Campus Alarms

Regardless of how much danger you personally perceive during an incident, it is essential that everyone immediately evacuate FIT buildings when an alarm is sounded.  Unless official notification has been given that the alarm system is being tested, alarm signals must be taken seriously. You could be in danger even if there is not sign of smoke or unusual odor. 

There is No Sign of Fire

If you hear the fire alarm and there is no sign of fire or other hazardous condition in your area: feel your office, suite, or classroom door and doorknob with the back of your hand. If they are not hot, open the door slightly to check if there is any flame or smoke in the hallway.

There is Smoke or Fire

If there is smoke or fire or other hazardous condition in your area: leave the area and close (don't lock) the door to the room where the smoke or fire is located.

When You Evacuate

  • Take your keys, identification, and critical medications.
  • Make sure EVERYONE leaves the area. Alert people on your floor by knocking on doors on your way to the exit.
  • Use the nearest stairway to leave the building. Do NOT use the elevator.
  • Follow instructions of FIT Security staff who will direct you to a safe area outside the building. Generally this will be on the sidewalk or across 27th Street.
  • Meet members of your department at a pre-determined location in the safe area outside the building. Notify FIT security personnel on scene if anyone is unaccounted for.

If You Cannot Evacuate

  • If you cannot exit your office or classroom safely or use the stairs, call FIT Security at 7-7777 and inform them of your situation. Tell the operator what building and room you are in and number of persons present.
  • Then, do the following: 
    Do your best to seal the door, preferably with wet rags.
    Seal air ducts and any other openings where smoke may enter.
    Open windows a few inches at the top and bottom unless flames or smoke is coming from below. Do not break any windows; they may need to be closed later.
    If conditions in the suite appear life threatening, wave to attract the attention of firefighters.
    If smoke conditions worsen before help arrives, get down on the floor and take short breaths through your nose.

Precautions

Recognize the general fire alarm. If you do not know what the general fire alarm sounds like, EHS will play a recording of it for you so that you can recognize it.

Prepare a small evacuation go-kit that contains necessary personal items. Keep keys and important medications where you can find them in an emergency. EHS can provide you with information about go-kits.

Contact EHS

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety can be found at 333 Seventh Avenue, 15th Floor. You can reach the office by phone at (212) 217-3750.