Emergency evacuation preparation and practice drills during COVID-19

  • September 18, 2020
  • COVID-19 University Updates

Despite the many changes that COVID-19 has brought into our lives, some things remain the same.  Understanding, preparing and practicing emergency evacuation is one of those things.  As required by fire safety regulations, we will be conducting fire drills in our buildings over the course of the academic year.  Here are some reminders on preparing for and conducting proper emergency evacuation with some coronavirus precaution tips:

Before an emergency:

  • Take time to learn the exit routes and assembly locations for your building(s)

  •  Although many people tend to travel to the point of entry that they used, it is best to use the nearest exit to your location at the time of an alarm.

  • Ensure that your office and surrounding areas are free of clutter and provide a clear path of egress

  • Do not block access to fire extinguishers

If the alarm sounds

  • Evacuate the building immediately in a calm and orderly manner

  • Wear your mask

  • Walk, don’t run, to the nearest exit

  • Maintain your 6 ft distance from others

  • Fire Marshals, close doors and turn off lights as you exit the building. This is a safety measure that assists and protects fire fighters

  • Closing doors helps to prevent the spread of the fire

  • Turning off the lights helps fire fighters to more quickly be able to apply water- water and electricity don’t mix

  • Wait in the designated evacuation assembly area

  • Evacuation assembly locations are posted at every exit.

  •  Spread out to maintain your 6 ft distance

Once you receive the all clear from a Regis University Campus Safety officer, you may reenter the building.

  • The silencing of the alarm IS NOT the all clear

  •  An alarm is silenced to allow responding personnel to communicate

  • Use designated entry doors when re-entering

  • Allows for better traffic flow which helps prevent the spread of germs

  • Maintain your 6 ft distance when re-entering

What is a Fire Marshal?

 At Regis University we have designated building Fire Marshals.  These individuals assist with keeping an eye on their spaces for fire and life safety; they help to ensure that egress pathways are kept free and clear, fire extinguisher access is not blocked, may assist other occupants during an emergency evacuation, assist with communication from/to emergency response personnel and receive additional safety training such as how to use a fire extinguisher.  

Interested in becoming a Regis Fire Marshal?  If so, please contact Physical Plant at physplan@regis.edu for more information.