The person who discovers the fire should
- Close the door nearest to the source of smoke, only if it is safe, and time permits.
- Move everyone out of the area and instruct him or her to close doors behind them when exiting. This will help control the fire by limiting the oxygen supply and prevent the spread of smoke and fire. Searchers are responsible for checking offices/rooms outside of the immediate area.
- Dial 911 or the local emergency number from a safe location, and provide the dispatcher with the following information:
- Name
- Type of Emergency
- Location of the Fire
- What is burning
- Company Name
- Physical Address [not building name]
- Suite number
- Telephone Number
- Number of Injuries
- Equipment or System Involved
- Call the Customer Service Center and report the emergency.
FIRE LIFE SAFETY TIPS IN A FIRE EMERGENCY
- Stay low to the ground; move on your hands and knees. Smoke is the number one killer in a fire. Smoke, heat and noxious gases rise, the temperature in a fire can easily reach 1300 degrees at the ceiling, 600 degrees at 6 feet, and only 95 degrees at floor level. Staying low can save your life.
- Practice exiting and count the number of doorways, and hallways between your location and the fire exits. It can be nearly impossible to see in a fire because of the smoke. Knowing the number of doorways, and hallways between you and the fire exits helps to ensure that you will find the exit and evacuate safely.
- Keep a flashlight at your desk to help see in a fire.
- Keep a pair of walking shoes at your desk to help you evacuate quickly.
- If your clothing catches fire drop to the ground and roll.
IF YOU ARE TRAPPED IN A BUILDING
- Move quickly away from the fire closing all doors between you and the fire.
- If all other options to escape have been unsuccessful, move to a room with a telephone and an outside window. This option is a last resort.
- Call 911, give them your exact location and tell them you are trapped. Stay on the telephone with the dispatcher until help arrives.
- Keep smoke out of the room by using clothing, paper towels, newspapers, to seal the cracks around door and vents. Wet materials work the best because they create a tight seal.
- Wave something brightly colored in the window to attract attention and help rescuers find you.
- Do your best to remain calm.
FIRE PREVENTION TIPS
- Keep all hallways free of boxes, stored materials and trash. These areas must be kept open and unobstructed to provide a clear pathway in the event of an emergency evacuation.
- Do not prop fire doors open, such as a door from a suite, into a common area hallway. Fire doors are designed to keep fire and smoke compartmentalized and out of your area.
- Remove all discarded files and paper trash from your office. An accumulation of these items can fuel a fire.
- Do not overload electrical outlets with extension power strips or multi-plugs.
- Turn off all electrical equipment at the end of the day including: coffee pots, printers, copiers, computers, etc.
- Inspect electrical cords and keep them in good condition. Replace those that are cut or frayed.
- Generally, sprinkler heads require a clearance of 18 inches from the bottom of the sprinkler head and the top of any object underneath in order to operate properly and extinguish a fire. Be careful to follow local codes and guidelines for clearance levels beneath sprinkler heads.
- Keep electrical rooms and areas with electrical panels clear and free from stored material.
- Flammable solvents are generally not permitted in tenant areas. Remove all flammable solvents immediately.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
When used properly, dry chemical fire extinguishers can save lives. They are useful in containing very small fires no larger than a small trash can while waiting for the fire department to arrive, always put yourself between the fire and an exit.
Fire extinguishers come in different classes to fight different types of fires. You need to know what material is burning in order to use the correct class of extinguisher. Using the wrong class of extinguisher can actually make a fire worse. Fire extinguishers come in four classes:
- Class A – Ordinary Combustibles – Wood, Paper, Plastics, Cloth.
- Class B – Flammable Liquids – Grease, Oil.
- Class C – Electrical Equipment – Computer, Printer, TV, VCR, etc.
- Class D – Flammable Metals – Magnesium.
Generally, office buildings use ABC rated extinguishers, which are acceptable to use on all A, B, and C class fires.
HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- Hold the extinguisher upright.
- Stand back 8 to 10 feet from the fire.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth if possible when you extinguish a fire, because a large amount of smoke may be generated.
REMEMBER – P A S S
- Pull the retaining pin
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames
- Squeeze the handle completely
- Sweep from side to side; go slightly beyond the fire with each sweep
FIRE/LIFE SAFETY
Fire Control Panel
This is the fire alarm enunciator which controls all alarm pull stations, sprinkler-flow alarms, smoke/heat detectors, and emergency signals to the Fire Department.
Alarm Pull Station
Alarm pull stations are available in each building.
Sprinkler System
Each building is equipped with ceiling-mounted sprinkler heads. When activated, alarms are automatically sounded while simultaneously dispatching the Fire Department.
Smoke/Heat Detectors
Smoke/heat detectors are located in various areas in each building. These sensors make it possible to detect combustible vapors, smoke or fire.
Emergency Lighting
In the event of the loss of electrical power to the building, a complete system of emergency lighting is provided to the building.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are located in each common area for the purpose of putting out small fires to prevent them from becoming more serious in nature. Please use sound judgment in deciding whether or not the situation can be safely eliminated by the use of a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers located in each tenanted space are the tenant’s responsibility. A smoking or burning appliance should be immediately unplugged.
