Fire

In the event of a fire, the first priority is to immediately warn others and to begin the evacuation process. Before doing anything else, pull the nearest fire alarm to notify building occupants and Campus Safety. Campus Safety will summon assistance from the New London Fire Department.

  • Evacuate the building, alerting others and shutting doors as you exit.
  • Once outside, proceed to the “Designated Assembly Area."  Keep roadways, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. Provide Campus Safety and/or the New London Fire Department with the exact location and details of the fire.
  • You should attempt to fight the fire only if ALL of the following are true:
    • The fire is small and is relatively contained, such as in a wastebasket.
    • You have been trained how to use a fire extinguisher.
    • You have the proper extinguisher for the type of fire you are fighting. For example, DO NOT use water on an electrical fire.
    • You can fight the fire without risk to yourself, and have a route of escape to your rear.
  • Cooking fires can usually be suffocated by covering the pot or pan with the lid or a wet dish towel. NEVER THROW WATER ON A COOKING OIL FIRE!
  • If your clothing catches fire, drop to the floor and roll to smother the fire. (STOP, DROP and ROLL.)
  • Shut down any equipment that may add fuel to the fire, if it can be done safely.
  • If the fire is in a laboratory, do not turn off or close the fume hood(s), as it will help keep the room free of smoke. If the fire is inside the fume hood, do close the sash.
  • If you become trapped during a fire and cannot evacuate the building, take refuge in room with an exterior window. Place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for rescue crews. Keep smoke and toxic fumes out of the room by stuffing clothing under the door. Call 911 and provide your location.
  • If there is smoke and fumes in the room, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.

Explosions

  • Immediately take cover under tables, desks and other objects, which will give protection against falling glass or debris.
  • As soon as possible after the immediate effects of the explosion, evacuate the building or vicinity. Follow Campus Safety instructions to gather at an appropriate assembly point for the purpose of taking attendance.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by the Fire Department Incident Commander.