Building Evacuation

What to do in advance

• Familiarize yourself with the buildings you will be spending time in.
• Locate the exits, stairways, fire alarm pulls, and fire extinguishers.
• Ask your instructor or supervisor where the designated assembly area is outside the building.

If a fire alarm has been activated or you are instructed to evacuate

• Obey the instructions and leave the building, using the evacuation routes. Classes that are in session must evacuate.(See also Active Shooter instructions)
• If an exit is blocked use the nearest marked exit that has a clear path.
• University employees are responsible to ensure students and visitors are evacuated. A Building Emergency Safety Team (BEST) may also assist in the evacuation process.
• Do not use elevators.
• On the way out, notify others that may not be aware of the evacuation. Do not pull the fire alarm unless there is a fire.
• Proceed to the designated evacuation assembly area and wait for emergency personnel.
• DO NOT RE-ENTER the building until you are instructed by a Public Safety Official that it is safe to do so.
• Anyone unable to reach a stairwell due to smoke, fire, or other obstruction should close all doors into their area and call 9-1-1. Provide the 9-1-1 operator with your exact location (i.e. City, campus, building, floor, and room number) and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

Those unable to use stairs and those needing assistance during evacuations.

• Before an emergency make sure to inform your instructor or supervisor that you need evacuation assistance.
• When the fire alarm is activated, make sure your instructor or supervisor knows that you are present and in need of assistance.
• Instructors and supervisors should inform the BEST of any students or staff that require assistance.
• The BEST will ensure that assistance is provided in the event of a fire drill or an actual evacuation.
• If you are on an upper level of the building, you may be assisted to a Safe Refuge stairwell. Someone may remain with you while another person notifies arriving emergency personnel of the location. The instructions of the emergency personnel should be followed. No attempt should be made to move to another building level unless there is imminent danger in the Safe Refuge stairwell (e.g. there is heavy smoke in the stairwell).
• Individuals unable to utilize the stairs that are alone should call 9-1-1 and report the location of their planned refuge (stairwell platform).

Building Evacuation – Printable Page

Last updated: 2/2/2021