What to Do

Fire Alarm, Fire, or Smoke

If you hear a fire alarm or if you see fire or smoke, respond immediately without hesitation.

Do not stop to collect your belongings.
Leave the building through the nearest exit.
If you're unsure of the fastest route from a residence hall room or classroom, look for the fire evacuation map at the room's entrance.
Do not use elevators. Use the nearest stairway instead.
Once outside, follow directions to a designated waiting area.
If you are not directed to a waiting area, move across the street from the building to allow room for emergency responders.
Do not re-enter the building until notified that it is safe.

If you see others who are not evacuating, encourage them to evacuate with you.
If you see anyone with disabilities or injuries during evacuation, help them evacuate. Seek help from others nearby to carry someone down stairs. If this is not possible, notify Safety and Security of the individual’s name and location so that Safety and Security or fire department responders can evacuate them.
Touch doors with the back of your hand before opening. If the door is hot or you see smoke under it, find another route.
If you are trapped and cannot safely evacuate:
∙Call 911 or Safety and Security to report your location.
∙Close doors to separate you from the fire.
∙Block smoke by wedging wet towels along the bottom of the door, if towels are available.
If there is smoke around you, lower yourself to the floor, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth, and crawl to the nearest exit.
Never attempt to fight a fire yourself.

For more information, please see Fire Drill Resources.