Usually evacuation procedures concern a working fire, however there may be other reasons that a building may have to be evacuated. Examples of this may be a bomb threat; a chemical spill in a lab; a police action; a power failure; or other situation where it would be in the best interest of the occupants to evacuate.

Do not use elevators. Remain calm.

Everyone will listen for a public address announcement to evacuate the building when the fire alarm is sounded.

Normally, evacuation is ordered by building and by floor to prevent overcrowding in the stairwells.

Upon activation of the fire alarm, and the announcement to evacuate, all occupants will immediately exit the building using the nearest exit stairwell and proceed across the street from the building.

Excessive smoke or the smell of gas is reason to immediately evacuate even if no announcement was heard.

Evacuation floor plans are posted on each floor by the elevators throughout each campus.

Close windows and doors. Leave lights on and doors unlocked.

When you evacuate, do not stop for personal belongings or records.

If there is excessive smoke, crawl to an exit. If you are unable to exit, stay low and plug all openings around doors, windows and vents.

If you find yourself trapped, dial 911 and give them your location, room number and floor.

Before entering another room or stairwell, check for heat by placing your hand near the door.

Fire Wardens that are familiar with the evacuation procedures will alert on their assigned floor to follow their emergency procedures.

Disabled persons will enter the closest stairwell and await NYFD to assist them in exiting the building.

A “runner” should be dispatched to tell the responding officer (fire or police) the location of the handicapped individual(s), so that a rescue can be initiated.

Building occupants must immediately advise the responding Public Safety Officers of the possibility and location of any persons who have not yet evacuated the buildings due to injury or incapacitation.

No one is permitted to re-enter an evacuated building until the building is determined to be safe by the emergency service personnel and NYFD advises that re-entry into the building is permitted.