Evacuation
Evacuation is the directive given in order to put as much space as possible in between you and the threat. Follow these simple steps so you're prepared in the event of an evacuation emergency.
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Leave immediately when the fire alarm sounds. Close all doors behind you, proceed to the fire exit and leave the building.
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Do not use elevators. Use the stairs. Elevators will cease operation if power fails, trapping occupants. Elevator shafts will fill with smoke, making it difficult to breathe.
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Check doors for excessive heat before opening. If the door is hot, or if smoke is seeping in, do not open it. Feel the door that leads from your room to the corridor for heat with the back of your hand before opening it. If you become trapped in your room and cannot reach the fire exit, keep the door closed and seal off any cracks. Call Temple Police at 215-204-1234 and give your specific location, including the floor and room number.
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Stay low if caught in smoke or heat. Take short breaths (through nose) until you reach an area of refuge.
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Keep moving for at least 200 feet and proceed to the designated rally point (the assembly point) after leaving the building. Do not re-enter until given permission by Temple Police or the Fire Department.
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After evacuating, building occupants should report to the appropriate rally point to receive further instruction. Rally point information can be found at route.temple.edu.
IMPORTANT: Keep all fire exits and corridor doors closed at all times. These doors are fire-rated to keep smoke and heat from entering stairways and adjoining corridors. If at any time you observe these doors propped or tied open, please close them and report the location to the university fire marshals, John Higgins: 215-204-8687 or John Maule: 215-204-7938, or call Temple Police: 215-204-1234.
People with functional and access needs: If your floor has to be evacuated, you should plan to relocate to an area of refuge. Once situated, call Temple Police at 215-204-1234. Identify your location and floor. Be sure to indicate if you require special equipment to descend the stairs. The fire department should arrive in minutes to assist. Plan in advance to have a responsible person assist you in the event of fire.
Fire towers are enclosed stairways that have fire-rated doors and walls that provide a refuge from smoke and heat in a fire emergency. Doors leading into fire towers are inspected periodically to ensure that they open and close properly and should never be tied or propped open. Fire towers cannot be used for storage or as smoking areas. Fire towers are to be clean, well-lit, and free of obstructions at all times. Fire towers are an area of refuge.
Personal preparedness: Plan in advance to have a responsible person assist you in the event of fire. Use a "buddy" system to help you get to a protected area. Anticipate situations where the "buddy" may not be available in an emergency.
Definition
Area of refuge: If your floor has to be evacuated, relocate to a protected area, such as oversized landings in fire-safe stairwells or stand-alone, barriered compartments on the floor.