fire and smoke

Pull Stations and portable Fire Extinguishers are located near each stairwell and emergency exits. They may also be located in additional areas inside your company's premises/suite.  Knowing the location and operation of a fire alarm pull-station is essential.

Instantly sounding the alarm at the first sign of fire, smoke or spilled chemicals is critical. Rapid initiation of an alarm may mean the difference between life and death. Simple directions for the use of a pull station are located on the device itself.

The person activating the alarm should call Building Security (612)741-6091 from a safe location to report the nature of the emergency. That person should also meet their company Emergency Warden, Building Management Staff or First Responders outside the building to advise them of the location of the emergency situation.

Fire Extinguishers are located near pull stations next to stairwells and emergency exits. Your company may have additional devices located within their premises. Portable Fire Extinguishers are effective tools for an early response to a developing or small fires, if they are used properly and in time. Learning the locations in advance can save time and prevent the spread of a small fire.

Please note, portable fire extinguishers are designed for small fires in their very beginning stages.  Anything larger, or if the fire continues to grow, immediately leave the area, activate a fire pull station, and once safely aware call 911.  

 Fire Extinguisher Tips

• In the event a small fire is seen, and two (2) people are there, ideally, one person should call 911 to report the fire, another to work the fire extinguisher and another to pull the alarm and alert staff in the area to evacuate.
• When using a portable extinguisher, always keep your back to an unobstructed exit that is free from fire. This will allow a clear path to an exit.
• Know both your limits and the fire extinguisher's limits. The best way to think of fire extinguishers is as an aid in getting out alive rather than a device to douse a fire completely.
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.

Fire Prevention Tips

Remember fire safety should be practiced every day:

• Do not overload electrical outlets. Many office fires are the result of the misuse of electrical appliances and cords.
  • Be sure outlets are not overloaded.
  • Keep extensions cords to a minimum and use only properly rated cords.
  • Unplug ALL coffee pots of other appliances in break rooms before leaving premises for the night.
    • Each Tenant should assign personnel for perform this task.
• Tidy storage/housekeeping; especially in storage areas.  Avoid large accumulations of wastepaper, cardboard, files or other debris.   
• Do not store flammable liquids on site or use electric space heaters (both are not allowed per building policies).
• Smoke only where permitted and dispose of cigarette butts in their proper container. Do not toss cigarette butts in grass, mulch or on ground.
• Do not block emergency exits or route of travel to emergency exits.
• Fire Warden(s) should conduct periodic inspections of their floors / areas.

• Evacuate the building immediately when the fire alarm sounds. (Do not call Building Management to ask if it is a test.)
• Remain calm and don’t panic.
• Close office doors as you leave, but do not lock them. 
  • Do not return to retrieve purses, personal or work belongings, cell phones, etc
• Always LISTEN for directions on evacuations because your primary exit route may not be safe.
  • ​If you are not aware of Building exits or who is part of the Tenant’s Emergency Response Team or unsure of Tenant’s designated Safe Area of Refuge, then ASK now instead of waiting until an emergency occurs. BE PREPARED.
• Form a single file evacuation line and follow the Building exit signs to the nearest stairwell. 
  • Exit the Building on ground or lower level, if applicable. 
  • Do not exit through main lobby unless directed as First Responders will be using it.
• If heavy smoke is present, stay near the floor where air is better, take short breaths, breathe through your nose and crawl to exit.
• When you approach a closed door, use the back side of hand to feel the door to see if it is hot. 
  • If hot, DO NOT OPEN IT.
• Once in stairwell, use hand railing and keep to the right (outside wall) side of stairs as First Responders will be using he left (interior)side of the stairs. 
  • DO NOT take the elevators. In an emergency, elevators will be available only to the fire department.
• Calmly and quietly proceed to your company’s designated safe Area of Refuge.
• Once you have assembled in your safe area, notify the appropriate Tenant Emergency Response Team personnel of your presence so that you are accounted for.
  • Report any abnormal situation to Tenant/Floor Warden, Building Management, or First Responder once you have evacuated  and are safe.
  • Tenant/Floor Warden must quickly report roll call of findings to Building Management and/or First Responders so all people are accounted for.
• The Emergency Response Team will notify tenants when it is safe to return to the building.  Wait to receive “All Clear” before re-entering the Building.

• Remain calm and do not panic. 
• Move as far away from the fire as possible, closing doors behind you as you go. Every closed door between you and the fire provides a barrier against smoke. 
• Put a rug, blanket, coat or any clothing material at the bottom of the door to help keep out the smoke. 
• Remember if heavy smoke is present, stay near the floor where air is better, take short breaths and breathe through your nose.  
• Notify someone that you are trapped via phone or yelling loudly until you are answered. 
• Put a “HELP” sign in the window or doors for First Responders to see, if possible.