Fire emergency procedures

Fire emergency procedures

Know what to do if you see smoke, discover a fire or hear a fire alarm on campus. Learn evacuation steps, who to call and how individuals who need assistance can get help.

What to do if you discover a fire

  • Leave the area and close the door behind you
  • Pull the nearest fire alarm
  • Use stairs, not elevators, to evacuate
  • Call 911

Need help or see smoke? Call Campus Safety immediately at 416-978-2222.

On this page

— If you see or smell smoke

— If you discover a fire

— If you hear a fire alarm

— Evacuation for people requiring assistance

— Manager and faculty responsibilities

— Related services and support

If you see or smell smoke

  • Call Campus Safety immediately: 416-978-2222.
  • Report the location and any visible conditions.

If you discover a fire

  • Leave the area and close doors behind you.
  • Pull the nearest fire alarm.
  • Evacuate the building using the nearest stairwell — do not use elevators.
  • Call 911 once you are safe.
  • Use a fire extinguisher only if you are trained and it is safe to do so.

If you hear a fire alarm

  • Never ignore or assume the alarm is false or a test.
  • Turn off equipment if it is safe to do so (for example, lab burners, kitchen stoves).
  • Exit the building via the nearest and safest exit or stairway; do not use elevators.
  • Close (but don’t lock) doors behind you.
  • Move away from the building and keep fire routes clear.
  • Do not re-enter until the Fire Department advises that it is safe.

Evacuation for individuals requiring assistance

  1. Call Campus Safety at 416-978-2222 and state that the fire alarm is sounding and you require assistance. Provide your exact location (building, floor, room) and a callback number.
  2. Stay where you are unless you’re in immediate danger; responders will come to assist you. Call back if conditions change.

Managers and faculty responsibilities

  • Help safely evacuate students and staff using the nearest safe exit.
  • Remind students and staff about evacuation procedures.
  • Ensure equipment is turned off (for example, Bunsen burners, kitchen stoves) before evacuation when safe to do so.

Related services and support