Fire Safety and Response

If you see a fire

Remain calm.

Activate the nearest fire alarm or pull station. 

Call 911 or 974-3111 to report an on-campus fire.

Use an extinguisher if the fire is small enough that you can put it out.

Evacuate through the designated evacuation route for your building. 

If you are in your room or office when the fire alarm sounds

Always evacuate. Never assume that it is a drill. Leave the building in a calm, but rapid, manner.

As you are leaving, put on your coat or jacket to help protect against flames; wear closed-toed shoes as well. Bring a towel with you to protect your face and filter any smoke that might be in the air.

Do not use the elevator. Individuals who require special assistance should discuss evacuation plans with their resident assistant or their immediate supervisor and building representative.

Please note that university policy requires immediate evacuation in the event of an alarm. UTPD may issue citations to people who fail to comply with response to a fire alarm.

If you are caught in smoke or trapped in a building

Drop to your knees and crawl to the nearest exit.

Breathe through your nose, and use a shirt or towel to filter your airways.

If you are trapped, close all doors and windows and place wet cloth materials around the door to prevent additional smoke from entering.

Call for help. On campus phones, you can dial 911 or 4-3111. On a personal cell phone, dial 911 or 974-3111.