In the event of a fire alarm, horns and strobes (if applicable) will be activated on the alarm floor and the floors immediately above and below the alarm floor. The fire department is automatically notified.
Building Management conducts quarterly fire drills and offers annual floor captain training. The Seattle Fire Department's high rise Floor Captain handout (opens in new window) and training (opens in new window) guide are helpful tools for your emergency preparations.
For your safety, fire sprinkler systems must not be shut off without permission from the Building Management office. All contractors should be directed to Building Management for scheduling of work and shutdown procedures.
When you Hear a Fire Alarm
- Exit the floor using the closest stairwell. DO NOT use an elevator. The elevators are automatically recalled to the lobby in the event of a fire. As you leave your office, shut doors behind you to help prevent the fire from spreading. Walk calmly down the stairs, staying to the right (leaving the other side clear for emergency personnel).
- Staff should be designated to assist those who require assistance. Please have a plan prepared in advance.
- Evacuate four (4) floors down and exit into that floor’s elevator lobby. Remain in the elevator lobby until you hear the loudspeaker message give an “all clear,” then return to your floor.
- Do not attempt to re-enter your suite until instructed by the appropriate authorities.
All building occupants are asked to participate in fire drills and other safety exercises.
Assisting in Evacuating Non-Ambulatory Persons
Two monitors should be pre-assigned to each non-ambulatory person to assist them in the event of emergency.
- During fire alarms, monitors contact non-ambulatory persons and assist them in evacuating the floor. If unable to proceed beyond the stairwell landing, wait until other occupants have evacuated. Then, wait inside a stairwell landing. Building staff and/or the fire department will do a sweep of all stairwells to locate non-ambulatory persons.
- If unable to wait in the stairwell landing, find an area of refuge on the floor. An ideal area of refuge is a room near an exit stairwell with a window, door and telephone. Use a wet cloth to stuff around cracks in doors and seal vents against windows, and do not break windows. If possible, call 911 to notify the fire department’s Incident Commander who can send assistance.
- Do not use elevators when evacuating the floor. Render assistance to non-ambulatory persons to re-enter their suite/department after the emergency is over and the fire department has deemed it safe to return.
Fire Prevention
Regularly inspect your space for potential fire hazards, e.g., storage areas, electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, and janitorial closets. Check with your local fire department; they are generally willing to assist you in carrying out an inspection.
All fire warnings and fire suppression equipment should be inspected on a regular basis as required by your local fire department. Tenants are responsible for all equipment located within their space. Building management personnel will inspect all valves, warning alarms, and fire extinguishers located in common areas. Please also note:
- No smoking is allowed inside the Building, on the loading docks, or near any entrance or air intake.
- Keep all exit pathways clear at all times. Do not place boxes outside doorway or corridor.
- Remove combustible waste on a regular schedule (daily if necessary).
- Immediately notify the Building Management office if you notice smoke or a burning smell.
- Store flammable liquids in approved cabinets and in accordance with local fire codes and manufacturers’ recommendations. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be available for any such products.