Fires or Explosions

Upon hearing an alarm or being directed to leave, the person in charge of a class, meeting or activity is responsible for stopping the activity and directing people to leave by the nearest safe exit. You must comply with this person and quickly and safely exit the building.

What to do if you discover fire

1. Leave the fire area immediately, removing any person in immediate danger. Make sure that the doors to the affected area are closed.
2. Activate the fire alarm system by pulling the nearest pull station (i.e. stairwell) as you leave the fire area.
3. Do not use a fire extinguisher unless trained. You are not to put yourself at risk.
4. Call 911 when it is safe to do so. Provide them with the details and do not hang up until you have provided all the information.
5. Exit the building using the nearest stairwell.
6. Before opening any doors, test the door for heat by using the back of your hand.
   1. When you check a door for heat, you should always use the back of your hand and not your palms. If you burn your palms, it may make it difficult for you to use them to open doors or crawl on the floor if needed.
7. If the door is hot, leave the door closed and unlocked. If you are in an office with no alternate exit, remain where you are and if you have not called 911, call them at this point and alert them to your location. Otherwise, try an alternate exit.
8. If the door is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly. If you feel air pressure or a hot draft, close the door quickly, leaving it unlocked. If you are in a room with no alternate exit, remain where you are and call 911 and alert them of your location.  Otherwise, try an alternate exit.
   1. If the door is not hot and you did not feel air pressure or a hot draft, walk to the nearest exit and leave the building.
   2. Use the stairwell and/or exterior exit doors to exit. Do not use the elevators. If you encounter fire or smoke in the stairwell, use an alternate exit (crossover).
9. If a door feels too hot to the touch, do not open it. There could be fire/smoke on the other side and both factors may impair your ability to continue down to the ground floor.
10. Remember to remain calm.

What to do if your clothing catches fire

1. Stop whatever you are doing.
2. Drop to the ground.
3. Roll to smother the flames.

What to do if you encounter smoke

1. Take short breaths through your nose, stay low and crawl if necessary. Do not stop. There is less smoke at floor level.
2. Call 911 and alert them of your location. They will coordinate with local authorities to locate you.

Do not re-enter the building until the “all clear” is given by Security and Emergency Services or Toronto Fire Services.

What to do if you are unable to use an alternate exit or are trapped

1. Return to an office and close the door, leaving it unlocked.
2. Seal off all openings which may admit smoke to the room.
3. Crouch low to the floor if smoke enters the room.
4. Call 911 and alert them of your location. They will coordinate with local authorities to locate you.

Learn more about building evacuations, drills and evacuation plans for people requiring assistance.

Find your departmental Fire Warden.