Fire

Fire and Building Evacuation  
If you discover a fire, explosion, or smoke in a building, if possible, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and proceed to evacuate using the following evacuation procedures.  

How to Prepare  

• Keep an ABC extinguisher at home, or know where the closest extinguisher is in the areas you frequent. Learn how to use it. 
• Know where the closest alarm pull stations are in the areas you frequent on campus. 
• Plan how you will leave and where you will go, if you are advised to evacuate. 

Inside the Building 
First, feel the door with the back of your hand.  

If the door warm: 

• DO NOT open the door.  
• If possible, wedge a wet towel or cloth item at the base of the door and cover air vents. 
• Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire, and stay near the floor. 

Call 9-1-1.  

• Wave a piece of cloth (e.g. sweater, jacket) out the window to notify rescuers of your location. If there is no window, tap on the wall at regular intervals to alert rescue crews. Call 9-1-1 and notify them of your present location. 
• Check in with people around you to ensure they know there is a fire. If safe to do so, always help those who need assistance. 

If the door is normal temperature: 

• If possible, open the door slowly. 
• Leave and close the door behind you. 
• Stay close to the ground if there is smoke. 

• Evacuate and convene at your designated Evacuation Zone. DO NOT use the elevators.  

Outside the Building 

• Report to the designated evacuation zone, and position yourself at least 50 feet away from the affected building(s). 
• Check in and stay with your Emergency Response Team member, resident assistant or resident director. 
• DO NOT re-enter the building until you are authorized to do so by the Los Angeles Fire Department or LMU Campus Safety. 

If There is Fire or Smoke in Your Immediate Vicinity 

• Only if it is safe, try to put out the fire yourself using a fire extinguisher. 
• Call 9-1-1 and Campus Safety for backup. Tell them where the fire is and give them any other information they ask for. 
• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station, if safe to do so. 
• If smoke is present and if you can evacuate, crawl to the nearest exit.  
• If possible, use stairways, NOT elevators. Check in with people around you who may need assistance.  
• Before opening any door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot, do not open it. Use another exit.  

Report all fires, regardless of size, and any fire extinguisher that has been used to Campus Safety Services.