Under normal circumstances, University Safety and Assurances, Facilities Services and the UWM Police Department would conduct the annual fire drill during the week of Sept. 14-18. Due to the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we will not be conducting the drills on our three campuses this year. The risk of compromising adequate social distancing for students and staff while conducting the fire drills is too significant during this time.

We thank everyone for their past participation in the fire drills. We would not be able to execute successful fire drills without your commitment, cooperation and assistance. The University Safety and Assurances Fire Safety webpages provide steps on how to keep yourself safe in the event of a fire. Those pages provide a wealth of information ranging from emergency evacuations to safe use of a fire extinguisher.

Emergency response to fire

It is important to determine in advance what your response will be in the event of a fire on campus. Here are the basic steps to take:

At the Milwaukee campus:

• Step 1: Activate the fire alarm pull station.
• Step 2: Evacuate the building, moving at least 100 feet away from the building.
• Step 3: Dial 9-911 from a hard-wired phone or from a cell phone dial 414-229-9911 to notify University Police.

At the Waukesha campus and Washington County campus:

• Step 1: Activate the fire alarm pull station.
• Step 2: Evacuate the building, moving at least 100 feet away from the building.
• Step 3: Dial 911 from either a hard-wired phone or a cell phone to reach emergency responders.

Fire alarm procedures

The fire alarm means “EVACUATE!” No matter the situation, you must leave your area and evacuate the building.

• Alert people in the area of fire and direct them away from danger.
• Close doors to confine the fire.
• Activate the fire alarm pull station.
• Evacuate through the nearest safe exit.
• Do not use elevators.
• Move calmly away from the building (at least 100 feet) maintaining proper social distancing from others (six feet).
• Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrant areas and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
• At the Milwaukee campus, call the University Police from a safe location. Dial 9-911 from any campus hard-wired phone or 414-229-9911 from a cell phone.
• At the Waukesha campus and Washington County campus, dial 911 from either a hard-wired phone or a cell phone to reach emergency responders.
• Do not re-enter until the fire department or police announce, “All clear.”

Due to COVID-19, once you evacuate the building, maintain social distancing of six feet or more.

Additionally, referencing the Campus Firewatch website is helpful. Campus Firewatch started out as a monthly, electronic newsletter focusing on the complex issues of campus fire safety. In publication since May 2000, it is read by campus fire officers, state and local fire officials, insurance professionals, equipment manufacturers and state fire marshals and their staff.