Environmental Health & Safety

Emergency Fire Procedures

If you see or suspect a fire, remain calm and activate fire alarms while leaving the immediate area. Pull stations are conveniently located near exits.

When a fire alarm sounds, take the following actions 

  1. Evacuate immediately using the nearest safe exit route, DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR
    • Use the back of your hand to feel doors and door knobs for heat before opening. If heat is detected, if at all possible, do not open and choose an alternate safe path
    • If smoke is encountered, drop down to the floor and stay low until you reach an exit. If possible, cover your mouth with a wet cloth.
    • Without endangering yourself, render reasonable assistance to fellow occupants. If a situation presents itself where an individual requires extra consideration/assistance, such considerations shall encompass necessary directions to insure that all occupants have the opportunity to safely navigate and traverse any planned means of evacuation.
  2. If you are trapped
    • If your evacuation paths are impassable, look for areas of refuge such as stair enclosures.
    • Stuff the cracks around openings to keep out as much smoke and heat as possible.
    • Use available phones to notify 911 or Campus Safety of your exact location.
  3. Meet at the predetermined designated safe meeting area, which should be at least 50 feet from buildings and wait for instructions from the fire marshal, emergency responders, campus safety police, or the EHS director or designee.
  4. Once at a safe location outside of the building, unsure all fires have reported.
    • By phone, dial 911 and/or notify Campus Safety at 410-225-2245 (office) or 443-423-3333 (emergency 24/7).
    • At an Emergency Blue Light Station, press the emergency button to be connected to Campus Safety who can contact 911, or dial 911 directly on the keypad.
  5. Take roll and report unaccounted or trapped individuals to emergency personnel.
  6. DO NOT RE-ENTER buildings for any reason until given the ALL CLEAR by the aforementioned personnel.

Whenever visitors are on MICA campus, they are required to follow applicable MICA policies and evacuation protocols.