Emergency and Fire Evacuation

Ohio University is committed to ensuring the safety of all building occupants during fires and other emergencies. Knowing how to evacuate safely — or when to shelter in place — is critical to reducing injuries and saving lives.

Emergency Evacuation Planning

Evacuation Plans

Planning ahead is critical for safety. Emergency evacuation planning includes:

  • Reviewing evacuation routes and procedures
  • Studying building evacuation maps
  • Developing location-specific evacuation action plans

Plans should include:

  • How to report emergencies
  • Evacuation policies and alarm systems
  • Emergency contact information

Pre-Emergency Responsibilities

Everyone is responsible for being prepared:

  • Participate in evacuation drills
  • Review your building’s evacuation plan and meeting sites
  • Share evacuation information with others
  • Coordinate with coworkers or residents in your area

Help keep evacuation routes safe by:

  • Keeping exits and hallways clear
  • Not propping stairwell or fire doors
  • Maintaining 18 inches of clearance below sprinkler heads
  • Reporting blocked exits, storage issues, or unlit exit signs

Emergency and Fire Evacuation

When a Fire or Emergency Alarm Activates

  • Evacuate immediately. Do not assume it is a false alarm.
  • Failure to evacuate without a valid safety reason may result in disciplinary action.

What Happens Next

  1. Emergency responders are dispatched.
  2. Responders assess the situation on site.
  3. Evacuation or building access decisions are made.
  4. After the incident, building managers may share information about the alarm or evacuation.

Shelter in Place (When Evacuation Is Not Safe)

In some situations, sheltering in place may be safer than evacuating, such as:

  • Fire or smoke outside your room
  • Mobility impairments
  • Non-operational elevators
  • Instructions from authorities

If You Cannot Evacuate Safely

  1. Stay in your room or move away from hazards.
  2. Relocate to an enclosed exit stairwell or protected area.
  3. Call 911 and report your exact location.
  4. Keep doors closed.
  5. Wait for first responders to assist you.

Designated Meeting Sites

Designated meeting sites are predetermined outdoor locations that:

  • Help account for everyone evacuated
  • Keep occupants safe
  • Allow emergency responders access
  • Support communication during emergencies

Review your building’s designated meeting site(s) before an emergency.