As part of National Campus Safety Awareness Month, The University of Alabama is emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness.
Knowing how to respond during a fire alarm or emergency can save lives — and it starts with understanding the fire safety systems in place across campus and following proper evacuation procedures.
Fire Safety Equipment
Every building on campus is equipped with fire safety systems tailored to the specific hazards of that space. These include fire extinguishers, kitchen and special hazard suppression systems, and specialized detection devices.
Fire alarms in campus buildings are monitored 24 hours a day by Security Resources and Environmental Health and Safety. For details about the fire safety features in a specific building, contact Environmental Health and Safety at 205-348-5905.
When a Fire Alarm Sounds
When a fire alarm is activated, evacuate immediately. Do not assume that it’s just a drill.
Evacuation plans are posted in public areas of buildings near entrances and exits, in main corridors, and near elevators. Additionally, emergency plans are posted on the backs of the interior apartment doors of residential facilities. These have specific safety information pertaining to the building and are like the emergency plans found in hotels.
When evacuating, use stairwells and not elevators. Use the back of your hand to feel closed doors and only proceed if the door is cool to the touch. Designated assistance areas for individuals with disabilities are available in many stairwells. If you need assistance evacuating, call UAPD at 205-349-5454 or 911.
During a fire alarm, never re-enter the building until you are told to do so by UAPD, Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, or EHS.
Students and employees are expected to follow all evacuation procedures and remain outside the building until cleared to re-enter. Failure to evacuate during a drill or alarm may result in disciplinary action or fines.
EHS conducts quarterly fire drills in all residential facilities, including fraternity and sorority houses. These drills work to ensure everyone knows how to evacuate safely and understands the seriousness of fire alarms.
If You Discover a Fire
- Leave the area immediately.
- Close doors and windows if it is safe to do so.
- Pull a fire alarm on your way out to alert others and initiate an emergency response.
Training
Want to learn more about fire prevention on the UA campus?
EHS offers monthly training sessions on the third Thursday at 3 p.m. These sessions cover:
- Fire prevention tips
- Types of fires and extinguishers
- Proper fire extinguisher use
Group training is also available by calling EHS at 205-348-5943 to schedule.