Emergency Contacts
Fire, Police, and Ambulance
Emergencies: 911
Non-emergencies: 1-3456
Hazardous Materials Response
Emergencies: 1-3456
Non-emergencies: 1-5581
For the University Policies on Safety, visit the Office of Research Safety Website or call (847) 491-5581.
Procedures
In the event of fire, hazardous materials release, or other hazardous situations requiring emergency response, activate the fire alarm by pulling an alarm pull station and call University Police.
Lab workers must receive training to distinguish between the types of spills they can handle on their own and those spills that are classified as major. Major spills dictate the need for outside help.
To Report Emergency, Call 911 and Calmly State:
- Your name
- The building and room location of the emergency
- The nature of the emergency (fire, chemical spill, etc.)
- Whether injuries have occurred
- Hazards present which may affect responding emergency personnel
- A phone number near the scene where you can be reached
Building Evacuation
In the event of an evacuation, report immediately to the lobby of Sargent Hall.
Upon hearing the fire alarm or announcement begin evacuation procedures:
- Keep yourself and others calm
- Quickly proceed outside the building (or to the announced safe location) using the planned evacuation route
- Close windows and doors as you leave
- Help those that need special assistance (plan for assisting disabled persons in the department)
- Report immediately to the designated safe area located in the Sargent Hall Lobby
- Check in with Beth Siculan or David Chopp, who will be taking a head count
- Wait for instructions from emergency response personnel
- Do not re-enter the building until told it is safe to do so
Building Safety Systems
The Technological Institute, located at 2145 Sheridan Road on Northwestern University's Evanston campus, has the below safety systems:
Locate the emergency equipment in your area and know how to use it.
- Alarms – The fire alarm system in the building is activated by manual pull stations, smoke or heat detectors, or the activation of the sprinkler system. All alarms are immediately sent to University Police; UP will contact the fire department or ambulance when needed. Evacuation is required any time the fire alarm system sounds.
- Smoke and Heat Detectors – This will immediately activate the fire alarm system.
- Automatic Sprinkler System – This will begin the extinguishment of the fire and immediately send an alarm to UP. Individual sprinkler heads will open only where the temperature reaches the prescribed setting. It is important that at least 18 inches of clearance be kept at all times below the line of sprinklers to allow proper water distribution over the fire. Sprinklers must never be painted and should be protected from being struck and damaged or broken off. Leaks or other problems with the automatic sprinkler system should be reported promptly to Facilities Management.
- Emergency Lighting – This will aid in the evacuation in areas of corridors and stairways. A flashlight is recommended to aid in emergencies.
- Fire Extinguishers – Only NU trained personnel should use fire extinguishers. Always notify UP, from a safe location, after using a fire extinguisher. Never block or obstruct extinguishers with furniture or equipment. Type and location or see Emergency Evacuation Map.
- Manual Alarm Pull Stations – Pull down to activate evacuation alarm. This will sound an alarm and immediately send an alarm signal to UP. After activating the alarm, call UP from a safe location to provide additional information. Never block or obstruct these with furniture or equipment. Locations or see the Emergency Evacuation Map.
- First Aid Kit – For minor injuries not requiring medical attention. Location or Emergency Evacuation Map.
- Fire Doors - Must be kept shut at all times to provide a safe means of egress in stairways and corridors, unless releasing devices close doors upon alarm activation.
Evacuation Warden Duties
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Supervise assembly of evacuation personnel in the area.
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All searchers check in with evacuation warden to report "all clear" or problems.
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Report to the command center, if areas were unable to be searched due to lack of personnel. Ensure all people from the area proceed to the designated meeting place to check in and wait for "all clear" to re-enter the building. "All clear" will come from the command center or University Police.
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Report any and all problems to the command center. Command center will be a Fire Department vehicle with a green flashing light.
Alternate Evacuation Warden
Takes the place of the evacuation warden if the evacuation warden is not present at the time of the event.
Searcher(s) and alternate duties:
- Check all rooms, including rest rooms, conference rooms, and remote areas, closing doors behind them.
- Advise if any remaining employees or other persons on the floor about the emergency and the requirement to evacuate.
- When the floor is "clear" proceed out of the building.
- Report any persons refusing to leave or problems to the evacuation warden.
