General Emergency Procedures
View in FEMA Multimedia Library
Fire Prevention / Procedures
- Do not accumulate quantities of discarded files or other paper trash in your office or storage area. Pay special attention to housekeeping in those departments that produce quantities of debris, such as duplication machines, mailing and receiving rooms.
- Do not store large quantities of flammable solvents, or other combustible fluids.
- Keep electrical appliances in good repair. Report unsafe conditions to Security.
- When furnishing an office, consider the fire potential of materials used in large amounts, like overstuffed chairs, settees, couches or anything that could become a combustible item. Such furnishings should be flame-proofed.
IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE, you should remain calm and:
- Pull the nearest fire alarm.
- Call 911 from a safe location.
- Evacuate or relocate and assist all others in the immediate area.
- Close doors behind you to isolate fire.
- Be cautious when opening doors so as not to spread the fire.
- Touch any door to see if it is hot before opening.
- If smoke is present, stay low and crawl with your body against the floor. The clearest air is near the floor. If forced to make a dash through smoke or flame, hold your breath and cover your nose and mouth with an article of clothing.
Evacuation Procedures
It is important that all tenants familiarize their employees with appropriate evacuation routes and rally points as designated by the tenant and local fire agencies.
The following evacuation procedures should be observed:
- Before opening any door, check the door and doorknob for heat. If it is warm, attempt to find an alternative exit.
- If both your door and doorknob are cool, and you leave your office:
- Check for smoke.
- If thick smoke is present, stay low by crawling.
- Everyone should proceed quickly, but calmly to the nearest exit. DO NOT RUN.
- DO NOT PANIC, Panic is the most harmful and most difficult element to control in an emergency. Avoiding panic is accomplished through the following steps:
- Knowledge of procedures which must be followed.
- Confidence in the responsible personnel's ability and guidance.
- Calmness and self-confidence of responsible personnel.