Fire Safety

Fire Safety patch with fire extinguisher emblem, sprinkler emblem and NJCU logo

OSHA Tip of the Week:

When driving, avoid taking medications that make you drowsy.

How to Stay Safe in the Event of a Fire

In Case of Fire:

1. Stay calm.

2. Always sound the building fire alarm immediately. If the alarm fails to operate, warn other occupants by knocking on doors and shouting warnings.

3. Call the New Jersey City University Public Safety Department at 200-3128 immediately. Give as much information as possible to the dispatcher. Do not assume that someone else has already notified the NJCU Public Safety Department. The Public Safety Department will immediately notify the Fire Department and dispatch officers to the scene. Do not hang up until told to do so by the dispatcher.

4. Before opening the door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot, do the following (if it is not hot, go to STEP 5).

  • Open the windows only if there is no smoke present outside.
  • Seal cracks around the door with towels, tape, bed clothing or similar items to keep out the smoke.
  • If you are trapped, hang a sheet, jacket, or shirt or other object out the window that will attract attention. Shout for help. Call the NJCU Public Safety Department 200-3128 on the telephone and tell them that you are unable to get out of your room. The Public Safety Department will be in direct radio contact with officers at the fire. Remain calm until firefighters reach you from the hallway or window. Their first duty upon arriving at a fire is to search for persons trapped in the burning building.

5. If you are able to leave your room, do so immediately and:

  • Take your key with you in case you are forced to return. Close all doors behind you as you exit. This will lessen the spread of smoke and fire.
  • Go to the nearest exit or stairway. Do not use an elevator.
  • If smoke, heat, or fire blocks your exit, go to an alternate exit.
  • If all exits from a floor are blocked go back to your room and follow the procedures described above in STEP 4.

6. If smoke is present, keep low to the floor. Take short breaths to avoid inhaling any more smoke than necessary.

7. Leave the building immediately. When the police and/or firefighters arrive, direct them to the fire.

8. After leaving the building, stand clear. Follow the directions of NJCU Public Safety Department and firefighters. Do not reenter the building for any reason until the fire department and/or NJCU Public Safety Department has declared it safe.

If You Hear the Fire Alarm: Leave the Building

1. Before opening the door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot, do the following: (if it is not hot got to STEP 2).

  • Open the windows if there is not smoke present outside.
  • Seal cracks around the door with towels, tape, bed clothing or similar items to keep out the smoke.
  • If you are trapped, hang a sheet, jacket or shirt or other object out the window that will attract attention. Shout for help. Call the NJCU Public Safety Department at 200-3128 on the telephone and tell them that you are unable to get out of your room. The Public Safety Department will be in direct radio contact with officers at the fire. Remain clam until firefighters reach you from the hallway or window. Their first duty upon arriving at a fire is to search for persons trapped in the burning building.

2. If you are able to leave your room, do so immediately and:

  • Take your key with you in case you are forced to return. Close all doors behind you as you exit. This will lessen the spread of smoke and fire.
  • Go to the nearest exit or stairway. Do not use an elevator.
  • If smoke, heat or fire blocks your exit, go to an alternate exit.
  • If all exits from a floor are blocked go back to your room and follow the procedures described above in STEP I.

3. If smoke is present, keep low to the floor. Take short breaths to avoid inhaling any more smoke than necessary.

4. Leave the building immediately. When the Police and /or firefighters arrive, direct them to the fire.

5. After leaving the building, stand clear. Follow the directions of the Police and firefighters. Do not reenter the building for any reason until the fire department and/or NJCU Public Safety Department

 has declared it safe.

For more information, please email: firesafety@njcu.edu or call 201-200-3127 / 3128.

Recently there has been a rash of fire alarm activations due to toaster misuse. To avoid fire hazards, always make sure crumbs are cleared out and the toaster is cleaned of residue regularly. Never use a toaster near flammable items. Check cords and timers to make sure they are functioning properly. Unplug the toaster when it is not in use. Never leave a toaster  in use unattended.

Fire Safety posting regarding toaster safety on campus