Fire Prevention in Residence Halls and Offices

• Keep hallway doors closed at all times. Never prop them open.
• Keep corridors and hallways clear so as not to impede fire evacuation.
• Smoke only in designated outdoor areas at least 20 feet away from any building. (All USC-owned facilities are non-smoking areas.)
• Do not use candles or any other open flames within university buildings.
• Use only UL-approved appliances, such asmicrowaves and space heaters, within university buildings.
• Know the locations of your building's emergency exits.

In the Event of a Fire

• Sound the fire alarm.
• Call DPS.
• Leave the building using the nearest safe stairwell, not the elevator.

If You Hear a Fire Alarm

• Never assume it is a false alarm.
• Exit the building and proceed to the evacuation assembly area.
• Stay low to the floor if there is smoke in the hallway as you exit.

If You Are Trapped Inside a Room

If you hear a fire alarm and are inside a room, feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, do not open it. If you must remain inside the room:

• Call DPS.
• Seal the bottom of the door with cloth to prevent smoke from entering.
• Open a window if you must have air and windows are operable. Break a window only as a last resort.
• Signal from the window to show the Fire Department your location.

Fire Extinguishers

Before attempting to extinguish a fire, sound the alarm and call for help. Use a fire extinguisher only if you are familiar with how to operate it, and only if the fire is no larger than a small trash container. To use an extinguisher:

• Stand 8 to 10 feet away from the fire.
• Stay between the fire and an exit.
• Use the PASS technique as follows:
• PULL the pin from the handle.
• AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• SQUEEZE the handle to begin the flow.
• SWEEP the nozzle slowly from side to side.