Fire

Excerpts from COD Emergency Response Plan

College Staff Response

Fires are often more dangerous than they appear. Panic greatly complicates evacuation. Never assume fire has a single source or is minor. Washrooms, cafeterias, laboratories, shops and storage rooms are common areas for fires. All faculty/staff should familiarize themselves with the locations and operation of fire extinguishers, fire pull box stations and emergency telephones.

The fire alarm tone consists of a CONSTANT, loud ringing throughout most of the building. The fire alarm has five zones on east campus and only the zone with an active problem will sound during an alarm.

Internal Building Fire

Upon discovering a fire, smoke or an explosion in the building, stay calm and activate the nearest Fire Alarm.

In Glen Ellyn call the Public Safety Police at ext. 2000; other locations dial “911” for the fire department. Be prepared to give information on location, size and cause of the incident, as well as the nature of injuries.

Follow posted room evacuation routes and faculty/administrators should account for all occupants of the room. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS, as electrical power might be cut off. Move away from the building a safe distance. In in-climate weather, it is acceptable to evacuate to an adjacent building with no activated fire alarm or to the far end of a building that is not experiencing an active alarm. If trapped in a room, retreat and close as many doors as possible between you and the fire. Place cloth material around/under the door to stop smoke from coming in. Signal from the windows, but DO NOT break the glass unless absolutely necessary.

Provide assistance to mobility-impaired individuals. If necessary, notify the Public Safety Police at ext. 2000 of special assistance needs.

If you feel you can fight the fire, but the fire is beyond the means at your disposal (the use of a single local fire extinguishers), do not continue to stay in the building.

If forced to travel through smoke, crawl, stay low and breathe shallowly using a shirt of jacket as a filter.

If a closed door feels hot to the touch, DO NOT OPEN IT.

Do not attempt to re-enter the building or leave the campus until accounted for and/or instructed to do so.

External Fire Near Buildings

Evaluate situation.

Notify Public Safety Police at ext. 2000 immediately.

Evacuate if students or buildings appear in danger.

Police Response

Notify Glen Ellyn Fire department immediately.
Attempt to assess nature and extent of fire in conjunction with Engineering Department.
If a closed door feels hot to the touch, DO NOT OPEN IT.
Evaluate need for additional resources.
Establish traffic and crowd control.
Coordinate with fire department personnel for "origin and cause" investigation.
Assess need for counseling assistance.
Alert Public Information regarding situation.
Issue "All Clear" when situation dictates.

Fire Department Response

Coordinate with police personnel.
Assess nature and extent of fire.
Dedicate fire and ambulance services as necessary.
Provide emergency medical services and coordinate transportation of any injured to the hospital.
Perform fire suppression.
Advise when buildings can be re-occupied.
Conduct "origin and cause" investigation with police personnel.