Fire/Gas Leak/Explosion

When the fire alarm sounds, always assume the danger is real and evacuate the building.

What to Do

If you hear a fire alarm

  1. Shut down any equipment in the area if you can do so safely.
  2. Ensure fire doors are closed. The last person exiting the room should close the door. Do not lock doors or windows.
  3. Go to the nearest exit.
  4. Do not use elevators under any circumstances.
  5. Feel the door to see if it is hot before opening closed doors. If the door is hot, do not open it. Find another exit.
  6. Do no enter smoke-filled stairwells.
  7. Stay near the floor and cover your mouth and nose if you’re trapped in a smoke-filled area.
  8. Report to your evacuation point for roll-call.
  9. Do not reenter the building until allowed to do so by the Fire Department or Incident Commander.

If you encounter a fire or smell smoke/gas

  1. Call TCCD Police Dispatch at 817-515-8911.
  2. Activate the building alarm (fire pull station).
  3. Use a portable fire extinguisher to control a small fire, if you are trained to do so. Do not attempt to fight any fire larger than a small trash can. To use a fire extinguisher:
    • Pull pin
    • Aim nozzle at base of fire
    • Squeeze handle
    • Sweep nozzle from side to side
  4. Contain the fire by closing doors as you leave the area.

If you’re trapped due to smoke, heat, flames, or other hazard

  1. Leave the room door closed.
  2. Seal cracks and ventilation grills with cloths or wet towels or clothing, if possible.
  3. Open a window to let out smoke, if smoke enters a room. Close the window if outside smoke enters.
  4. Tie a piece of clothing around your nose and mouth to filter out smoke as needed.
  5. Stay close to the floor.
  6. Call TCCD Police Dispatch at 817-515-8911 on a personal phone. Give them your building and room number, as well as the number of people trapped.

Faculty/Staff Responsibilities

Make sure you know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher. You should only attempt to control small fires if you're trained, familiar with types of fires and extinguishers, and there is no immediate danger to yourself or others.

Never use water on electrical or grease fires.

During an evacuation, make sure you account for students and employees, and report any missing persons.

Updated January 20, 2023