General Fire Evacuation

Call 9-911 from an on-campus phone or 911 from a cell phone to report an emergency that requires immediate assistance from police and rescue personnel.

If you discover a fire

• Manually activate the building’s fire alarm system as you make your way toward the exit; pull stations are located near exits.
• Fire extinguishers should be used only by those who have been trained, and then only on small fires, (the size of a small trash can).
• IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE the building notifying building occupants as you exit. Leave all belongings behind.
• Close all windows and doors behind you as you exit your office or classroom.
• DO NOT USE ELEVATORS DURING A FIRE EMERGENCY
• If you are able, help those who may need special assistance in evacuating the building. If you are not able to do so, exit immediately and advise emergency responders of the person’s location.
• Once you are safe, call 911 or 401.865.2222, to report the fire and building location.
• If known, give the operator a description of the fire and how it may have started.

Once the fire alarm is activated

• IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE the building notifying building occupants as you exit. Leave all belongings behind.
• DO NOT USE ELEVATORS DURING A FIRE EMERGENCY
• If you encounter smoke, STAY LOW AND GO!
• Feel closed doors with the back of your hand. Do not open if they are hot.
• Breathe through a shirt or towel to filter the smoke.
• If you are able, help those who may need special assistance in evacuating the building. If you are not able to do so, exit immediately and advise emergency responders of the person’s location.
• Gather at least 500 feet away from the building and wait for instructions from emergency response personnel.

DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL IT HAS BEEN DECLARED SAFE BY THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMANDER OR DESIGNEE.

Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

• Visual Impairments: Inform the person of the nature of the emergency and offer to guide the person to the nearest exit and rally point.
• Hearing Impairments: Alert the person that there is an emergency situation by using hand gestures or by turning the light switch on and off. Verbalize or mouth instructions, or provide the person with a short note containing instructions.
• Mobility Impairments: Since elevators should not be used, individuals who can walk may be able to evacuate with some assistance. For individuals unable to walk: If there is no immediate danger, escort the individual to a safe place to await rescue personnel. Whenever possible, someone should remain with the person while another individual exits the building and notifies rescue personnel of the person’s exact location. Only in extreme situations should you try to evacuate a person in a wheelchair yourself. The mobility-impaired person is the best authority on how they should be moved. Ask before you move someone. While it is best to let rescue personnel conduct the evacuation, the person can be carried by two people who have interlocked their arms to form a “chair,” or the person can be carried in a sturdy office chair.