If a fire alarm has been
activated always assume that there is a fire. Know the locations
of fire extinguishers, posted evacuation routes, exits, and fire alarm
systems in your area.DO NOT prop open
doors or otherwise block hallway and or exit doors. Open doors can allow
smoke and fire to enter stairwells and exit hallways, severely
jeopardizing safe evacuation and hampering efforts of fire department
personnel.
If you discover a fire:
· Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
· Alert people in the immediate area of the
danger and that they need to evacuate.
· Immediately exit the building, closing doors
between you and the fire.
· When you are in a place of safety, dial 911,
and 309-337-5713 from a cell phone and inform the respondent of the
location and nature of the fire.
If the Fire Alarm sounds:
· Walk to the nearest exit, closing doors
between you and the fire.
· Do not use elevators.
· Assist people with disabilities. See the
section entitled "Evacuation for People with Disabilities."
· Stay at least 300 feet from the building.
· Notify fire personnel if you suspect someone
is trapped in the building.
· Remain outside until notified by emergency
personnel or college officials that it is safe to re-enter the building.
· If exiting a classroom the instructor
may ask students to assemble in a designated gathering place and attempt
to account for all persons. The instructor should make certain that all
students have left the classroom before he or she exits.
If trapped in a room:
· Close as many doors as possible between you
and the fire.
· Place cloth material (wet if possible) around
or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
· Be prepared to signal from a window to someone
outside or by shouting at regular intervals.
If trapped in smoke:
· Drop and crawl toward an exit.
· Hold your breath as much as possible.
· Breathe slowly through nose using a towel or
shirt as a filter.
If forced to advance through flames:
· Hold your breath.
· Move quickly.
· Cover your head and hair.
· Keep your head down and your eyes closed as
much as possible.
Fire extinguisher use:
· Only use an extinguisher to attempt to
extinguish a small fire and only if you have been trained.
· If you have any doubt about your ability to
fight the fire, exit immediately.
· An extinguisher can be used to suppress a fire
that blocks your exit from the building.
· Remember PASS, the four basic steps to
operating a fire extinguisher.
