FIRE ALARMS AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION

Every building on each campus has a fire alarm system which uses a signaling device to alert occupants of the need to evacuate for fire or other reasons.

• What type of signals does Stony Brook use?

  While there are many types of signals (horns, sirens, bells, chimes, voice, etc.) that could be used as signaling devices for fire alarms, the three types used at Stony Brook are:

  • Temporal signal (listen)
  • Sirens
  • Mechanical bells
• Voice fire alarm systems

  Many of our buildings have voice capable fire alarm systems. These systems have the ability to send a voice message to building occupants over the fire alarm system. The system can be used locally at the building's main fire alarm control panel or from a centralized location on campus to send a message to a single building, a group of buildings, or all of the buildings outfitted with this type of system. 

• A note about false alarms

  Be aware that tampering with fire alarm equipment or activating a false alarm is a violation of the Student Conduct Code. It is also a crime under NYS Penal Law and can result in your arrest and/or expulsion from school. The University treats this very seriously.
  *In all buildings except University Hospital & Health Sciences Center*
  
  In the event of a fire, fire alarm or other emergency, the safe, orderly and prompt evacuation of building occupants is our first priority.

• What to do if there is a fire or fire alarm
  • If you discover a fire or smoke condition, sound the building fire alarm by activating the nearest pull station and call University Police at (631) 632-3333.
  • Exit quickly and calmly.
  • Know two ways out of your building.
  • When leaving your room, close the door behind you.
  • Never attempt to re-enter the building until the “all clear” is given.
  • Do not use the elevators, use the stairs.
  • Avoid using a cell phone or other electronic device during evacuation.
  • Avoid congregating in the stairwells causing congestion.
  • Move at least 25 feet away from the building.
  • Listen for instructions from Safety Wardens, Fire Safety Specialists, or UPD.
• If you can't evacuate due to smoke or fire
  • Close all doors between you and the smoke/fire.
  • Stuff towels or clothing around doors to try to keep the smoke out.
  • Call University Police at (631) 632-3333 and notify them of your location.
  • While waiting for rescuers, signal from a window by hanging clothes out the window, waving an object or shouting.
• If you feel a hot door
  • Before opening a door, feel the door, door knob and frame.
  • If any feel hot, don't open it! If cool, open the door and evacuate.
  • If you encounter smoke while evacuating, crawl or get as low as you can.
• How to evacuate with a temporary or permanent disability

  If you have a temporary or permanent disability that might prevent your prompt and safe evacuation from a building, you need to do some additional planning to ensure your safety during an evacuation.
  
  Planning Steps:

  • Identify primary and secondary routes to exits, stairwells or areas of refuge.
  • Establish a buddy system with a coworker, friend or colleague who can assist and stay with you during an evacuation.
  • If appropriate, locate and speak with your area Safety Warden and Building Manager.
  • Contact Fire & Emergency Services, University Police Emergency Management or Campus Residences Safety & Support Services (if appropriate) to assist you in your planning efforts and notification of your location.

  During an Evacuation:

  • Obtain assistance from your buddy.
  • Immediately move to your pre-designated area of refuge.
  • Call University Police at (631) 632-3333 via cell phone or call box and let them know your location.  
  • Position yourself so that you are not blocking the egress flow of other evacuees.
  • Do not block the stairwell door.

  If the emergency requires you to be evacuated from your staging area:

  • Firefighters or UPD will come to meet you.
  • They will bring enough resources to evacuate you and your buddy safely.
  • Note:You may be in a safe area and the determination is made to keep you where you are. Stay calm and remain there until the “all clear” is given.
• Safety documents
  • Fire Alarms and Evacuation
  • HSC Fire Alarm Evacuation 
  • HSC Fire Alarm System 
• Evacuating the Health Sciences Center (HCS): Tower Levels (HST 8-19) (BST 5-9)

  Only the floor in Alarm, one floor above and one floor below the floor in alarm must evacuate immediately. All three floors will hear the following voice message:
  [Sirens] "May I have your attention? May I have your attention, please? A fire alarm has been reported in your area. Please evacuate the area using the nearest exit or stairway. Do not use the elevators." [Sirens]
  
  All other floors in the building will hear an alert tone and the following voice message:
  [Alert Tone] "May I have your attention? May I have your attention, please? There has been a fire alarm reported in another area of the building. Please stay in place and await further instructions." [Alert Tone]

• Evacuating the Health Sciences Center (HCS): Network Llevels (HST 1-5) (BST 1-4)

  Only the floor in alarm must evacuate. The following voice message will be heard:
  [Sirens] "May I have your attention? May I have your attention, please? A fire alarm has been reported in your area. Please evacuate the area using the nearest exit or stairway. Do not use the elevators." [Sirens]
  
  All other floors in the building will hear an alert tone and the following voice message:
  [Alert Tone] "May I have your attention? May I have your attention, please? There has been a fire alarm reported in another area of the building. Please stay in place and await further instructions." [Alert Tone]