Fire

• Immediately activate the building's fire alarm system.
• Evacuate the building unless otherwise notified.
• Call 911 from any campus phone or call 911 AND Public Safety (218.477.2449) from a cell phone or from off campus.

If you discover a fire:

• Manually activate the building's fire alarm system.
• Immediately evacuate the building, closing doors and windows behind you.
• Check the doors with the back of your hand before opening; if hot move to alternative exit.
• DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
• Persons operating equipment that poses a hazard if left unattended should, if all possible, shut down the equipment prior to evacuating.
• Locate those persons with special needs, and provide assistance if possible. Assist those with mobility impairments to the nearest Area of Safe Rescue. Provide their location to emergency responders.
• Report to your building's Designated Assembly Area and be accounted for.
• DO NOT re-enter the building until the fire department has cleared the scene.

If caught in smoke:

• Do not breathe the smoke!
• Drop to your knees and crawl to the closest safe exit.
• Breathe through your nose, and use a shirt or towel to breathe through, if possible.

If trapped in a building:

• Close all doors and windows.
• Wet and place cloth material around and under the door to prevent smoke from entering.
• Attempt to signal people outside of the building. Call for help using a telephone or cell phone.

Fire Extinguisher Use

• Report the fire first (Call 911 from any campus phone or call 911 AND Public Safety (218-477-2449) from a cell phone or off campus).
• Use a fire extinguisher only if you have been trained to do so. Improper use of an extinguisher can increase the hazard.
• If you have any doubt of your ability to fight the fire, exit immediately.
• If you decide to use a fire extinguisher, place yourself between the fire and your exit from the area.
• To use the fire extinguisher, follow the PASS method.
  • Pull the pin. This will break the tamper seal if one is provided.
  • Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or the horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
  • Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until the fire is out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the steps above.