Fire Alarms & Safety

Any fire alarm calls for an immediate and full evacuation of all floors/suites at The Chicago School. This evacuation can only be halted by the local Fire Department giving the “all clear.” The Building or Campus Evacuation Procedure, along with the Persons Requiring Assistance with Evacuation Procedures, should be followed.

False Alarms

False alarms are serious pranks that have the potential for creating panic situations, as well as being the cause of unintentional injury. Anyone apprehended in the act of triggering a false alarm or reported to have been the cause of a false alarm will be turned in to the proper authorities for disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.

Fire Prevention

In the interest of fire prevention and safety, faculty, staff, and students must maintain an awareness of various potential building hazards in their respective areas. Always remove clutter; properly dispose of old papers, books, boxes, etc.; keep corridors and hallways clear; and  store flammable substances appropriately.

All Chicago School personnel should  make an effort to familiarize themselves with the locations of stairwells, fire escapes, and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and hoses, in and around the areas of campus they frequent.

Fire Safety

If you smell smoke or see fire:

• Call 911. Calmly relay the nature of the emergency as you observe it and answer all questions from the operator. Do not hang up until instructed to do so.
• If time permits, call the campus Facilities department and to relay both the situation, and that you have called 911.
• If possible, close all doors leading to the fire. This will help to confine the fire until emergency personnel arrives.
• Follow the Building or Campus Evacuation Procedure.

If your clothes are on fire:

• STOP wherever you are.
• DROP to the floor that is unobstructed.
• ROLL repeatedly to extinguish the flames.

If you are in a smoke-filled area:

• Kneel on the floor and stay as low as possible.
• Take short breaths through your nose.
• Crawl to the nearest exit.
• Feel all doors before opening:
  • If the door(s) are hot, DO NOT OPEN.
  • If the door(s) are cool, open slowly and stay behind the door.
  • If heat or pressure begins to come through the door(s), close immediately and tightly.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Remember the word P.A.S.S.

P – Pull the pin without squeezing the handles together.

A – Aim at the base of the flames from a distance of 10-12 feet.

S – Squeeze the handles together; do not release until the fire is completely extinguished.

S – Sweep from edge to edge of the area on fire. Always keep your back to an exit to avoid being trapped.

In the event the fire cannot be extinguished, evacuate the area following established evacuation procedures. Monitor the area until emergency personnel arrive.