Fire Procedures
- Should you see or smell smoke, immediately pull the nearest fire alarm, leave the building, and call 911 from a safe area. Be prepared to give the following information:
- Location of fire
- Building and room number (if known)
- Your name and telephone number
- Stay on the line until the dispatcher releases you
- The person reporting the fire should remain in the vicinity outside the building to supply information, upon request, to responding emergency personnel.
- Always take fire alarms seriously. When a fire alarm has been activated, everyone is to evacuate the building immediately.
- NOTE: Persons who do not leave the building when a fire alarm is sounding may be subject to disciplinary action and/or possible criminal charges.
- Evacuate all rooms, closing all doors to confine the fire. Do not lock doors. Check doors for heat before opening. Open doors slowly and check for smoke.
- Fire doors leading into the stairwell landing should be closed.
- Do not attempt to put out a fire if you are endangering your own safety or the safety of others.
- Do not use elevators. Power may fail causing the elevator to stop between floors or elevator doors may open onto the fire floor.
- Disabled persons who are unable to move down the stairwells should move to a stairwell. Caution should be used as to not block traffic.
- Immediately notify emergency personnel of any person left in the building along with their locations.
- Move to interior short-term assembly areas as needed.
When should you use a fire extinguisher?
- Only if you are trained and confident in fire extinguisher use.
- Only if the fire is small in size (no larger than a small trash can).
- If you do fight the fire, use only ONE (1) extinguisher, then evacuate the building.
- As a reminder: you are NOT obligated to fight fires of any size. If you have any doubt, do not attempt to fight the fire.
If caught in smoke:
- Stay low; smoke will rise to ceiling level first.
- Drop to hands and knees and crawl toward the nearest exit.
- Hold your breath as much as possible; breathe through your nose and use a filter such as a shirt, towel, or handkerchief.
- Be aware of your surroundings; take note of and follow EXIT signs.
If trapped in a room due to fire or smoke:
- Call Univ Security (507-389-2111) to report your location and conditions.
- Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
- Wet and place cloth material around or under the door to help prevent smoke from entering the room.
- If the room has an outside window, be prepared to signal to someone outside.
Clothing on fire (Stop, Drop and Roll):
- Direct or assist a person to roll around on the floor to smother the flames.
- Drench with water if immediately available.
- Obtain medical attention. Call 911 for EMS help.
- Report incident to supervisor and Univ Security.
CAUTION: Building fire alarms may stop ringing. It they stop, do not return to the building unless notified by responding emergency personnel.
Know the location of fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and exits.
