Fire Emergencies

A fire occurring on any of UTRGV’s campuses or facilities could involve areas where multiple residences and/or offices are clustered closely together, increasing the possibility of a rapidly spreading fire.

It is very important that our campus community recognize fire hazards, practice building evacuations, and know what to do when the fire alarm sounds.

If there is a fire/smoke inside a building:

• Activate the fire alarm by pull station.
• Sound the verbal alarm, "Fire! Fire! Everyone exit the building!"
• Call the University Police department at 956-882-4911.

Provide the following information:

• Location of the fire/smoke (campus/building/floor/room)
• Location of any injured or persons that need help evacuating.
• The cause of fire/smoke, if known.

Fire Extinguishers:

You can use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire if:

• You are properly trained (you have had hands-on training).
• It is a small, contained fire (e.g. wastebasket).
• The proper extinguisher is at hand.

Fire Extinguisher instructions:

• P ull safety pin.
• A im at base of fire.
• S queeze the handle.
• S weep side to side.

Trapped in Building:

• Place wet cloth material around or under door to prevent smoke from entering room.
• Close doors between you and the fire.
• Call 911 and advise of your location and present situation.
• Be prepared to signal someone outside.
• DO NOT BREAK GLASS unless absolutely necessary.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

• When safe to do so and properly trained, use a fire extinguisher to fight small fires.
• Remember to keep yourself between the fire and exit. 

Evacuation:

When a fire alarm sounds, it is required that you immediately evacuate the building.

• Walk to safest nearest exit/stairwell (close doors behind you).
• Do not use the elevators.
• Gather at least 150 ft. away from the building (50 paces).
• Leave walkways and driveways open for arriving First Responders.
• Notify First Responders if people are still inside and/or of any persons that need help evacuating.
• Do not re-enter the building until cleared by University Police or Fire Department.

Training:

To sign-up for the Evacuation Assistant / Fire Extinguisher training, visit www.utrgv.edu/ehsrm/training.