What to Do in an Emergency
During a Fire
Quickly exit the area and close the doors as you leave to stop the spread of fire.
- Always check doors with the back of your hand before opening them – If a door is hot, DO NOT OPEN IT as there is fire and toxic smoke on the other side.
- If a door is cool, carefully open it and proceed to the closest exit, staying low to the floor.
- If you cannot use the door, stuff towels and/or clothing under it to keep smoke out and call 911 (cell phone users should use 574-631-5555 to notify NDFD of the fire and your location.
- Use the closest stairwell and never use an elevator. If the closest stairway has smoke in it, close the door leading to it and find another way out.
- Use a pull station to activate the building’s fire alarm and alert others as you leave the building. Once outside, call 911 (cell phone users should use 574-631-5555) and ensure that NDFD is aware of the fire. Never go back inside the building to retrieve belongings – they can be replaced but you cannot.
Know How to Get Out
Pay attention to your surroundings – your life may depend on being able to get out through an exit other than the one used to enter a room. Do not wait for an emergency since there may not be enough time to find another way out.
- In public and private places, always look for at least two ways out (including windows).
- Clear escape routes in your room.
- Avoid placing objects in front of doors or window.
- Never paint or nail windows shut preventing them from being used as exits.
Fighting a Fire
Call 911 or activate the fire alarm before attempting to put out a fire with a fire extinguisher.
If the fire is small and you have been trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, you may chose to attempt to put the fire out after calling 911. By calling 911 first, the fire department will already be on the way should the fire grow beyond your capabilities. Over 3700 fire extinguishers are placed throughout campus for use during fires. To use an extinguisher, follow these steps:
- NEVER let the fire get between you and the way out. Always keep yourself between the fire and the doorway for a quick escape.
- Remember P A S S for the proper technique:
- P ull the safety pin at the top of the extinguisher.
- A im the nozzle, horn or hose at the base of the flames.
- S queeze the handle of the extinguisher.
- S weep the nozzle slowly from side to side starting at the base of the fire and covering it until it goes out
- Watch carefully to make sure it does not reignite.
- If the fire is large or one extinguisher was not enough, leave the area immediately, shut the door behind you
- Use a pull station to activate the fire alarm as you exit the building.
Fire Extinguisher Manufacturers Association video: How To Use A Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguisher training is always available through NDFD. Contact the firehouse at 574-631-6200 or email NDFD at firstname.lastname@example.org to arrange a session.