Fire Safety
Fire preparedness is everyone's responsibility. Each building within the University presents its own unique set of problems and solutions in terms of what to do in the event of fire. So, it is important to review and understand individual plans which may be developed for the building or area in which you work or attend classes.
Many buildings have specialized fire alarms and response plans. Other buildings (about thirty on the Twin Cities campus) have no fire alarms and must rely on word of mouth and calm, informed, actions by their occupants.
Some of the buildings without alarms have set up special fire safety committees who have organized ways of quickly disseminating information throughout the building in the event of emergencies (fire or others).
If you discover fire or see smoke:
- Remove or alert anyone in immediate danger.
- Confine the fire by closing the doors around it.
- Report the fire.
- Pull the nearest alarm box. These are located next to all exit doors. (If there is no alarm system, verbally spread the alarm while trying not to panic people (in other words, don't run through the halls shouting "FIRE!" at the top of your lungs! Instead, calmly tell people of the situation and ask them to leave the building.
- Call 911 from the nearest safe telephone.
- Have someone meet the fire department at the main building entrance.
- Secure the building by shutting all doors as you leave.
- Leave via the nearest safe exit. Don't attempt to use the elevator.
- Fight the fire only if it is small, and if several people are available, and if you have been trained to use a fire extinguisher.
If you hear the fire alarm or someone informs you of a fire:
- Place the back of your hand on any closed corridor door. If cool, leave the room; if hot, go to a window and signal for help.
- Walk quickly - don't run - to the nearest safe exit.
- Don't attempt to use the elevator.
- Alert others to the emergency on your way out.
- Leave the building and move away form the building entrance. Do not re-enter the building until the all-clear is given.
Emergency phones:
- On campus: Dial 9-1-1 to report any campus emergency (Fire-Serious injury-Illness-Major Utility Failure). You do not need a quarter to dial 9-1-1 from a pay phone.
- University hospital complex: Dial 123 to report any campus emergency (Fire-Serious injury-Illness-Major Utility Failure).
Space heaters are used to increase the warmth in rooms. They do the job, but can be dangerous. To use them safely:
- Never use fuel burning appliances without appropriate ventilation. Burning fuel (kerosene, coal or propane, for example) produces deadly fumes.
- Be sure your heater is in good working condition. All room heater need frequent checkups and cleaning. A dirty or neglected heater is a critical fire hazard.
- Use only the proper fuel for each heater. Never introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that fuel.
- Maintain adequate clearance in all directions around space heaters (Surrounding surfaces should not become too hot for your bare hand.)
- Give the heater adequate clearance for walls and combustibles, such as a clothes rack, curtains, papers, or furniture.
- If you use an electric heater, avoid overloading the circuit. Avoid overloading extension cords.
- Turn off your heater or turn it low before leaving.
- Use only safety listed equipment. If you choose and oil heater, look for the UL label; a gas appliance, the AGA or UL label; or an electric heater, the UL label.
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Helpful Links & Info
The Emergency Procedures Guide is a good campus emergency information desk reference. Download this document for immediate access in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Response Procedures Guide |
