Fire/Explosion

The most important things to know about being prepared for a fire emergency are to do your best to avoid starting a fire by practicing preventative precautions at all times. But in the event a fire starts in your building, you should always know the location of your exit routes, fire extinguishers, emergency fire alarm.

In the event of a fire on campus call 9-911 from a campus phone or 911 from your cell phone

Pay attention to fire alarms and practice fire alarms when asked

Talk about and practice fire escape routes routinely within your residence or office

Students: Find links here to information to keep you and your household safe from fire, including the Residence Hall Fire Brochure.

Fire prevention and safety are a priority in UNL's residence halls, and Student Housing has created a site specifically to address parents' and students' questions about fire safety in UNL housing

Faculty and staff: UNL's Environmental Health and Safety office has links to documents and information on how to avoid or respond to a fire emergency.

In an explosion, a fire may occur. Here are some tips to react to a situation involving an explosion, and a link for more information: http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/explosions.html

Fire Safety at home

What do you think when you hear a fire siren? If you're not home, the fear of a home fire comes to mind. There are ways to prevent and survive a fire. Prevention is the key. Families can reduce the risk of fire by following fire safety tips and rules such as:

• Install smoke detector on every floor and in hallways leading to bedrooms.
• Check smoke detector batteries twice a year.
• Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family or roommates.
• Know where the exit locations are from your home or apartment.
• Keep all matches and lighters out of children's sight or reach.
• Never smoke when you are sleepy or in bed. Always properly dispose of cigarettes and cigars. Many house fires are caused by careless smoking.
• Never leave a candle unattended. Always put them out when leaving the home or going to bed.
• Don't overload outlets or run wires and extension cords under rugs, behind radiators, through door jams or across walkways.
• Store combustible liquids outdoors in a cool place out of the reach of children.
• Store gasoline for lawn movers and snow blowers in approved containers.
• Properly install heating equipment and check it is running correctly.
• Use only approved charcoal lighter to start a fire.
• Never leaver a grill unattended.
• Avoid using gas or charcoal grills on enclosed porches or balconies.
• Have a fire extinguisher in your home and make sure all household members know how to use it.

More links to fire resources:

www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/fires.html
www.redcross.org/

If There Is An Explosion

• Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table.
• Exit the building ASAP.
• Do not use elevators.
• Check for fire and other hazards.
• Take your emergency supply kit if time allows.

If There Is A Fire

• Exit the building ASAP.
• Crawl low if there is smoke
• Use a wet cloth, if possible, to cover your nose and mouth.
• Use the back of your hand to feel the upper, lower, and middle parts of closed doors.
• If the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open slowly.
• If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for another way out.
• Do not use elevators.
• If you catch fire, do not run. Stop-drop-and-roll to put out the fire.
• If you are at home, go to a previously designated meeting place.
• Account for your family members and carefully supervise small children.
• Never go back into a burning building.

If You Are Trapped In Debris

• If possible, use a flashlight to signal your location to rescuers.
• Avoid unnecessary movement so that you don't kick up dust.
• Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. (Dense-weave cotton material can act as a good filter. Try to breathe through the material.)
• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
• If possible, use a whistle to signal rescuers.
• Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

source: ready.gov