Fire Safety

Fire Safety Procedures

If you discover a fire:

1. Leave the fire area immediately assisting with the evacuation of the occupants where applicable.  Close the doors to the area behind you.
2. Activate the building fire alarm system by operating the nearest fire alarm pull station as you leave the fire area. 
3. Call 911.
4. Use stairways to exit.  Do NOT use elevators.  If you encounter smoke in stairways, use an alternate exit.
5. Once outside, move at least 16 meters away from the building.
6. Follow instructions from the Campus Safety team, the Fire Safety Committee or the Fire Department.
7. Do not return to the building until it is declared safe to do so by the Fire Department.

If you hear a fire alarm:

1. Before opening your door, test it and the door knob for heat.  If the door is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open slightly.  If you feel air pressure or hot draft, close the door quickly and remain in your room.  If the door is hot, remain in your area, leave the door unlocked and call 911.
2. If it is safe to do so, walk to the nearest exit and leave the building. Use stairways to exit. Do NOT use elevators. Close all doors behind you. 
3. If you encounter smoke in stairways, use an alternate exit.
4. Once outside, move at least 16 meters away from the building.
5. Follow instructions from the Campus Safety team, the Fire Safety Committee or the Fire Department.
6. Do not return to the building until it is declared safe to do so by the Fire Department.

Fire Emergency Procedures for Persons Requiring Assistance / Persons with Disabilities

We encourage anyone who requires evacuation assistance to request an individualized fire evacuation plan. This service is available to people living with permanent or temporary disabilities (e.g. recuperating from an illness, surgery or using crutches following an injury). Plans can be requested through Sheridan Central or by emailing beprepared@sheridancollege.ca 

Visitors Requiring Assistance and Individuals Without a Plan

For persons who do not have an individualized fire evacuation plan, and are unable to evacuate, the following procedure should be followed:

Horizontal Evacuation

• Individuals without a plan who are unable to evacuate by using stairs are advised to evacuate horizontally. This refers to exiting into another building that is not in alarm.
• For example, an individual who is unable to use stairs may be on the 2nd floor of the Davis C Wing during a fire alarm. If safe to do so, they should exit the C Wing through the bridge to B Wing.

Protect-in-Place

• If an individual cannot evacuate horizontally, they should prepare to protect-in-place:
  1. Find a room that is safe and away from fire and smoke, choosing a room that contains a phone and window.
  2. Shut the door.
  3. Call 9-1-1 to inform them of your location and provide details of your sudden situation.
  4. Wait to be rescued by the Fire Department.
• Each suite is designed as a fire compartment and will afford some degree of protection during the fire emergency.

Fire Safety

At Sheridan, fire safety is a community concern. Everyone must participate and provide support in order to ensure complete evacuation of the buildings without injury to employees or students.

Fire Wardens

In some areas at Sheridan (offices, studios, labs, and libraries) support staff and administration volunteer as Fire Wardens. In classrooms, faculty or instructors are the Fire Wardens. The role of a Fire Warden is to guide occupants to the nearest fire exit and out of the building when the fire alarm sounds.

Fire Alarm Sound and Public Address System

The fire alarm sound you may be used to is the sound of loud bells. At Sheridan, in accordance with the Fire Code, a new fire alarm sound has been installed in some of our buildings. The sound you will hear in all of Sheridan’s buildings is a 3-pulse phase followed by an off phase, not unlike a loud car alarm. There is also a public address system that may be used for announcements during a fire alarm situation or an emergency.

Evacuation and Fire Drills

Fire drills are done in the fall of each year to provide an opportunity to practise evacuation. At Sheridan, we expect all occupants to leave the buildings during a fire alarm situation. During an evacuation, stay calm but move without delay. Any time the alarm sounds it could be a real fire situation. Remember in a fire situation, smoke, carbon monoxide, and heat accumulate quickly and will overcome occupants in less than three minutes. There is no activity in the classroom more important than evacuation during a fire drill or a fire alarm situation.

Fire Safety Information

• Safe Student Accommodations 101
• Fire Safety Checklist
• Student Accommodations – A Parent's Guide

If you require any Sheridan emergency procedures, plans or public safety information in an accessible format or with communication supports please contact beprepared@sheridancollege.ca or 905-845-9430, x2879.