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Fire CO CO2 O2 Alarm Policy

Administrative Details

Policy Number
AP-034
Effective Date
04/2026
Last Reviewed
04/2026
Last Revised
07/2023
Next Scheduled Review
04/2029
Responsible University Division
Facilities and Operations
Responsible Executive
Anne Marie Schettini-Lynch, Senior Vice President for Financial Affairs and University Treasurer
Responsible University Office
Facilities and Operations
Policy Owner
John Ambrosini, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations
Contact Information
John.Ambrosini@hofstra.edu
Category/Tag
Emergencies and Safety, Buildings and Campus Operations

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for responding to fire and hazardous gas alarm situations in order to protect life, minimize risk, and ensure safe and orderly evacuation.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Hofstra University community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors, across all campus buildings and facilities. It governs response actions when fire or gas alarms are activated or when fire or smoke is observed, including reporting procedures, evacuation protocols, and safety measures for individuals both inside and outside affected buildings, as well as those who may be unable to evacuate immediately.

Policy

Fire/CO/CO2/O2 Alarm

If you hear a fire, CO, O2, CO2 alarm, or if you see smoke or fire inside of a building:

  • Activate the nearest fire alarm box if it has not already sounded and if it is safe to do so. Call Public Safety at x36789 or 911 to report the situation.

  • Do not endanger yourself or others by trying to combat the fire.

  • Close all doors as you evacuate the area.

  • Walk to the nearest marked exit. If the hallway has smoke, crawl below the smoke, taking short breaths.

  • Do not use the elevator, stay low and use the stairs.

  • Do not open closed doors without checking for heat first. Never enter a room where there is smoke or fire.

  • Evacuate to the assigned meeting area for the building you are in so an accurate count of building occupants can be made.

  • Do not return to the building unless directed to do so by Public Safety personnel.

If you are outside of a building and see smoke or fire:

  • Call Public Safety x36789 or 911 to report the situation.

  • Evacuate the area and remain a safe distance away.

If you are trapped inside of a building that has been evacuated:

  • Call Public Safety x36789 or 911 to report your location.

  • Put an article of clothing or a towel underneath the door to block smoke from coming into the room.

  • If a window is present, open the window to signal bystanders, unless fire can get into the room from a nearby location.

  • Stay low to the floor where the air is less toxic.

Related Policies and References

N/A