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Non-Residential Building Evacuation Guidelines

Discovering a Fire:

  • Remain calm; close the door to isolate the fire if safe to do so.
  • Pull the manual fire alarm to start the evacuation and call 911.
  • Use a fire extinguisher on a small, confine fire if you have been properly trained and it is safe to do so.
  • Report any person trapped, injured or unaccounted for to 911, the University Police or the Hays Fire Department.
  • Exit the building.

 When an Alarm Sounds:

  • Upon hearing an alarm, evacuate the building in an orderly fashion. If possible, close all interior doors and turn off the lights behind you. Do not lock the door.
  • Move to the closest exit and proceed down the exit stairwell in a safe and orderly manner. Do notuse the elevators! Emergency exits are conspicuously marked with an illuminated sign.
  • Building Supervisors, Faculty & Staff members should assist students and visitors in a prompt and orderly evacuation to a safe area at least 200 feet from the building and report any missing or trapped person to 911.
  • Remain at least two hundred (200) feet outside of the building in the safe area and await further instructions from the University Police personnel or the Hays Fire Department. In the event of inclement weather or a prolonged evacuation, the Provost's Office will determine alternative arrangements for displaced students, faculty & staff.
  • Do not go back into the building for any reason until directed to do so by Emergency Personnel. If you have a problem or concern, notify University Police or 911.

Evacuation Guidelines for Person with Disabilities:

  • Persons using wheelchairs:  If you are on a ground floor, you may not need assistance exiting the building. Proceed to a safe area 200 feet from the building and wait for instructions on when the building may safely be reentered. If you are located in a multi-level building, exit to the nearest Area of Rescue Assistance. (Areas of Rescue Assistance, evacuation routs and exit points are identified within the foregoing section.) Ask for assistance. Contact 911 or have someone notify the University Police or Fire Department as to where you are located in the building.
  • Persons with mobility impairments:  These individuals may use crutches, canes or walkers. Ask for assistance. If you are unable to use the stairs, follow the procedure for persons using wheelchairs (above).
  • Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing:  Buildings are equipped with visual fire alarm systems. Be familiar with the evacuation route in your building before an incident occurs. Ask for assistance by writing a note or using hand gestures. (Evacuation routes will be discussed at Faculty Orientation, Provost Council, Faculty Senate, etc.) 
  • Persons who are blind or visually impaired:  Buildings are equipped with audible fire alarm systems. Ask for assistance evacuating and let the person know how to assist you. If you have a guide dog, instruct the person how to assist you.

Designated Areas of Rescue Assistance:

  • Picken Hall - South stairwells
     
  • Sheridan Hall - West side of Sheridan in the stairwell on all floors
     
  • McCartney Hall - East side of McCartney Hall in the stairwell on all floors
     
  • Davis Hall - Northeast stairwell of Davis Hall
     
  • Martin Allen - South stairwell on the second floor and the west stairwell leading outside of the building
     
  • Malloy Hall - On the second floor, the stairwell on the east side. In the basement of Malloy, go to the stairwell on the west side
  • Forsyth Library - The north side stairwell on the second floor and basement
  • Cunningham Hall - Any exit
  • Gross Memorial Coliseum - Southeast stairwell, Gate 1
  • Rarick Hall - The northeast stairwell on all floors
  • Tomanek Hall - The southeast stairwell on all floors
  • Memorial Union - Follow illuminated exit signs

Building Supervisors and Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art and Sternberg Museum personnel will be notified of a fire or other emergency which may require evacuation of the building in person, by phone, by loud speaker, or by alarm, depending on the nature of the emergency. The building supervisor will be responsible for notifying all other building occupants. In the event evacuation is necessary, the fire alarm system will be activated and all exits should be utilized.