A fire may or may not include visible flames or strong odors of burning. The appropriate emergency action is for individuals to evacuate a building quickly and safely and call 911. All fires must be reported to the Fire/EMS Department by calling 911, even if the fire is completely out.  Failure to report a fire, even when extinguished, may result in penalties and fines.

If you smell smoke and no fire or source of the smoke is evident, activate the building’s fire alarm and contact the Fire/EMS Department by calling 911. If you smell an odor that you believe to be natural gas or another dangerous substance, do not operate any light switches and call 911 from a safe, odor-free location. Follow the 911 operator’s instructions.

Immediate Actions: Person Discovering the Fire

Fire Extinguisher Use: ONLY if you can do so safety and quickly

• Use the Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (PASS) method for fire extinguishers and make sure you stay safely between the fire and the nearest exit.
• After the fire is extinguished, call 911 and building security.
• Make sure to close doors and activate the building fire alarm.

If the fire cannot be extinguished

• Confine the fire by closing all doors.
• Pull the nearest fire alarm.
• Call 911.
• Alert building security.
• Alert other occupants.
• Get out and stay out of the building.
• Meet Fire/EMS Department personnel when they arrive.

Immediate Actions: Building Occupants

• Close the doors to your immediate area.
• EVACUATE the building by the nearest exit. Assist others in exiting the building.
• DO NOT use elevators.
• Avoid smoke-filled areas.
• Proceed to the designated meeting area and remain there until accounted for. Do not return inside the building until instructed to by emergency personnel

Immediate Actions: Persons Evacuating the Immediate Fire Area

• Feel the door from the top to bottom. 
• If the door is hot, DO NOT PROCEED. Go back.
• If the door is cool, crouch low to the floor and open the door slowly. Close the door quickly if smoke is present so you do not inhale toxic smoke.
• Once you reach the stairwell, if you encounter smoke, go back and use another exit stairwell.
• Proceed to the designated meeting area and report to the Occupancy Emergency Plan (OEP) team member.
• Give any information that may be of assistance to emergency personnel.
• Remain outside the building. Do not return inside until instructed to do so by emergency personnel