Fires
Fire continues to be a significant hazard in every campus operation .Building designers plan for fire safety in the construction and renovation of campus buildings. However, building occupants should be aware of the fire protection features of their building and should not defeat their purpose.
Occupants should also practice fire safe behaviors by identifying the hazards specific to their area and using the appropriate preventative measures. In the event a fire does occur, the campus fire emergency plan will be enacted. Life safety is the primary objective of all RIT fire protection programs.
Readiness
- Plan and practice an escape route.
- Post emergency numbers near telephones.
- Do not store combustible materials in closed areas or near a heat source.
- Extension cords can be dangerous. Never run them under carpets, or anywhere they can be pinched under or behind furniture. Avoid overloading electrical sockets and plugging extension cords together.
- Keep all electrical appliances away from anything that can catch fire. Remember to always turn them off at the end of the day.
- Do not clutter exits, stairways, and storage areas with waste paper, empty boxes, and other fire hazards.
During
- Evacuate immediately and activate the fire alarm system. Get out as quickly and as safely as possible. On your way out close doors in each room to delay the spread of the fire. Do not go back into the building to close windows or doors.
- Use the stairs to escape not elevators. Power may cut out causing elevators to stop between floors or elevator doors may open onto the fire floor.
- Stay low to the ground. The freshest air is near the floor. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth to avoid inhaling smoke and gases. Breathe through your nose only. Do not go back into the building for any reason.
- If you are unable to leave the building, you should create an area of refuge by sealing the room. Use wet cloth to stuff around cracks in doors and seal up vents to protect against smoke. Do not break windows. Flames and smoke can come back in from the outside. If you need air, open the window a crack.
- Signal for help. Use the telephone, or hang something in the window.
After
- Requests for medical assistance should be made through Public Safety at 475-3333 (v/tty)
- Stay out of damaged buildings. Return to building when local fire authorities say it is safe.
- Look for structural damage.
- Discard food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot.
- Don't discard damaged goods until after an inventory has been taken. Save receipts for money relating to fire loss.
