Evacuating buildings when an alarm sounds

Whether you are on a university campus or anywhere else, the UAA Emergency Manager wants to share some safety guidelines based on the conduct seen so far in our annual evacuation drills.

When alarm bells or horns sound, it's an indication of the need to evacuate to safety. Use the nearest exit, which may not be the same doorway you used to enter the facility.

Leave quickly. Just because you don't see smoke or flames does not mean there's no urgency to flee. The alarm may have been activated due to a bomb threat, chemical spill, suspicious package or other safety concern.

After using the nearest exit, get at least 50 feet away as you make your way to the building's rally point. Staying close to the structure may put you at risk of injury from a blast from its interior.

Finally, quickly gather and take backpacks or purses with you. Depending on the nature of the event, it may be hours before you are allowed back inside to get belongings. Bookbags and similar items left behind may all have to be inspected as potential threats (IEDs) in the event of a bomb threat.

Help us keep you and other occupants safe by following these evacuation alarm rules wherever you are.

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