Fire

Prepare in advance; know where to go and how to get there; locate the manual fire alarm and fire extinguisher closest to your work area. Your own common sense is the finest safety device ever developed. Above all . . . remember to use your head.

Most people who die in fires die from smoke inhalation. If your work station is located within an office, know in advance exactly how many doors you will have to pass along your evacuation route before you reach the nearest exit door. If heavy smoke is present, the exit signs above the doors may be hidden by the smoke. Knowing in advance how many doors you must pass will allow you to crawl or crouch low while counting the number of doors, so you will know when you reach the exit door (even if you can’t see that it is the exit).

Employees are encouraged to learn how to use a fire extinguisher although employees are not required to do so. Environmental Health & Safety provides training – call 541-346-3192.  Departments should practice their building evacuation plan yearly.

If You Discover a Fire

  1. Activate the nearest fire alarm and alert others
  2. Evacuate the building, using the stairs and closing doors behind you. Do not use elevators. Go to your designated evacuation assembly area.
  3. Call 911
  4. Call DPS at  541-346-6666 to provide details about the fire
  5. Do not re-enter the building until authorized by emergency personnel.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

If you have been trained, you may choose to extinguish a very small contained fire with a fire extinguisher. Do this only if you can do so safely. If there is any doubt, evacuate. Fires can re-ignite, so never turn your back on a fire.

    P    PULL safety pin from handle.

    A    AIM at base of fire.

    S    SQUEEZE the trigger handle.

    S    SWEEP from side to side at base of fire.


When a Fire Alarm Sounds

  1. Evacuate – Walk to the nearest exit closing doors between you and the fire.
  2. Assist persons with special needs if possible. Contact DPS at 346-6666 for assistance.
  3. Notify fire personnel if you suspect someone is trapped inside the building.
  4. Gather outside at designated evacuation assembly area, and do not attempt to reenter the building until instructed to do so by DPS, fire department personnel, your building manager, or other authorized personnel.

If Trapped in a Room

  1. Wet and place cloth material around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
  2. Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
  3. Be prepared to signal to someone outside.

If Caought in Smoke

  1. Drop to hands and knees and crawl toward exit. Stay low as smoke will rise to ceiling level.
  2. Count the doors as you pass so you will know when you reach the exit door.

If Forced to Advance Through Flames

  1. Hold your breath.
  2. Move quickly.
  3. Cover your head and hair.
  4. Keep your head down and your eyes closed as much as possible.