Emergency and Safety Procedures

The best time to prepare for disasters is before they strike. Emergencies can arise at any time and from various natural or manmade causes. The best way to minimize potential loss and speed up the process of recovery from hurricanes, snow storms, fires, or terrorist acts is to plan ahead.

Be Prepared

  1. Know the exit routes from your office, floor, and building. Study these in advance. It is easy to get disoriented during an actual emergency.
  2. Know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them. Read the directions before an emergency. Report missing extinguishers immediately.
  3. Make sure that emergency numbers are posted on your telephone.
  4. Report any unsafe conditions to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 632-6410 or ehsafety@stonybrook.edu.
  5. Stay informed about developing emergency conditions through the Emergency Communications systems on campus.

If a Fire Occurs

  1. Notify anyone in the immediate area.
  2. Activate the nearest fire alarm box.
  3. Call University Police by dialing 911 or 333 from any campus phone (632-3333 from a cell or pay phone).
  4. Confine the fire by closing doors and windows.
  5. Attempt to extinguish the fire only if it is safe to do so.
  6. If there is smoke or heat, stay low.
  7. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
  8. Before opening any door, feel it near the top. If it is hot, do not open, but:
    • Call University Police and tell them your exact location and situation.
    • Place a blanket or similar article along the bottom of your door to keep out smoke. If possible, wet the material first.
    • Retreat. Close as many doors between you and the fire as possible.
    • Hang a light colored material out the window to attract attention from below.
  9. If the door is not hot:
    • Open the door cautiously--stand behind the door and be prepared to close if quickly if there is excessive smoke.
    • Conduct a final search before leaving, if safe to do so.
    • If your mobility is limited by wheelchair, crutches, etc., leave the area and position yourself in the stairwell landing, call University Police, and wait for responding agencies.
    • Assemble outside. Do not re-enter the building until notified.

For additional information on emergency preparedness, please go to Environmental Health & Safety's Web site. See also the FEMA Emergency Preparedness Checklist.