Fire Alarms & Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Fire Alarms & Emergency Evacuation Procedures

All fire alarm signals must be treated as real emergencies requiring immediate evacuation of the building.

Alarm Signals

• The college uses a high-intensity buzzer/bell that sounds continuously to indicate an emergency.
• When the alarm sounds, immediately stop all activities, turn off equipment, and exit the building calmly using the nearest safe exit.
• Do not use elevators during an evacuation.

Evacuation Responsibilities

The senior person present (e.g., instructor, department head) is responsible for:

• Ensuring everyone has left the room
• Turning off all equipment
• Closing doors (do not lock)

Emergency Contact Numbers

• McMaster Security (IAHS):
  • Dial 88 from campus phones
  • Dial 905-522-4135 from external phones
• Mohawk Security (Fennell):
  • Dial 55 from campus phones
  • Dial 905-574-4111 from external phones

If you discover a fire or hazardous situation, call security immediately.

Safety Assembly Locations

After exiting the building:

• From the front of IAHS, move across College Crescent toward the A.N. Bourns Science Building and John Hodgins Engineering Building.
• From the back of IAHS, move to the grass area between IAHS and ITB buildings.

Returning to the Building

You may return only when:

• The alarm stops sounding
• Security personnel confirm it is safe to do so

Fire Drills

Fire drills are conducted periodically to ensure familiarity with evacuation procedures.
Treat all drills as real emergencies to help safety officials assess readiness and identify issues.

False Alarms

Activating a fire alarm without cause is a criminal offense under Section 378 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Anyone witnessing a false alarm should report it to college security immediately.