CMU Fire Safety Information
What should you know BEFORE an emergency occurs?
- Know the pathway to at least two alternative exits from every room/area at the workplace.
- Recognize the sound/signaling method of the fire/evacuation alarms.
- Know who to contact in an emergency and how to contact them.
- Know how many desks or cubicles are between your workstation and two of the nearest exits so you can escape in the dark if necessary.
- Know where the fire/evacuation alarms are located and how to use them.
- Report damaged or malfunction safety systems and back-up systems
What should you do WHEN an emergency occurs?
- Leave the area quickly but in an orderly manner, following the work site's emergency evacuation plan. Go directly to the nearest fire-free and smoke-free stairwell recognizing that in some circumstances the only available exit route may contain limited amounts of smoke or fire.
- Listen carefully for instructions over the building's public address system.
- Crawl low, under the smoke to breathe cleaner air if there is a fire. Test doors for heat before opening them by placing the back of your hand against the door so you do not burn your palm and fingers. Do not open a hot door, but find another exit route. Keep "fire doors" closed to slow the spread of smoke and fire.
- Avoid using elevators when evacuation a burning building.
- Report to the designated meeting place.
- Don't re-enter the building until directed by authorities.
What should you do if trapped?
- Stay calm and take steps to protect yourself.
- Go to a room with an outside window, and telephone for help if possible.
- Stay where rescuers can see you and wave a light-colored cloth to attract attention.
- Open windows if possible, but be ready to shut them if smoke rushes in.
- Stuff clothing, towels, or newspapers around the cracks in doors to prevent smoke from entering your room.
Fire Safety Services
Fire Safety
- Provide training and maintenance of guidelines and procedures aimed to assure the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors.
- Schedule and manage fire alarm and fire protection system testing and inspection.
- Protect university buildings and grounds while complying with codes and standards adopted by local, state and federal regulatory agencies.