What to Do

• If you smell smoke or see fire, implement R.A.C.E: Rescue, Alert, Confine, and Extinguish/Evacuate.
• Activate the fire alarm.
• Report the situation by calling RUPD at 713-348-6000. Give:
  • Exact location of the fire (building, floor, room number)
  • Type of fire (electrical, flammable liquid, trash, etc.)
  • Extent of fire (severity of fire and/or amount of smoke)
  • Your name and telephone number
• If you are trained and comfortable with the situation, attempt to extinguish a small fire using the proper fire extinguisher and the PASS method:
  • Pull the safety pin from the handle.
  • Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the trigger handle.
  • Sweep from side to side at the base.
• Close doors along the exit path when possible to contain the spread of fire.
• DO NOT lock the door. Leave the corridor and room lights on.
• If possible, shut off all non-essential oxygen, gas, and electrical appliances in the area and remove any hazardous materials.
• Evacuate the building using the nearest stairwell available.
• If you hear the alarm sound, grab your essential personal belongings (phone, wallet, keys) and evacuate the building as quickly and safely as possible.
  • Never use the elevator.
  • Use the nearest stairwell available.
• If the door is hot or if you see smoke outside the door, stay in your room or exit through a window if possible.
  • Call RUPD at 713-348-6000 to communicate your location and situation.
  • Cover the gap between the door and floor with wet towels.
  • If the door is cool and there is no smoke, evacuate the building using the nearest stairwell.
• If you are caught in smoke, stay low and crawl towards exit. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth or towel and breathe shallowly.
• Laboratory Shutdown Procedure in the event of fire:
  • Stop lab work.
  • Shut off ignition sources such as Bunsen burners.
  • Close the sash on fume hoods and biosafety cabinets.
  • Remove personal protective equipment.
  • Evacuate the building.
• Never re-enter the building until emergency officials have cleared you to do so.
• Individuals with impaired mobility should call RUPD at 713-348-6000 and request assistance with evacuation.

How to Prepare

• Know the Prohibited Items in Residential Colleges, including:
  • all cooking/heating appliances, including coffee makers
  • all smoke or vapor producing devices, including candles, incense, flammables, and incendiaries
• Do not smoke indoors or within 25 feet of any door or window. See Rice University's Smoking Policy for designated smoking areas.
• Do not cover or tamper with the smoke detector.
• Do not tamper with the thermostat.
• Document your belongings through video/pictures.

How to Recover

• Use your documented inventory to aid in the recovery of any belongings lost in a fire.
• Communicate your safety status to family, loved ones, and your College Magister.