Procedures to Follow in the Event of a Fire
Anyone seeing or suspecting a fire should pull the nearest fire alarm pull station and notify Public Safety (dial 911). Leave the area quickly, closing doors as you go to contain the fire and smoke. If you encounter smoke or flame during your escape, use an alternative exit. If you must exit through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees. Because heat and smoke rise, the cleanest air will be near the floor. Test doors before you open them. Reach up as high as you can and touch the door, the knob, and the space between the door and its frame with the back of your hand. If the door is warm, use another escape route. If the door is cool, open it slowly, being prepared to close it quickly if you encounter smoke or flames.
Do not re-enter the building until emergency response officials
have declared that it is safe to do so.
Should You Fight the Fire?
BEFORE YOU BEGIN to fight a fire:
- Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving, the building. Make sure Public Safety or the local fire department has been called. Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading. Be sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
- Be sure you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the fire extinguisher.
When Using a Portable Fire Extinguisher, Remember the PASS Procedures
- Keep your back to an exit. Stand 10 to 20 feet away from the fire.
- Pull the pin.
- Aim the extinguisher hose (or nozzle) at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever above the handle. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.
- Sweep from side to side, moving carefully toward the fire.
- Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
- If the fire does not begin to go out immediately, leave the area at once.
Always be sure that Public Safety or your local fire department is notified, even if the fire was extinguished.
Fire Prevention
- Multiple, UL-approved outlet cords equipped with an internal surge protector are approved for office and departmental use. Do not overload outlets with multiple outlet cords or multiple plug adapters. Waste must be stored and properly disposed of to prevent the creation of a fire and safety hazard. Flammable materials shall be stored in a properly labeled, flame-resistant cabinet. Keep closets free of old rags, paper, or other combustible odds and ends.
- Keep all walkways, stairwells, and exits free from obstructions at all times.
ETSU Main Campus:
Call 439-4480 to report
police nonemergencies.
Call 911 for emergencies
VA Campus:
VA Police: (423) 979 3506
Emergencies: Dial 911
Local and 1-800 calling are available at these phones