Fire

Take Action Now

  • Pull the nearest fire alarm.
  • Call RUPD at 713-348-6000.
  • Evacuate the building using stairs, not elevators. Close doors behind you.
  • Do not return until officials say it’s safe.

What To Do

Follow the R.A.C.E. steps: Rescue anyone in immediate danger if safe to do so, Alert others by pulling the fire alarm, Confine the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish if small or Evacuate if not.

  • Call RUPD at 713-348-6000. Tell them the building, floor, room; type of fire (like electrical or trash); size of the fire/smoke; and your name/phone.
  • For a small fire, if you’re trained and it’s safe, use a fire extinguisher with the PASS method:
    • Pull the pin at the top.
    • Aim the nozzle low at the base of the fire.
    • Squeeze the handle to release the material.
    • Sweep side to side across the fire’s base until it’s out .
  • Close doors behind you, but do not lock them. Leave lights on.
  • If a door feels hot or you see smoke under it, stay in the room: Block the door bottom with wet towels, call RUPD with your location, and signal from a window if needed.
  • If no smoke and door is cool, leave quickly via stairs.
  • In smoke, crawl low to the floor, cover your mouth/nose with a wet cloth, and breathe slowly.
  • In labs: Stop work, turn off burners or heat sources, close fume hoods, remove gear, then evacuate.

How To Prepare

  • Know your building’s exits and fire alarms.
  • Follow housing rules: no cooking devices, candles, incense or flammable items.
  • Follow Rice’s smoking rules: Smoke only in allowed areas, at least 25 feet from doors/windows.
  • Never block or tor tamper with sprinklers or smoke detectors..
  • Take photos or videos of your belongings for insurance.

After a Fire

  • Use your photo or video list to claim lost items with insurance.
  • Tell family and your college magister that you’re safe.
  • Stay out of damaged areas and wait for clearance from officials .