Understanding What is Fire

In order to have a fire three conditions must be present: a supportive atmosphere (sufficient oxygen content); combustible fuel; and a source of ignition (heat). With the proper conditions present combustion (fire) or rapid explosion can occur. Fire is a chemical reaction process, actually rapid oxidation. Remove any of the conditions required, by smothering or cooling with an extinguishing agent, or cut off the fuel flow, and combustion is interrupted. Back burning or clear cutting in advance of the path of a forest or field fire is an example of removal of fuel source. Water both cools and smothers. Chemical extinguishing agents block oxygen from supporting fire. A fire blanket rapped around a fire victim in a lab smothers the fire on burning garments or hair. That is why fire blankets and emergency shower heads with quick pull rings and chains are located in chemistry laboratories.

IMPORTANT: After any evacuation for fire, report to your designated campus area assembly point. Stay there until an accurate head count is taken. The Building Manager or Hall Head Resident will take attendance and assist in the accounting for all building occupants.

ON CAMPUS EMERGENCIES, DIAL EXT. 6911

OFF CAMPUS EMERGENCIES, DIAL 9-911 using campus telephone system,
911 using off campus telephone system.

IN ALL CASES OF FIRE, PUBLIC SAFETY MUST BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY!

• Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and alarm systems in your area and know how to use them. Training and information is available through the Office of Public Safety, Safety Engineer, at Ext. 6765.
  
  
• If a minor fire appears controllable, IMMEDIATELY contact the Fire Department and Campus Police. Then promptly direct the charge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
  
  
• If an emergency exists, ACTIVATE the building alarm (THROUGH PULL STATION). PRECAUTION: Also report the fire by telephone.
  
  
• On large fires that do not appear controllable, IMMEDIATELY notify the Public Safety Ext. 6911. Then evacuate all rooms, closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen. DO NOT LOCK DOORS.
  
  
• When the building evacuation alarm is sounded an emergency exists: walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
  
  
• ASSIST THE HANDICAPPED IN EXITING THE BUILDING! Remember that elevators are reserved for handicapped persons. But DO NOT USE ELEVATORS IN CASE OF FIRE. Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic. Do not panic. Remain calm.
  
  
• Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building(s). Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear from emergency vehicles and crews. Know your area assembly points.
  
  
• If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
  
  
• A Campus Emergency Command Post may be set up near the emergency site. Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.
  
  
• DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless permitted to do so by a University official.

NOTE: If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for rescue crews. If there is no window, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location. DO NOT PANIC! Remain calm.