Upon discovery of fire
- Notify anyone in the area
- Leave the fire area and close all doors behind you
- Sound the fire alarm by pulling the nearest manual fire alarm pull station
- Phone Toronto Fire Services at 911 from a safe location
- Leave the building by the nearest safe exit
- Persons with mobility impairments should proceed to the nearest ramped exit or Area of Rescue
- Do not use elevators
Upon hearing the fire alarm
Stage 1 – Alert Alarm (20 beeps/minute)
Announcement from security: "Attention, attention, attention. We have a fire alarm alert condition. Prepare to evacuate and stand-by for further instructions. I repeat, prepare to evacuate and stand-by for further instructions."
Listen to the Stage 1 Alert Alarm.
- Stand by and prepare to evacuate if necessary
- Save any computer files you are working on
- Listen for announcements from the voice communications system.
Stage 2 – Evacuation Alarm (45 siren tones/minute)
Announcement from security: "Attention, attention, attention. This is a fire evacuation alarm. Leave the building immediately. Do not use the elevators. I repeat, leave the building immediately. Do not use the elevators."
Listen to the Stage 2 Evacuation Alarm.
- Leave the building by the nearest safe exit
- Close all doors behind you
- Persons with mobility impairments should proceed to the nearest ramped exit or Area of Rescue
- Do not use elevators
Caution: If you encounter smoke, use an alternate exit or find an area of refuge.
Upon exiting the campus move at least 200 meters (650 feet) away from the building for your safety and easy access of emergency vehicles.
If you cannot leave your area or have had to find an area of refuge because of fire or heavy smoke, remain where you are and:
- Close the door but leave it unlocked for entry by firefighters or rescue workers
- If possible, dial 911 and tell the Fire Services where you are (including campus address, room number and your phone number)
- Seal any cracks where smoke can enter
- Keep low to the floor if smoke enters the room
- If possible, open a window for air and to signal firefighters by waving something visible. Shut the window if smoke comes in.
- Remain calm, do not panic and wait to be rescued
- Listen for instructions or information which may be given by the Fire Services
Areas of Rescue
Areas of Rescue (AOR) are locations on each floor of the campus which does not have direct access to an exit (the floors above ground). AOR’s are signed and are found near stairwells. These areas are designed to provide a known waiting are for people who cannot evacuate downstairs. In the event of a real fire situation, they are the first area to be checked by Fire Fighters. If you find refuge in an AOR, be sure to activate the nearest Yellow Emergency Phone to let security know you are there.
Contact Campus Security for more information and the specific locations on each campus.
Resume Normal Operations
When security and/or emergency services personnel have ensured it is safe to return to the building, the alarm will stop and security will make the all clear announcement.