Fire, Explosion, and Smoke Conditions

In Case of Fire/Smoke/Explosion

If you see any fire/smoke, smell smoke, hear an explosion or the fire alarm activates:

• Immediately evacuate the building/area via the nearest exit, do not use elevators
• Move quickly, but do not run or push others
• If nearby, quickly collect essential items (car keys, wallet or purse, and critical medication) and outerwear appropriate for the weather
• If an alarm is not already sounding, immediately activate the nearest fire alarm pull station
• If there are no fire alarms, yell “FIRE” as you evacuate
• Assist others who need help. If they are unable to evacuate, instruct tell them to wait by the nearest stairwell
• Feel closed doors with the back of your hand before opening. If a door is hot, do not open it, and find an alternate route

If you are caught in smoke

• Drop to your knees and crawl to the nearest exit (the air is clearer near the floor)
• Breathe through your nose and use a shirt or towel to breathe through if possible

If you are unable to leave a building or area:

• Notify another occupant that you need assistance to evacuate or you are unable to evacuate
• Call MIT Police at 617-253-1212 (x100 from a campus phone) and let the dispatcher know your exact location
• If possible, wait by the nearest stairwell
• Remain calm until help arrives
• Close all doors and windows
• Wet and place cloth material around and under the door to prevent smoke from entering
• Attempt to signal people outside of the building

Fire extinguishers 

Before you use an extinguisher to fight a fire, have someone dial 100 from a campus phone or 617-253-1212 and/ or pull the fire alarm to start the evacuation.

REMEMBER – no one is required to fight a fire. Your number one concern is to pull the fire alarm and get yourself and others safely out of the building. The firefighters will handle extinguishing the fire.

Portable fire extinguishers are to be used by trained personnel only and are intended for use on incipient fires (e.g. a waste basket fire.) Training is available by EHS through the Atlas Learning Center.

Once you are outside:

• Proceed to the appropriate evacuation assembly area or a safe distance from the building
• Notify emergency responders or MIT Police at 617-253-1212, of people who were unable to evacuate
• Wait for the all clear from emergency personnel before re-entering a building/area

Fire Safety Preparedness

• Prevent the accumulation of combustible materials (paper, cardboard, plastic) in the work area
• Store materials on shelves at least 18 inches below the automatic sprinkler heads
• Maintain clear access to the fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations, sprinkler system controls and all other emergency equipment
• Keep corridors, aisles and second exits clear to facilitate evacuation
• Keep exit stairway doors closed and do not store materials anywhere in stairways
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords or multi-outlet strips
• Batteries – tape the terminals of 9V and lithium batteries, even “dead” ones, as they still may maintain a charge and can start a fire upon contact with metal objects