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  3. When the Alarm Sounds

When the Alarm Sounds

Evacuate immediately. Leave safely. Stay out.

Treat every fire alarm as real and evacuate immediately. Use the closest safe exit, move away from the building once outside, and do not re-enter until authorized.

Call 911

Call 911 if there is fire, smoke, an active alarm, or an immediate threat to life or safety.

Call 911

Call Fire Safety

Contact Fire Safety for questions, guidance, training, or information about fire safety at Western.

Call 519-661-2111 ext. 88053

Fire Alarm Safety Instructions

If You See Fire or Smoke

If you see fire or smoke, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station if it is safe to do so. Leave the building immediately using the closest safe exit and call 911 from a safe location.

Do not attempt to investigate the source of the fire or smoke. Your priority is to alert others, evacuate safely, and report the emergency.

When the Alarm Sounds

When the fire alarm sounds, stop what you are doing if it is safe to do so and leave the building immediately. Use the closest safe exit and follow posted exit signage.

Do not use elevators during a fire alarm. Once outside, move away from the building, keep entrances and fire routes clear, and follow direction from emergency personnel, Building Emergency Team members, or authorized staff.

Do not re-enter the building until emergency personnel or authorized staff confirm it is safe.

Evacuation Steps

  1. Stop what you are doing if it is safe to do so.
  2. Leave the building immediately using the closest safe exit.
  3. Do not use elevators.
  4. Move away from the building once outside.
  5. Keep entrances, exits, sidewalks, roadways, and fire routes clear.
  6. Follow direction from emergency personnel, Building Emergency Team members, or authorized staff.
  7. Do not re-enter the building until emergency personnel or authorized staff confirm it is safe.

If You Cannot Evacuate

If you cannot evacuate, move to a safe location away from fire or smoke, such as a designated area of refuge or another safe area protected from the hazard.

Call 911 and provide your exact location, including the building name, floor, room number, stairwell, or nearest landmark. Stay on the line and follow the dispatcher's instructions.

If it is safe to do so, alert someone nearby or a Building Emergency Team member that you need assistance. Do not use elevators unless directed by emergency personnel.

After You Evacuate

Once outside, move well away from the building and keep entrances, exits, sidewalks, roadways, and fire routes clear for emergency responders.

Remain in the designated assembly area or another safe location until further direction is provided. Do not re-enter the building until emergency personnel or authorized staff confirm it is safe.

If you have information about the fire, smoke, alarm activation, or anyone who may need assistance, report it to emergency personnel as soon as it is safe to do so.

What Not to Do

  • Do not ignore a fire alarm or assume it is a drill.
  • Do not use elevators during a fire alarm.
  • Do not re-enter the building until emergency personnel or authorized staff confirm it is safe.
  • Do not block entrances, exits, sidewalks, roadways, or fire routes.
  • Do not attempt to investigate fire or smoke before evacuating.
  • Do not prop open fire doors or interfere with fire safety equipment.

For Supervisors and Building Emergency Team Members

Supervisors and Building Emergency Team (BET) members play an important role in supporting safe and organized evacuations. During a fire alarm, help direct building occupants to the closest safe exit when it is safe to do so.

Do not place yourself at risk. If someone cannot evacuate or needs assistance, report their location to emergency personnel as soon as possible.

Follow your building’s fire safety procedures and any direction provided by Western Fire Safety, emergency personnel, or authorized staff.

Learn About Building Emergency Teams

Helpful Contacts

Emergency Assistance

Emergency: 911

Call 911 if there is fire, smoke, an active alarm, or an immediate threat to life or safety.

WSCS Non-Emergency / After-Hours Assistance:
519-661-3300

Western Fire Safety

Email: firesafety@uwo.ca
Phone: 519-661-2111 ext. 88053
Location: Graphics Building, Room 123
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.