Preparing for an emergency can save your life when an actual emergency hits. Located below are tips for what to do in a fire. However, we also encourage residents to visit the City of New Westminster Emergency Preparedness Website to learn more about how to prepare for other types of disasters and what you should have!
IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE
* REMEMBER to take your keys and fobs with you.
* PHONE 9-1-1 to report a fire at your address: 610 Victoria Street
* FIGHT the fire ONLY if it is SMALL and you are NOT alone.
* EVACUATE via one of the two stairwells that are accessible from each floor. These are separate and distinct fire-protected structures
* DO NOT USE ELEVATORS - They automatically return to the lobby and remain open at the disposal of the fire department.
* DO NOT use a stairwell if it is FILLED WITH SMOKE or overcrowded. Use the other stairwell if it is safe. If you encounter problems on your way down, use one of the unlocked "cross-over" floors (22,17,11,6,1) to access the other stairwell. Please be aware if you open the doors on these cross over floors an additional alarm will start sounding.
* ASSIST persons requiring assistance.
* PROCEED to the Car Maintenance Shop PARKING Lot (across from the Front Entrance of the building) and contact a Council member.
* STAND well back from the building and the arriving fire department personnel and equipment.
* DO NOT go back into the building until the fire department advises you when to re-enter.
* THE GARAGE DOOR remains open during a fire alarm for access by the fire department.
**If you feel comfortable, you can fight the fire using any one of the Fire Extinguisher in the building. You can learn more about purchasing an Extinguisher and how to use one from this News Article.
AT THE SOUND OF THE ALARM
* REMEMBER to take your keys and fobs with you.
* EVACUATE via one of the two stairwells that are accessible from each floor. These are separate and distinct fire-protected structures.
* DO NOT USE ELEVATORS - They automatically return to the lobby and remain open at the disposal of the fire department.
* ASSIST persons requiring assistance.
* PROCEED to the Car Maintenance Shop PARKING Lot (across from the Front Entrance of the building) and contact a Council member.
* STAND well back from the building and the arriving fire department personnel and equipment.
* DO NOT go back into the building until the fire department advises you when to re-enter.
* THE GARAGE DOOR remains open during a fire alarm for access by the fire department.
WHEN THERE IS AN EARTHQUAKE
* DURING the shaking, protect yourself by taking cover under a desk, table or crouch against an interior wall.
* DO NOT STAND IN A DOORWAY, because you could be exposed to flying debris.
* DO NOT STAND UNDER light fixtures, near bookshelves, filing cabinets, or windows, where a person could be vulnerable to falling or flying debris.
* DO NOT LEAVE safe cover until the shaking has stopped. Keep calm!
* AFTER a major earthquake, evacuate the building as in a fire emergency.
* BE AWARE of potential aftershocks or tremors.
