exit signs) is an exceptionally dangerous practice and a violation of fire and life safety laws.