Fire Emergency Response

The following is a list of procedures to follow should a fire exist at Denison University. In the event of such an emergency, you should immediately dial activate the fire alarm, dial "0 " or 911 to notify the proper authorities of the fire, and evacuate the building.

Fire Emergency Procedures

If you discover a fire:

• Manually activate the building's fire alarm system.
• Immediately evacuate the building, closing doors and windows behind you.
• Do not use the elevators
• Locate those persons with special needs, and provide assistance if possible, otherwise provide their location to emergency responders.
• Report to your department’s designated gathering point to be accounted for.
• Call "0 " from any campus phone or 740-587-6777 from a cell phone or from off campus.

Once the fire alarm is activated:

• Walk quickly to the nearest exit. Do not use the elevators.
• If you are able, help those who need special assistance.
• Notify fire personnel if you believe someone may still be in the building.
• Gather away from the building and emergency responders at a pre-designated location.
• Do not re-enter the building until the fire department has cleared the scene and given you permission to re-enter.

If you are caught in smoke:

• Do not breathe the smoke.
• Drop to your knees and crawl on your stomach to the closest safe exit.
• If possible, only breathe through your nose, and use a damp shirt or towel to breathe through to help filter the smoke.

If you are trapped inside a building:

• Close all doors and windows.
• Wet and place cloth material around and under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
• Attempt to signal people outside of the building. Call for help using a telephone or cell phone and inform them what room you are in.

Fire Extinguisher Use

Before deciding to attempt to use a fire extinguisher, you should first report the fire by dialing "0 " from a campus phone, or 740-587-6777 from any other phone. You should only use a fire extinguisher if you have been trained to do so, as improper use may increase fire hazard. If you have any doubt in your ability to fight the fire with an extinguisher, you should exit immediately and wait for help to arrive.

If you decide to use a fire extinguisher, start by placing yourself between the fire and your exit from the area, so you are not trapped if the fire spreads.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

Follow the PASS method to use a Fire Extinguisher:

1. Pull the pin. This will break the tamper seal if one is provided.

2. Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or the horn or hose) at the base of the fire.

3. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.

4. Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until the fire is out. Watch the area.

If the fire re-ignites, repeat the steps above until empty, or escape before you become trapped.