What to do during Building Evacuation Drills

In an effort to demonstrate fire safety awareness and preparedness in compliance with the fire code, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) conducts fire evacuation drills.

During the fire evacuation drills, you will hear a siren/horn and/or voice command announcement to evacuate. We ask for your full cooperation during the drills. The expected duration of each drill will be approximately 15-20 minutes. We recognize the drills may interrupt your schedule and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please adhere to the following directions when the fire alarm sounds to safely evacuate the building:

• Never ignore a fire alarm.
• If a fire alarm sounds, evacuate immediately in a safe and orderly manner – do not run.
• If needed, shut-off any heat sources or equipment, quickly gather personal belongings (i.e. keys, pursue, bag) and proceed to the nearest exit.
• It is encouraged for you to identify and know, at least, two ways out of the building you are occupying.
• Proceed to the nearest, safe exit when an alarm sounds. Remember to use stairs and not elevators when evacuating.
• After exiting, proceed to the building’s designated evacuation assembly points or move to a safe location 150 ft. away or further from the building.
• Do not re-enter the building until given the all clear to return inside by EHS personnel.
• For any ADA assistance during a fire drill and inability to self-evacuate, shelter-in-place or go to an enclosed stairwell, if safe to do so. Tell someone of your location and ask them to notify the EHS personnel conducting the drill. If you are not sure if the fire alarm is a drill – Call University Police at 412-268-2323 and tell them of your location and situation.

For more information about the fire safety services provided by EHS, please visit this webpage.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have questions regarding proper procedures for your area, please contact EHS or send an email to: safety@andrew.cmu.edu.