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Building Fire / Evacuation
If you encounter odor/smoke/fire/explosion: RACE
- Rescue — Persons in immediate danger, if possible. This includes yourself!
- Alarm — Pull the fire alarm and call 9-1-1.
- Contain — Fire and smoke by closing doors while leaving the building (especially stairwells).
- Evacuate —
- Take ONLY important personal items (cell phone, ID, keys, medications, wallet, purse, etc.).
- If the corridor is filled with smoke, stay low and crawl out.
- Do not use the elevator.
- Exit to a safe location.
- Move away from the building at least 100 feet.
- Attempt to determine if all occupants in your area have evacuated.
- Do not re-enter the building.
If building evacuation is ordered or fire alarm sounds:
- Take ONLY important personal items (cell phone, ID, keys, medications, wallet, purse, etc.).
- Do not use the elevator, if possible.
- If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities.
- If special assistance is needed, call 9-1-1 and report your location and situation. Ask others as they leave the building to inform public safety officials on site of your location and situation.
- Move quickly, but in an orderly manner out of the building. DO NOT PUSH OR SHOVE.
- Once out of the building, move at least 100 feet from the structure or as instructed by public safety officials.
If confined or trapped:
- Call 9-1-1 and report your location and situation.
- Feel door. If hot, DO NOT open.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
- Stuff towels under the door to keep out smoke.
- Attract attention to your position if possible.
- If you have to move, stay close to the floor and crawl.
Source: UF Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)
Resources:
EH&S – Fire Alarm/Building Evacuation Information
Training:
Version Date: September 2021