Building Fires

Before an disaster strikes, build your Personal Emergency kit.

Building occupants are required by law to evacuate a building when the fire alarm sounds.

1. Inform people in the immediate area to evacuate.

2. If you witness a fire, activate the nearest building fire alarm and exit the building.
3. When safe, immediately call 911.
4. If the fire is small (wastebasket sized or smaller) and you have been trained to use a
fire extinguisher, you may attempt to extinguish the fire. Make sure that you have a
safe exit from the fire area and use the buddy system. If you cannot put out the fire in
5 seconds, evacuate.
5. To use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:
o P ull the pin.
o A im the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
o S queeze the handle.
o S weep the extinguisher from side to side.
6. On your way out, warn others near by.
7. Move away from fire and smoke. Close doors and windows behind you, if time
permits.
8. Before opening a door, place the back of your hand on the door to check for heat. If
cool, slowly check the door handle for heat and proceed to exit.
9. If the door is hot, do not open it. Find or create an alternative exit (windows). If no
other exit is available and you only see smoke, open the door slowly, move to a
crawling position, staying low, and quickly crawl to an exit.
10.If the door is hot and fire is present, keep the door shut. Place a wet cloth at the base to
keep smoke from entering your room.
11.Exit using stairs. Do not use elevators during a fire.
12.Evacuate the building as soon as the alarm sounds and proceed to the designated
emergency assembly area. Check in and report that you made it out safe (i.e. Building
Emergency Coordinator, Floor Marshals, your supervisor or a housing staff).
13.Move well away from the building and go to your designated meeting point.
14.Do not re-enter the building or work area until you have been instructed to do so by
the emergency responders.
Earthquake Emergency Response

If You Are Inside a Building:

1. Duck under the nearest sturdy object and hold onto it until the shaking stops. If you
are not near a sturdy object, make yourself as small as possible and cover your head
and neck.
2. If you stand in a doorway, brace yourself against the frame and watch out for a
swinging door or other people.
3. Avoid windows, filing cabinets, bookcases and other heavy objects that could fall or
shatter.
4. Stay under cover until the shaking stops, and then leave the building.
5. If it is safe to do so, stabilize any laboratory procedure that could lead to further
damage, such as turning off burners or electrical equipment.
6. Evacuate the building if told to do so by building staff or emergency responders.

If You Are Outside a Building:

1. Move away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical poles and wires.
2. Protect your head with your arms from falling bricks, glass, plaster or other debris.
3. Move away from fire and smoke.
4. Proceed to your designated evacuation meeting point if safe to do so.
5. Stay alert for further instructions.
Typhoon
Before a typhoon hits
To prepare for a Typhoon, you should take the following measures:

 To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family
communications plan.
 Know your surroundings.
 Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This
will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal
flooding are forecast.
 Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to
you.
 Learn community Typhoon evacuation routes and how to find higher ground.
Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to
evacuate.
 Make plans to secure your property:
 Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection
for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut
to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
 Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
This will reduce roof damage.
 Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind
resistant.
 Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
 Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and
expensive structural damage.
 Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that
is not tied down.
 In a strong typhoon, A LOOSE OBJECT IS A MISSILE!
 Determine how and where to secure your boat.
 If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

During a Typhoon
If a Typhoon is likely in your area, you should:

 Listen to the radio or TV for information.

 Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them
indoors.
 Turn off utilities (electricity) if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator
thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
 Turn off LPG tanks
 Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
 Moor your boat if time permits.
 Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill
the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
  Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.

After a Typhoon passes...

 Continue listening to Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
 Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the Typhoon or
tropical storm has ended.
 If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan
or check the Emergency Numbers Plan
 If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
 Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
 Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical
wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
 Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the
power company.
 Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas
leaks and structural damage before entering.
 Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or
your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
 Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its
contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your
residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before
entering.
 Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight
should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that
could ignite leaking gas, if present.
 Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild
animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
 Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not
contaminated.
 Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
 Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
 Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
 NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas,
even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of
carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even
after the generator has shut off.
Bomb Threat
A suspicious-looking box, package, object or container in or near your work area may
be a bomb or explosive material. Do not handle or touch the object. Move to a safe area and
call 911 immediately. Use a telephone in a safe area. Do not operate any power switch and do
not activate the fire alarm.

If There Is an Explosion:

1. Take cover under sturdy furniture, or leave the building if directed to do so by

emergency responders.
2. Stay away from windows.
3. Do not light matches.
4. Move well away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
5. Use stairs only; do not use elevators.

If You Receive A Bomb Threat:

1. Stay calm and try to keep your voice calm.

2. Pay close attention to details. Talk to the caller to obtain as much information as
possible.
3. Take notes. Ask questions:

Call 911 and submit your notes from the telephone call or the bomb threat letter or note to
University Police. Follow any instructions the Police give you.

If you are told by emergency responders to evacuate the building, follow the evacuation
toped above with the following additional steps:

1. Check your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items; report
them to campus authorities.
2. Take personal belongings when you leave.
3. Leave doors and windows open; do not turn light switches on or off.
4. Use stairs only; do not use elevators.
5. Move well away from the building and follow instructions of emergency responders.
Suspicious Package
 Suspicious packages might bear restricted endorsements such as "personal" or
"private." This is important when the addressee does not normally receive personal
mail at the office.
 The addressee's name and/ title might be inaccurate.
 Suspicious packages or articles might reflect distorted handwriting or the name and
address might be prepared with homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering.
 Suspicious packages or articles might have protruding wires, aluminum foil or oil
stains visible, and might emit a peculiar odor.
 Suspicious packages or articles might have an excessive amount of postage.
 Letter bombs might feel rigid or appear uneven or lopsided.
 Suspicious packages or articles might be unprofessionally wrapped with several
combinations of tape used to secure the package and might be endorsed "Fragile-
Handle With Care" or "Rush-Do Not Delay."
 Suspicious packages or articles might have an irregular shape, soft spots or bulges.
 Suspicious packages or articles might make a buzzing or ticking noise or sloshing
sound.
 Pressure or resistance might be noted when removing contents from an envelope or
parcel.

If you discover a suspicious package or letter and are unable to verify the addressee or
sender:

 If you have any reason to believe a package or article is suspicious, do not take a
chance. Immediately contact the UC Merced Police Department at 209-228-2677
(CAT-COPS) or 911.
 Do not move, alter, open, examine or disturb the article.
 Do not put in water or a confined space such as a desk drawer or filing cabinet.
 If possible, open windows in the immediate area to assist in venting potentially
explosive gasses.
 Isolate the suspicious package or article and clear the immediate area until the police
arrives.
Prepare for a chemical Emergency
Home chemical accidents can result from trying to improve the way a product works by
adding one substance to another, not following directions for use of a product, or by improper
storage or disposal of a chemical. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can help you avoid
many chemical emergencies.

 Avoid mixing chemicals, even common household products. Some combinations,

such as ammonia and bleach, can create toxic gases.
 Always read and follow the directions when using a new product. Some products
should not be used in small, confined spaces to avoid inhaling dangerous vapors.
Other products should not be used without gloves and eye protection to help prevent
the chemical from touching your body.
 Store chemical products properly. Non-food products should be stored tightly
closed in their original containers so you can always identify the contents of each
container and how to properly use the product. Better yet – don’t store chemicals at
home. Buy only as much of a chemical as you think you will use. If you have product
left over, try to give it to someone who will use it. Or see below for tips on proper
disposal.
 Beware of fire. Never smoke while using household chemicals. Don't use hair spray,
cleaning solutions, paint products, or pesticides near the open flame of an appliance,
pilot light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood burning stove, etc. Although you may not
be able to see or smell them, vapor particles in the air could catch fire or explode.
 Clean up any spills immediately with some rags, being careful to protect your eyes
and skin. Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors in a safe place, then wrap
them in a newspaper and place the bundle in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of these
materials with your trash. If you don't already have one, buy a fire extinguisher that is
labeled for A, B, and C class fires and keep it handy.
 Dispose of unused chemicals properly. Improper disposal can result in harm to
yourself or members of your family, accidentally contaminate our local water supply,
or harm other people or wildlife.
Active Shooter
Remember during an active shooting to RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.

Be Informed
 Sign up for an active shooter training.
 If you see something, say something to an authority right away.
 Sign up to receive local emergency alerts and register your work and personal contact
information with any work sponsored alert system.
 Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.

Make a Plan
 Make a plan with your family, and ensure everyone knows what they would do, if
confronted with an active shooter.
 Look for the two nearest exits anywhere you go, and have an escape path in mind &
identify places you could hide.
 Understand the plans for individuals with disabilities or other access and functional
needs.

During
RUN and escape, if possible.

 Getting away from the shooter or shooters is the top priority.

 Leave your belongings behind and get away.
 Help others escape, if possible, but evacuate regardless of whether others agree to
follow.
 Warn and prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be.
 Call 911 when you are safe, and describe shooter, location, and weapons.

HIDE, if escape is not possible.

 Get out of the shooter’s view and stay very quiet.

 Silence all electronic devices and make sure they won’t vibrate.
 Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off lights.
 Don’t hide in groups- spread out along walls or hide separately to make it more
difficult for the shooter.
 Try to communicate with police silently. Use text message or social media to tag your
location, or put a sign in a window.
 Stay in place until law enforcement gives you the all clear.
 Your hiding place should be out of the shooter's view and provide protection if shots
are fired in your direction.

FIGHT as an absolute last resort.

  Commit to your actions and act as aggressively as possible against the shooter.
 Recruit others to ambush the shooter with makeshift weapons like chairs, fire
extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
 Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the shooter.
 Throw items and improvise weapons to distract and disarm the shooter.

After
 Keep hands visible and empty.
 Know that law enforcement’s first task is to end the incident, and they may have to
pass injured along the way.
 Officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns, and/or handguns and may use pepper
spray or tear gas to control the situation.
 Officers will shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.
 Follow law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they come from,
unless otherwise instructed.
 Take care of yourself first, and then you may be able to help the wounded before first
responders arrive.
 If the injured are in immediate danger, help get them to safety.
 While you wait for first responders to arrive, provide first aid. Apply direct pressure to
wounded areas and use tourniquets if you have been trained to do so.
 Turn wounded people onto their sides if they are unconscious and keep them warm.
 Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term
effects of the trauma.
Emergency Procedures
Active Shooter/Shooting on Campus

1. If it is safe to do so, exit the building; if not, lock or barricade yourself inside a room.
2. Turn off lights, cover and lock any windows, and lay on the floor.
3. If the shooter(s) leave the area, go to a safer place, if possible. Have an escape
route/plan in mind. Keep your hands open and visible, and follow any instructions
given by law enforcement.
4. Call 911 when it is safe to do so. Remain calm, use a quiet voice, and provide as much
information as possible (your name and location, number and type of injuries, details
about the shooter(s)— appearance, weapons, etc.)
5. If you can’t speak, leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen and try to pinpoint
your location.
6. If approached by law enforcement officers, freeze and raise your arms with open
palms facing the officer.
7. Once you are at a safe location, stay there until police or known university official
gives the “all clear.”

Bomb Threats

1. If you spot a suspicious object, package, etc., report it to Campus Safety, but DO NOT
touch, tamper with, or move a suspicious item.
2. DO NOT use any electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, radios, tablets, etc.) in close
proximity to the suspect package or device.
3. If you are notified by telephone of a bomb within a building, keep the caller on the
line. If they hang up, DO NOT hang up the line, but go to another phone to call 911,
and then (626) 815-3898 to report the situation to Campus Safety.
4. If an evacuation occurs, follow standard evacuation procedures, and DO NOT attempt
to re-enter a building until clearance authorization has been given by emergency
personnel. Also, immediately notify emergency personnel if you know of a disabled or
injured person needing assistance.
5. Ask the caller questions: Where is the bomb? When is it set to explode? What does it
look like? What kind of bomb is it? Did you place it? Why? What is your address?
What is your name?
6. Pay careful attention to the caller’s exact wording, voice, and manner of speaking, and
try to determine the caller’s gender, race/ethnicity, and age, as well as any background
sounds and the length of the call.

Building, Campus, and Room Lockdown

The Building, Campus, and Room Lockdown (also known as “shelter-in-place”) procedures
are used when it may be more dangerous to evacuate a location than to stay in the assigned
area.

1. Begin the lockdown/shelter-in-place procedure immediately when instructed to do so.

The lockdown order will remain in effect until cancelled by Campus Safety or
emergency response personnel.
 2. Remain calm and stay with your group of students, faculty, staff, or visitors.
3. Do not leave the room and/or building under a lockdown situation. Lock room doors
and windows, and close shades immediately.
4. Keep persons quiet and away from doors and windows. Consider persons with
disabilities who may need assistance.
5. If a gunshot is heard, keep people down near the floor and shielded under/behind room
furniture as much as possible. If fleeing is necessary, run away in a zig-zag manner,
not in a straight line.

Notify Campus Safety as soon as possible of any medical emergencies.

Earthquakes

1. If indoors, take cover under a desk or table (duck, cover, hold), or stand in a doorway
or where two walls join, away from windows and objects that may fall. If outdoors,
stay in an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines, and other structures. If
driving, pull over and stop, away from overhead power lines.
2. After the shock subsides, proceed outside to an open area.
3. DO NOT use elevators when leaving a building.
4. Follow the instructions of emergency service workers.
5. Immediately notify emergency personnel if you know of a disabled or injured person
needing assistance.

Evacuations

1. You will be notified of an evacuation by audible alarms and flashing lights; verbal
notice from an instructor, Campus Safety officer, or other campus official; and/or the
public address system.
2. Walk, DO NOT RUN, to the nearest exit, then to a designated evacuation site.
3. DO NOT use elevators.
4. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
5. Immediately notify emergency personnel of any disabled or injured persons needing
assistance; if you are disabled or injured, ASK FOR HELP until you are rescued.
6. Stay with the group you were with inside the building until emergency personnel tell
you that you may leave the area.

Fires and Fire Evacuations

1. Upon discovering a fire, immediately dial 911, then call the Department of Campus
Safety at (626) 815-3898, or use one of the Code Blue boxes located throughout
campus.
2. When a fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately, and DO NOT use
elevators.
3. Walk, DO NOT RUN, to the nearest exit, notifying others of the fire. Go to the
designated evacuation site for further instructions.
4. If your clothing catches on fire, DO NOT RUN. STOP, DROP, and ROLL.
5. Immediately notify emergency personnel on the scene if you suspect that someone
may be trapped inside the building.
Flood

1. Move to higher ground.

2. During rainstorms, stay away from trees, which may attract lightning.
3. Avoid fast flowing water, even in your vehicle.
4. Do not walk in flooded areas (water depth is not always obvious).
5. Do not use and avoid contact with electrical devices.
6. Remain cautious of high water at night, as darkness may hide other hazards.

Hazardous Materials Leaks/Spills

1. If there is a spill, leak, or fire involving hazardous material (flammable, toxic,

corrosive, oxygen, cryogenic), confine the spill, leak, fumes, or fire by exiting the
space and shutting the door. Avoid contact with the material. If time permits, locate
the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any identifiable materials.
2. Sound the building fire alarm so evacuation can begin.
3. Dial 911, then call the Department of Campus Safety at (626) 815-3898, or use one of
the Code Blue call boxes located throughout the campus. Give your name, department,
location of the emergency, nature of the incident, and description of the material.
4. Evacuate to the designated evacuation area. DO NOT return to the building until
instructed that it is safe to do so.
5. Even SUSPECTED hazardous materials, leaks, or suspicious odors should be reported
to Campus Safety so appropriate action can be taken.

Medical Emergencies

1. To determine what is a true medical emergency, check for signs such as chest pain,
difficulty breathing, excessive or uncontrollable bleeding, unconsciousness, and life-
threatening injuries (severe head injuries, severe burns, etc.)
2. Call 911, then Campus Safety, and report the nature of the illness or injury, your
name, and the location and telephone number from which you are calling.
3. Administer first aid (if you are trained AND permission is granted by the injured)
4. Direct emergency and medical personnel to the scene.
5. Remain with the victim until emergency personnel arrive.

Power/Utility Outage

1. Students should remain in their living area, and employees should consult with their
supervisor before leaving their workstation, whenever possible.
2. If movement between floors is necessary, use stairways, NOT ELEVATORS.
3. DO NOT use candles; use battery-operated lights instead.
4. Turn off electronic equipment, and avoid using the university telephone system if
possible, to preserve battery power for official use.
5. Exercise caution with valuables, and follow directions from building coordinators and
emergency personnel.