What to do:

1. If you see smoke or fire or if you see, hear or feel an explosion:
   • Pull the nearest fire alarm.
   • Leave the building immediately.
2. If you hear the fire alarm:
   • Leave the building immediately.
   • Do NOT assume it’s a drill. A nearby threat might not be immediately noticeable.
3. While evacuating:
   • If possible, shut down any equipment, such as a stove or a Bunsen burner, that could cause a secondary fire.
   • Use your building’s emergency exit routes, but be prepared to use an alternate route if necessary.
   • Do not use elevators.
   • If you are trapped in the building, try to reach a point of refuge, such as a stairwell, or stay by a window and wave to attract the attention of rescuers.
   • If possible, close doors and windows behind you to confine the fire.
   • If there is smoke, keep low.
   • Assist mobility-impaired persons. If their evacuation is impossible, guide them to a stairwell or other point of refuge. Immediately report their location to emergency responders.
   • Do not attempt to evacuate other personnel from your work area. Healthy adults are expected to evacuate themselves upon hearing the alarm.
   • If you work in an area frequented by the public, announce that an evacuation has been ordered and ask people to exit the building.
   • Assemble a safe distance away from the building. Try to account for people known to have been inside. Do not block driveways or areas that may be used by emergency responders.
   • If no responders are yet on the scene, call 911 from a safe location and tell them about the incident. Be sure to give your name, office location, and telephone extension. Do not hang up until released by them.
   • If responders are on the scene and you have pertinent information, talk with University Police or fire department officials outside the main entrance of the building. Responders need to know the exact location of the fire and the location of any injured or trapped people still in the building.
   • Do not re-enter the building until the fire department has declared it safe.

Fire Extinguishers:

• Use them ONLY to create an escape route.
• Do not endanger yourself or others by trying to fight a fire in the building
• Always pull the fire alarm before attempting to use an extinguisher.
• Employees are urged to participate in EHS Fire Extinguisher Training.

For more information regarding fire safety contact the SUNY Cortland Environmental Health and Safety Office at 607-753-2508 or visit their Web page.