Fire Emergencies and Emergency Action Planning
Potential emergencies in University buildings may require the occupants to evacuate the building. The following information and procedures have been designed to help ensure your personal safety, should an evacuation become necessary.
Fires
If you discover a fire:
- Alert: People in the area of the need to evacuate
- Activate: The nearest fire alarm
- Call: Public Safety at 911 (from a campus phone) or 609-258-3333 (from a cell phone) once outside
If a building fire alarm is sounding or you receive notification of a fire emergency:
- Feel the door or doorknob to the hallway with the back of your hand. If it feels hot, do not open it – the fire may be on the other side of the door. If you are trapped, put a cloth or towel under the door to help prevent the entry of smoke. Dial 911 and tell the Public Safety dispatcher your location and telephone number and that you are trapped in the room and need rescue. Stay on the phone until instructed otherwise
- If the door is not hot, open it slowly. If the hallway is clear of smoke, walk to the nearest exit and evacuate via the nearest stairwell to the street/grade level exit
- Close doors behind you.
- Do not attempt to use elevators. Elevators are tied to the fire detection system and are not available to occupants once the alarm sounds.
- Assemble at the area designated in your departmental Emergency Action Plan (see above) and remain there until instructed by Public Safety or the fire department that it is safe to re-enter the building.
Evacuation Procedures
Evacuate immediately unless you have specific emergency responsibilities designated in your Emergency Action Plan. After you have left the building, go to the designated assembly area for your building and remain there. At the assembly point, supervisors will account for personnel and notify the Emergency Coordinator or Public Safety if any personnel are missing. During an emergency, students and visitors who may not be familiar with this plan must be informed of the requirement to evacuate.
Persons with Disabilities
Planning for Assistance in an Evacuation
If you think you might need specialized assistance during an evacuation (e.g. a visual alarm device, identification of fire-exit stairwells, specialized evacuation equipment or alternative egress route planning) due to a medical condition or disability, you may contact your emergency coordinator to arrange for a needs assessment. Self-identification is voluntary and confidential. All such requests and any special arrangements made will only be disclosed to Public Safety and individuals who have a responsibility to assist under the plan. Remember that elevators are tied to the fire detection system and are not available to occupants once a fire alarm sounds.
If you are alone at the time of a fire or emergency evacuation, notify Public Safety of your location by calling 911 from any campus phone or 609-258-3333 from a cellular phone. Proceed to the nearest fire-exit stairwell and wait on the landing for assistance. To ensure that your location is known, tell an individual who is evacuating to notify Public Safety at the designated assembly point of your location. Members of Public Safety, the Princeton Fire Department or the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad will assist you from the building.
Fire Prevention
- Proper housekeeping including the prompt removal of wastes and keeping the work space free of unnecessary combustible materials will help to prevent or reduce the severity of fires.
- Limited quantities of flammable liquids may be stored in laboratories and shops. Flammable liquid storage cabinets are required where large amounts are present.
- Storage of combustible materials such as cardboard boxes, etc. should be kept to a minimum.
- Electrical wiring should be maintained in good condition. Extension cords should be used only for temporary use.
- The emergency number for Public Safety (911) should be posted on every phone.