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

Consider using a fire extinguisher if the fire is small or if it is necessary to escape 

If you do not feel safe or comfortable doing so, do not attempt to extinguish a fire unless it is necessary to do so for you to escape

• To use a fire extinguisher:
  • Stand a safe distance from the fire
  • Pull the safety pin on the grip handle
  • Aim at the base of the fire
  • Squeeze the handles all the way together
  • Sweep back and forth slowly until the fire is out or until you can escape

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

Fire Safety Preparedness

• Maintain your own fire safety attitude and try to instill it in others. Don’t permit others to compromise your safety.
• 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