Loyola University Chicago

Emergency Response Plan

Fire or Explosion

If a fire or explosion occurs, or you detect smoke or a burning odor:

  1. Pull the nearest fire alarm.
  2. Check to see if anyone is in immediate danger.
  3. If the fire is minor, and there is no additional danger to yourself, attempt to extinguish with the nearest fire extinguisher. If the fire is uncontrollable, evacuate the area immediately. Do not use elevators.
  4. After evacuating, call 4-4911(using an on-campus phone) or go to the nearest yellow emergency phone and push the on button (it will ring directly into the Public Safety Telecommunication Office):
    1. Identify location (building name) of the fire or explosion;
    2. Give the current status of the fire and the suspected cause (if known);
    3. Give your name and phone number.

When you hear an alarm or are notified of a fire or explosion:

  1. When an alarm is sounded, proceed to the nearest exit. If above ground level, proceed to the nearest stairway. Assist the handicapped in exiting the building. Do not use elevators.
  2. If you are in a room when the alarm sounds, check surface of door and/or door knob for heat before opening the door. Check bottom of door for signs of smoke.
  3. If there is no evidence of heat or smoke, slowly open door, keeping the door between you and the corridor. Make a visual observation of corridor for fire or smoke.
  4. If no smoke or fire is observed, proceed to the nearest exit or stairway. If the nearest exit or stairway is blocked, proceed to the next nearest exit or stairway. Close all doors behind you.
  5. If all exits or stairways are blocked, go to the nearest room and close the door. If the room has a window, hang a cloth or other object out of the window to signal that the room is occupied. If there is a telephone, call 4-4911 and advise the room number and that all exits are blocked. Remain calm, stay on the line, and wait for the arrival of assistance.
  6. If smoke enters room prior to the arrival of assistance, stay as close to the floor as possible. If smoke becomes very heavy, break top window first to expel smoke, then break bottom window to admit fresh air. Doors must remain closed until health arrives.
  7. After evacuating the building, move well away from the area to facilitate movement of emergency response equipment. Do not attempt to re-enter the building until told to do so by responsible authority.

Public Safety:

  1. Dispatch all available Officers to the fire/explosion location to determine if it is a real fire or false alarm. Assist in evacuation.
  2. Call on-duty Facilities Engineer to respond to the alarm panel.
  3. Call the fire department or reset the alarm.
  4. If the fire or explosion occurs in a residence hall at night or during inclement weather, direct students to an appropriate University facility for temporary shelter.
  5. Notify appropriate University officials as outlined in the basic plan.