Fire

Western Michigan University general evacuation procedures

Facts

• A fire can double in size every 30 seconds.

• It can reach temperatures over 1,000 degrees in 90 seconds.
• One breath of superheated 150-degree air can sear one’s lungs.
• Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can make matters worse.
• Approximately 85 percent of the time, it’s the smoke inhalation that kills.

Before a fire

• Know at least two evacuation routes.
• Locate fire alarm pulls and extinguishers.
• Be familiar with RED: React, Evaluate, Decide.

Responding to a fire

1. Pull the alarm if you discover a fire.
2. When you hear the fire alarm, get out of the building using the nearest and safest exit.
3. Go to the re-assembly area and let your professor, supervisor, or emergency or building coordinator know you are there.
4. Do not go back into the building until the fire department or public safety says it’s safe to do so.

Additional resources

• American Red Cross fire safety
• Home fire safety tips
• National Fire Protection Association's Sparky the fire dog
• Smokey the Bear
• U.S. Fire Administration