It is essential that everyone be aware of their roles and responsibilities in order to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a fire. Familiarize yourself with your building’s evacuation procedure and always exit the building in the event of a fire alarm – whether it is a false alarm, a drill or otherwise.

Two-Stage alarms – Civic Plaza

The Civic Plaza Campus uses a two-stage fire alarm. The first alarm (slow and intermittent sound) signals occupants to standby for instructions over the emergency voice paging system. A second alarm (rapid sound) signals a full building evacuation.

What to do if you discover a fire

• Activate the nearest pull station to sound the alarm
• Leave via the nearest safe exit, closing doors as you leave
• As soon as you can, call 9-1-1 to report details of the emergency
• Do not use elevators. Use stairs and walk, do not run
• Proceed to the designated assembly area
• Do not re-entre the building until authorized by university officials

What to do if you hear the Fire Alarm

Follow evacuation procedures

• Remain calm
• Gather all your personal belongings in the immediate area, if safe to do so – do not attempt to save any possessions at the risk of personal injury
• Follow shutdown procedures in labs, shops and kitchen areas, if appropriate and safe
• Leave the building via the nearest safe exit
• Use stairs and walk, do not use elevators or run
• Proceed to the assembly area or, if unable, wait in a safe area. Call the Fire Department or Campus Security to inform them of your location
• Do not re-enter until authorized by university officials 

Evacuation of persons with disabilities

Each member of the KPU community is encouraged to assist in the safe evacuation of persons with disabilities. Always ask someone with a disability if they need assistance and then ask how you can help before attempting any rescue or giving assistance. If a person is accompanied by any support worker, you need to communicate the emergency protocols with both the person and the worker together. 

People with a mobility disability

• If on the ground floor/possible emergency exit to the outside: Exit via the nearest emergency exit and proceed to the assembly area
• All other floors: Proceed to the nearest safe area. Once you have arrived at the safe area, ensure the Fire Department and/or Campus Security so they are aware of your location and wait for rescue
• Emergency Responders will decide whether people are safe where they are or will evacuate them as necessary

People who are hard of hearing or deaf

• Get the attention of the person who is hard of hearing or deaf by tapping their shoulder

• When you have eye contact state the problem – write a brief statement if the person does not seem to understand
• Point to the flashing strobe which indicates the alarm is sounding
• Gestures and pointing are helpful
• Provide visual instructions to the safest route by pointing towards the exit signs
• If the person is accompanied by a Sign Language interpreter, it is recommended you communicate the emergency protocols to the interpreter to relay to the student

People with a visual disability

• Offer to lead the individual out of the building

• Ask if they would like to hold onto your arm as you exit
• Provide verbal instructions to assist in leaving the building safely
• Provide further clarity e.g. elevators are not to be used
• Continue to hold the individual’s attention with conversation and provide updates noting time/distance to the closest exit
• If the individual chooses to remain in the area of refuge or another safe area, please provide the information to Campus Security or emergency responders stating their exact location

People who are neurodivergent

• Provide reassurance about the situation
• Ask the person directly what you can do to help. If the person is accompanied by any support worker, allow the person with their support worker decide how best you can help
• Make space by trying to create a quiet, safe space as best you can
• Move away from bright lights or sirens, whatever you can think of to reduce information overload
• Assist the person in using calming strategies, for example headphones

People with a service animal

• Do not touch the person or their service animal without their permission, unless it is a matter of life of death

• Provide information to the service animal owner as to the nature of the hazards they are expected to face and any changes to the physical environment. The animal owner will assess whether or not it is safe for the animal to work through the emergency situation

Always be aware of the following

• Location of the nearest manual pull station
• Exit routes
• Location of fire extinguishers

Safety Tips

• Feel the top of doors. If they are hot, or smoke is visible, do not open
• Do not attempt to save any possessions at the risk of personal injury
• Contain the smoke and/or fire by closing all doors
• Do not break windows because oxygen feeds fire
• Stay low if moving through smoke
• Staff should offer to assist students and visitors during a building evacuation if possible
• If safe to do so, supervisors should shut down equipment and main shut off valves prior to evacuating
• Use a fire extinguisher on small fires ONLY if you are trained, feel comfortable, and it is safe to do so