Emergency Evacuation Plan
This Safety Plan has been written for Fire Emergencies, but other types of emergencies may arise that will be handled in the same manner. See our Safety Tips.
A. Fire Emergency Exists Whenever
- The building fire evacuation alarm is sounding.
- A fire or fire hazard occurs.
- There is the presence of smoke or the odor of burning.
- There is spontaneous or abnormal heating of any material, an uncontrolled release of toxic gas, or a flammable liquid spill.
B. Upon Discovery of a Fire Emergency
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Sound the Alarm.
Activate the fire alarm by using the nearest fire alarm pull station. The Jiménez building has two separate fire alarm systems. If you feel that it is safe to do so, walk to the closest exit on the other side of the building and pull an alarm as you are leaving. All individuals in the building should take time to familiarize themselves with the nearest pull stations.
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Leave the Building.
- The University of Maryland policy on fire emergencies is total building evacuation. Every person should immediately leave the building whenever the fire alarm is activated or a fire emergency exists.
- Do Not Use the Elevator. Everyone should familiarize themselves with the nearest stairwells, exits, and alternative exits. If the nearest exit is blocked by fire, heat, or smoke, go to another exit. Close doors as you leave to help contain the fire.
- Personnel with disabilities requiring assistance during an evacuation should be guided to the nearest stairwell. Report their exact location to emergency personnel. Sometimes it is safer to stay in place!! If all exits from a floor are blocked, go back to your room, close the door, seal cracks, wave something out the window, and shout or phone for help.
- Building occupants are not required to fight a fire. Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small and you have been trained in the safe use of fire extinguishers. If you choose to use a fire extinguisher, do not place yourself or others in danger, do not delay activation of the fire alarm and do not delay notification of the fire department. Even if you succeed in extinguishing the fire, the fire department must be notified.
- Individuals should take personal belongings, i.e. purses, laptops, book bags, etc. with them when they leave the building, only if you are able to do so without delaying evacuation. Staff/faculty should lock their offices before they leave. Do not return to an office to retrieve belongings or lock doors.
- Do not re-enter the building until you are told it is safe to do so by the fire department or police department.
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Call the fire department from a safe place.
(Not all building fire alarms notify the fire department.)
- On-campus phones — dial 911 or 301.405.3333 for direct connection to UMPD.
- Pay phones and cell phones — dial 911.
- Campus emergency phones:
Indoors — yellow wall phones with red "EMERGENCY"
Outdoors — phone in blue towers under blue lights - Be prepared to give the emergency operator as much information as possible, including your name, building name, room number, or floor.
- Meet the fire department outside to direct them to the emergency.
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Fire Alarms
- No person may shut off any fire alarm system during a fire emergency incident.
- No person may shut off any alarm system during a bomb threat emergency.
The fire alarm will be reset by the proper authorities when the emergency is over.
