As you walk in the hallways on your way to an exit – and usually near the stairwell door – you should find at least one fire alarm pull box. In case of fire or smoke, always pull the alarm box first, regardless of the size of the fire. Upon pulling this box, an alarm should sound and verbal instructions might follow. The alarm system also should be activated automatically when a heat or smoke detector detects a fire or smoke condition, protecting both people and property even when the fire is not noticed by an individual. Once the alarm is activated, notification goes to the local fire department through the Department of Public Safety. Your awareness and prompt use of the fire alarm system can minimize the loss of life and property because of fire.

To ensure that the system will protect you, you must:

• Evacuate during all fire alarms.
• Respond to all alarms equally. Never assume that it is a test or a drill or a false alarm.
• Become familiar with your building’s fire alarm system and alarm notification procedures.
• Know at least two pull box locations in your area.
• Know how to activate the fire alarm.
• Maintain pull boxes free of obstructions and clearly visible at all times.
• Report promptly to the Department of Public Safety, if the alarm is not heard properly in your area.
• Some pull boxes have plexiglass covers that, when lifted, produce a local warning sound. Note that this is not a fire alarm sound. To activate the fire alarm throughout the building, you must pull the inner pull box.

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