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Fire is the most common and deadliest of emergencies.

Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which are preventable. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually. 

Understanding a few basic facts about fires and taking some simple, yet effective, precautions is essential to preventing and surviving a fire emergency. 

• Heat
• Smoke
• Poisonous gas
• Structure collapse
• Oxygen depletion
• Explosion

Prepare before an incident

• Ensure you are enrolled in Flash ALERTS and your contact info is current
• Identify escape routes and practice using them during fire drills
• Never tamper with installed smoke alarms
• Pay attention to where fire extinguishers and pull stations are located
• If you observe a possible fire safety concern, report it to Kent State Fire Prevention

Respond during the incident

• Activate a pull station to set off the fire alarm and call 911
• If it is safe to do so, extinguish the fire
  • Recall the PASS model:
    • Pull the pin
    • Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames
    • Squeeze the handle
    • Sweep the nozzle back and forth until the fire is extinguished
• Evacuate the building immediately
• Do not use elevators
• Crawl low under any smoke to the exit; heavy smoke and poisonous gas collect first along the ceiling
• Report pertinent info (such as fire location, source, trapped individuals) to first responders
• Stop, drop, and roll if your clothing catches fire

Recover after the incident

• Never re-enter a building until told it is safe to do so
• Expect updates from KSU officials