If there was an emergency that
blocked your normal route in and out
of your building, would you know
where an alternate exit was? Do you
know the steps to follow to notify
emergency forces? Would you be able
to locate the closest fire
extinguisher and know how to use it?
Would you know how to assist
mobility impaired students or
co-workers? Do you have a location
designated to meet to determine if
everyone from your area was able to
get out of the building?
If you don�t have answers for the
questions above, then it�s probably
a good time for you and your
department to develop an exit
strategy. Exit strategies are about
planning in advance for how you will
react in an emergency. They are
about having realistic views of what
can, and most likely will, happen in
an emergency and anticipating the
steps that need to be taken to
ensure everyone�s safety.
An exit strategy can not only save
your life, but save those around you
as well. Be aware of the other exits
by following the exit signs. Locate
the closest fire extinguishers and
contact the UH Fire Marshal�s Office
for a class on how to use them. Post
the emergency numbers for the
Department of Public Safety and
learn what to expect if you dial
911. Identify evacuation points for
your department, class, etc to meet.
Most importantly, take fire alarms
seriously and use the opportunity to
practice your plan.
While the �Have an Exit Strategy�
program places a strong emphasis on
our campus�s residents, it is also
critically important for all
students, faculty, and staff to
develop their own plans. Please
contact the Fire Marshal�s Office
directly at X31635 for assistance in
exit strategy planning or for
information concerning the classes
that are offered. The Fire Marshal�s
Office also has a website located at
www.uh.edu/fire/ for information on
the Office and to view the recent
addition of a campus map showing all
Automated External Defibrillators (AED�s)
located on the campus.
Update
The University of Houston Fire
Marshal�s Office will be beginning
their Campaign for the State
sponsored �Have an Exit Strategy� in
the coming weeks. Be on the look-out
for information and programs in your
college, department or division.
Representatives from across campus
have been selected to help spread
the word about the program and its
importance.
