Be aware of your surroundings and try to handle problems while they are small. For example, if you smell "something funny", check it out. Keep an eye on people who are behaving oddly. Make a point of noticing the locations of the fire extinguishers and learn what kind to use for which kind of fire. If you see a fire, initiate evacuation procedures. Then, if the fire is small, try to put it out if you can do so safely and have been trained to use a fire extinguisher. Learn the locations of the fire alarm pull boxes, regular exits and emergency exits and plan your escape routes in advance.
Evacuate the library whenever it is dangerous for people to remain here. There are a number of reasons for doing this including (but not limited to) fires, immediate bomb threats and toxic gas leaks. You should also automatically evacuate if the alarm sounds (unless you were informed in advance that the alarms are being tested). If you aren't sure if you should initiate evacuation procedures ask someone in HSLIC administration or call 911 to ask for assistance. Since personal safety is at stake, it is better to err on the side of caution in making the decision to evacuate the library.
Use your judgment in following these instructions. Your personal safety is of the utmost importance. You can alter or skip any of these steps to ensure your safety.
PULL THE CLOSEST FIRE ALARM BOX -- even if it isn't a fire, unless, of course, the alarm is already sounding. Setting off the fire alarm notifies library users and the fire department that there is a problem in the fastest way possible. During earthquakes, they do not want us to pull the fire alarm box (unless of course there is an actual fire during this time). They only want us to lock down the doors.
ANNOUNCE THE EVACUATION OVER THE P.A. There is a script for the evacuation announcement located next to the public address system. It goes as follows: "THIS IS A FIRE ALARM, PLEASE LEAVE THE LIBRARY AND THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY, THIS IS NOT A DRILL. THIS IS A FIRE ALARM, PLEASE LEAVE THE LIBRARY AND THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY, THIS IS NOT A DRILL." Always say "fire alarm", even if it's not a fire. It's easier to explain and accomplishes the goal of evacuating the library quickly. You won't be able to hear yourself making the announcement. However, there are lots of places in the library where you can hear it. This is an important announcement because people do not always recognize that the annoying sound they are hearing is a fire alarm.
CALL 911. The fire department will know which alarm box you pulled, but they won't know what the problem is and exactly where it is unless you call. Be prepared to explain the exact nature and location of the problem. Remember, you can always call from a phone outside of the building if necessary.
PULL DOWN THE SHADES ON THE FRONT DOOR.
LEAVE THE BUILDING. Pacific Street on the same side of the street as HSL is our designated place to meet if it is safe. When you get there, make sure all staff from your department are present. Be prepared to tell rescue workers about people who may still be in the library. Library users with mobility problems should be directed to the nearest exit regardless of accessibility. Emergency workers can rescue them from the stairwells if you can't get them to Pacific Street.
DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT IT IS SAFE. Do not assume that it is safe to re-enter the building when the alarm stops. Sometimes the alarm is turned off by the Fire Department to facilitate communication among the firefighters while they are working. There may also be toxic gases in the building after the fire is put out. So, wait for someone to tell you that it is safe to re-enter the building.