Fire
Fires can occur in or near any campus facility. It is critical to recognize and mitigate fire hazards, familiarize yourself with your building's emergency action plan, participate in evacuation drills, and know the appropriate steps to take when you hear a fire alarm or discover a fire.
If the Fire is Inside
- Remain calm.
- Activate the nearest manual pull station if the building's fire alarm does not sound.
- If you see a small fire and are trained to do so, use a portable fire extinguisher to attempt to put it out.
- If you cannot extinguish the fire:
- Evacuate the building in an orderly manner using the stairwells and avoid elevators.
- Assist individuals with functional and access needs to evacuate or find refuge areas.
- Call 9-1-1 and provide the requested information.
- Go to the designated gathering area.
- Do not re-enter the building until you receive an "All-Clear" from authorized personnel.
What If I Can't Evacuate?
- If you cannot evacuate, look for a room with a window as far away from the fire as possible and signal for help.
- Remember that breaking a window can worsen the fire situation, so only do so as a last resort to escape.
- Remain calm.
- Seal the room to the extent possible. Use wet cloths to block any spaces around doors and to cover air vents.
- Stay as low as possible to avoid smoke inhalation.
- Call 9-1-1 and provide the requested information.
- If possible, hang something in a window to indicate your location.
If the Fire is Outside
- Call 9-1-1 and provide the requested information.
- Only activate nearby building fire alarms if there is a direct danger to occupants.
- Stay away from the affected area until an "All-Clear" is given by authorized personnel.
Gas Leak
Natural gas leaks are dangerous, as they can explode when exposed to flames or sparks. If you suspect a gas leak, report it immediately.
If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur, or if a gas monitor alarm sounds and displays “GAS”:
- Evacuate and secure the area.
- Warn others in the immediate vicinity.
- Call the Facilities & Energy Services Customer Service Center at 979-845-4311 and answer their questions.
- Notify your department head, facility manager, resident advisor, or other relevant individuals.
If there is a major gas leak such as a pipeline break:
- Follow the steps above.
- Eliminate any ignition sources, such as cigarettes and electrical equipment.
- Meet with emergency responders when they arrive.
- Do not return to the building or area until it has been cleared by authorized personnel.
Chemical Spills
We use products containing hazardous chemicals in our homes and university research settings. If misused or handled recklessly, these chemicals can cause serious injury, long-lasting health effects, death, and property damage.
In the event of a spill or release:
- Isolate and secure the area.
- Warn others.
- Depending on the hazard, attempt cleanup if you are trained and possess the appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Call Environmental Health & Safety at 979-845-2132 for assistance during business hours. Contact the Facilities & Energy Services Customer Service Center at 979-845-4311 for after-hours support.
- Meet with emergency responders when they arrive.
Hazardous Materials Release
Hazardous materials include explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and stored in homes regularly, and in a university research setting, these materials are handled daily.
In the Event of a Release:
- Seek safe shelter indoors.
- Follow instructions from official sources.
- Close any vents or inlets that reach the outside and turn off ventilation systems if possible.
- Choose a room that can be easily sealed. If possible, ensure you have access to a water supply and bathroom.
- Hold a wet cloth loosely over your nose and mouth if you smell gas or vapor and breathe through it as generally as possible.
- Be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so.