Fire Safety

Preparing for emergencies well in advance is one of the most effective ways to deal with potential disasters. Review the following precautions and prepare to take the steps recommended.

Steps to follow if you see a fire.

1. Manually activate the nearest fire alarm system (pull station).

2. Call appropriate emergency number to report a fire.  If on the Danforth Campus or South 40, call  WUPD at 935-5555.  If at the Medical School, call Protective Services at (314) 362-4357.  For all other locations dial 911.

3. Immediately exit the building and if not in immediate danger, close doors behind you.

4. Do Not use elevators.

5. Remain outside the building at a safe distance. Do not return to the building unless told to do so by someone in charge. Do not allow others to enter the building.

6. Gather outside at the designated Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) and do not attempt to re-enter the building until instructed to do so by firefighters or University Public Safety staff.

Steps to follow if a fire alarm is activated.

1. Walk to the nearest exit.

2. Do not use elevators.

3. Assist persons with special needs.

4. Notify firefighters or University public safety staff if there is someone trapped inside the building.

5. Gather outside at the designated Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) and do not atempt to re-enter the building until instructed to do so by firefighters or University public safety staff.

Steps to follow if you are trapped in a fire.

1. Remain calm.

2. Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot:

    A) Do not open the door.

    B) Open the windows. If possible, lower the top half of the window to let out     heat and smoke, and raise the lower half to let in fresh air.

    C) Seal cracks around the door with towels,linens, or clothes. Soak these         items in water if possible.

    D) To attract attention, hang objects out the window. Shout for help. If you     have a cell phone, call the appropriate emergency number.

    E) Keep low to the ground with your head 6 to 8 inches off the floor. Take         short breaths to avoid inhaling smoke. Place a wet towel over your nose and     mouth.

3. If the door is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If hot air or fire rushes in, close the door and refer to step 2A.

4. If you can leave, close all doors behind you and proceed to the nearest safe exit. Go to your assembly area and stay there until you are told to return to your building by someone in charge.

Steps to follow for fire prevention:

1. Know every regular and emergency exit from the building you are in. Know how to activate the alarm system and what it sounds like. Know the location of fire extinguishers and how to operate them.

2. Arrange the contents of your room with fire safety in mind. Maintain clear and unobstructed access to your room door, from both the inside and outside.

3. Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not use broken, frayed, or cracked electrical cords. Do not suspend lamps or lights by their own cords. Follow all safety precautions when utilizing power strips and extension cords.

4. Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings.

5. Contact the Enviromental Health & Safety Office for proper safety procedures for storing flammable materials in your area.

6. False activation of fire alarms or fire extinguishers creates a substantial safety hazard, and may result in a referral to the appropriate authorities.

Using a fire extinguisher for small fires.

1 Pull safety pin from handle

2 Aim at base of fire

3 Squeeze the trigger handle

4 Sweep from side to side at base of fire.

For further information, contact the Environmental Safety Office, Safety & Emergency Preparedness Division at 935-9264 or WUPD at 935-5555.