When a fire alarm sounds, every National Louis employee, student and visitor must evacuate the building promptly and safely. Alarms matter because lives could be at stake.
Please follow these key points:
- Know at least two stairwell exit routes from your floor.
- Do not hesitate to evacuate even if you are in the middle of an exam.
- Leave immediately; don’t delay to collect personal items.
- Use stairwells free of smoke.
- Do not use elevators.
- Never open a door if it feels hot to the touch
- Do not prop open stairwell doors; it could spread the fire.
- Inform staff on the ground floor if someone needs help.
- Stay clear of the building entrance.
- Select a place to meet outside the building and report there immediately.
- Conduct a headcount and inform authorities if someone is missing.
- Return to the building after officials give the all-clear.
When preparing for and dealing with a fire, use the following acronyms to remember how to proceed:
R.A.C.E.
R eact to the situation. Call 911 and Public Safety.
A ctivate the nearest fire alarm pull box.
C lose the doors behind you.
E xit the building, do not use the elevators.
Report the fire to the front desk/faculty/staff.
P.L.A.N.
P ractice fire drills.
L earn evacuation safety.
A n obstacle is an enemy.
N ever overload electrical outlets
C.A.L.M.
C all 911.
A lert neighbors and Public Safety.
L isten for instructions from 1st responders.
M ove to a safe area.
Additional Fire Safety Information:
When the alarm sounds:
Feel the door to your room. If it’s hot, do not open it. Instead, do the following:
- Block all openings with wet towels or other materials.
- Call 911 and Public Safety, advise dispatcher of your location.
- If possible, stay close to the window holding a wet towel to your face.
If the door to your room is not hot, partially open it while standing behind it for protection. If passage is blocked and you cannot exit, follow bulleted guidelines above.
If you can exit:
- If possible, wear shoes and a jacket. Do not take time to collect other belongings.
- Close the door when you leave. Do not lock doors.
- If smoke is present, crawl low to the floor.
- Only use stairwell exits; never use the elevators.
- Once outside, follow instructions from staff members or emergency responders.
- Do not re-enter the building until instructed by university or fire officials.
