Knowing how to respond following the sound of the fire alarm will help assure an orderly and safe evacuation of the buildings.

A.  Know all the exits

Posted on the wall near every elevator is an egress sign. The sign denotes your present location [a red circle with the words- You are here- written in white letters. Every stair and elevator (noted by the letter X enclosed in a square) is identified by a letter of the alphabet. A sign which notes the alphabet designation is mounted on the floor and stair side face of the stair door. (A sign which notes the floor is also mounted on the stair side face of this same stair door.) The stair is also identified by an illuminated sign above it with the word Exit in red letters.

Please study this map while you are waiting for the elevator. During an evacuation you should use all available stairs- not only the one you commonly use. Although some of the stair doors above lobby level and all emergency exits at the lobby level are equipped with panic alarm hardware and are not normally used, you may exit through these doors during a drill or emergency evacuation.

B.  Evacuation Drill

During an evacuation drill all persons will report to the floor elevator lobby to receive instructions from the fire safety director. Unless otherwise instructed, do not evacuate the floor.  All disabled persons will report to this same location to receive instructions from the fire safety director. Unless otherwise instructed, do not evacuate the floor.

C.  Evacuation Assistance

Some persons may require assistance during an emergency evacuation of the buildings. For a description of the guidelines for these individuals, click here.

D.  When the alarm sounds...Await instructions from the Fire Safety Director

Await instructions from the Fire Safety Director. If directed, all occupants must exit the building by using all available stairs- not just a favorite stair- and all available doors at sidewalk level- not just the main entrance when instructed by the Fire Safety Director or the floor Fire Warden.

1)  Do not panic- remain calm. Follow the instructions of the floor Fire Wardens.

2)  Close all doors behind you. Do not stop to collect personal belongings. Proceed to the nearest stair and exit the building. Do not run and do not use the elevators as a means to exit the floor!

3)  Disabled persons’ evacuation assistance

4)  When you are instructed by the fire safety director to evacuate the building, upon arriving at the sidewalk, cross to the opposite side of the street. Do not attempt to cross mid-block. Always cross at the walk area with the traffic signal. Do not stand in front of or on the sidewalk bordering the building.

E.  Assembly Area

If you are instructed by the fire safety director to evacuate the building, upon arriving at the sidewalk, cross to the opposite side of the street. Do not attempt to cross mid-block. Always cross at the walk area with the traffic signal. Do not stand in front of or on the sidewalk bordering the building.