Evacuation
If danger exists in your building or area, you should immediately evacuate to distance yourself. Although an evacuation is typically signaled by the fire alarm system or emergency personnel, you may need to do so on your own.
Procedures
- Immediately leave the building/area via the nearest exit, do not use elevators
- 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
- Assist others who need help. If they are unable to evacuate, instruct tell them to wait by the nearest stairwell
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
Once you are outside:
- Proceed to the appropriate evacuation assembly area or a safe distance from the building
- Stay together and assess who is present. Faculty members, supervisors, and residence halls managers should gather names of students, employees, or residents present
- Notify emergency responders, or MIT Police 617-253-1212, of people who were unable to evacuate
- Wait for the all clear from emergency personnel before re-entering a building/area
Preparedness
Here are some preparedness tips you should be familiar with before an emergency occurs:
- MIT policy requires everyone in a building to evacuate immediately when an alarm sounds
- Not evacuating could put yourself and emergency responders in danger, as well as result in fines and/or disciplinary action
- The nearest exit could be different than how you entered the building
- Become familiar with at least two exit routes for all buildings that you enter, especially those buildings that you frequent
- If you are unsure of the nearest exit, maps showing means of egress and exits can often be found posted near stairways and elevators