Do you know what to do in a fire?

Fire safety is important on the Western Washington University campus, and to that end fire drills are held regularly throughout academic buildings and residence halls.

See the attached document or visit Western's fire safety website for a list of fall quarter fire drills.

Do you know what to do in a fire? Here are some tips from Environmental Health and Safety at WWU:

If you get caught in a fire situation, survival is your top priority. You should:

Feel the Door Handle

• If the door handle is hot, don’t open it
• Go to a window and call for help
• If the handle is not hot, open cautiously
• Check for smoke or fire before going out

Get Out of the Building Before Phoning for Help

• Don’t take time to phone before leaving
• Get out and find a phone

Pull the Fire Alarm on Your Way Out

Don’t Look for Other People or Gather up Your Stuff

• Knock on doors as you leave
• Yell "FIRE!" as you leave
• Don’t hesitate or stray from your path as you leave

Crawl Low to the Floor

• Thick smoke can make it impossible to see
• Toxic chemicals in smoke can be deadly in minutes

Close the Door Behind You

• You may help keep the fire from spreading
• You may protect your possessions from fire and smoke damage

If You Can’t Get Out, Get Someone’s ATTENTION

• Yell and scream
• Hang a sheet from the window
• Stay low, there are less smoke and poisonous gases close to the floor