Fire

A fast-moving fire can double in size every 15 – 30 seconds. It’s important to act quickly, decisively and calmly.

In the event of a fire

  • Leave the building using the nearest safe exit.
  • Use the stairs. Do NOT use elevators during a fire.
  • Before opening a closed door, carefully check the temperature of the door using the back of your hand.
    • If it’s HOT, do NOT open the door.

If you discover or are reporting a fire

  1. Pull the fire alarm while exiting the building using the nearest, safe exit.
  2. Call UPD:
    1. Dial 9-1-1 from a campus desk phone, OR
    2. Dial 415-338-2222 from a cell phone, OR
    3. Push the “CALL” button on the nearest Blue Light Emergency Phone located around campus.
  3. When speaking with UPD dispatch:
    1. Provide your full name.
    2. Provide the location of the fire (Indoor/Outdoor, Building, Room, etc.)
    3. Provide a description of the fire (smell, smoke color, flame color, etc.)
    4. If known, provide any information regarding the source of the fire (paper, oil, grease, chemical, wood, etc.)
    5. Follow dispatch instructions.
    6. Advise on the status of the building evacuation and assembly point.
  4. Update your building BERC once in a safe location.

If you cannot evacuate

  1. Hang fabric out of a window to signal emergency responders.
  2. Remain near a window and stay close to the ground to reduce the inhalation of smoke.
  3. If safe to do so, close door(s) (do not lock) to create a barrier between you and the fire.
  4. Shout or bang on things at regular intervals to alert emergency responders.

Fire extinguishers

If the fire is small and you are trained, comfortable and determine it’s safe, get a fire extinguisher and you may attempt to fight the fire. Use the P-A-S-S method listed below. 

Use the Fire Extinguisher P-A-S-S Method: 

  1. PULL safety pin from handle.
  2. AIM nozzle at base of fire.
  3. SQUEEZE the trigger handle.
  4. SWEEP from side to side.