Fire Safety
Drexel Public Safety recognizes the importance of having a comprehensive and proactive fire safety program to identify and evaluate potential risks and then reduce or eliminate these risks. Drexel's Fire and Emergency Services Unit is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Philadelphia Fire Code and national fire safety standards, building inspections, fire safety education, and emergency evacuation drills. Drexel supports an informed campus through professional consultation, education, training and delivery of services designed to provide a safe environment for the University community.
Drexel Daily Crime Log and Fire Report
Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports
Evacuation Procedures and Fire Drills
When the fire alarm sounds, every person is required to evacuate the building immediately. Close doors behind you and quickly exit the building.
- DO NOT USE ELEVATORS FOR EVACUATION.
- Evacuation is required every time the fire alarm sounds, regardless of the cause.
- Leave the building quickly and quietly and proceed in an orderly manner to the designated assembly area.
- The building is not to be reentered until an "All Clear" is announced by a University official.
Persons with disabilities, accompanied by a partner if possible, should wait at the entrance to the nearest fire tower or exit, conditions permitting, until the main flow of people has passed. Fire towers are specifically designed to provide refuge from smoke and/or heat in a fire emergency. Individuals needing assistance should go into the fire tower and wait on the landing until help arrives. Tell a person leaving the building to communicate your location to Drexel Public Safety or emergency personnel. Provide assistance to persons with disabilities or anyone who may need assistance.
Fire drills are conducted annually for all buildings and quarterly for residential buildings, per the Philadelphia Fire Code. Additional information about fire drills and evacuation procedures for residence halls is located in the Drexel University Student Handbook. Evacuation is required every time the fire alarm sounds, regardless of the cause.
Know the locations of emergency exits, areas of refuge, fire towers and points of assembly. Emergency Procedures Bulletins are posted in Drexel buildings, near entrances or elevators.
Shelter-in-Place
The City of Philadelphia Fire Code requires buildings meeting criteria (Section F-404.3.3) have a Shelter-in-Place Plan. Drexel University prepares and maintains such a plan for each building meeting the code requirement. These plans are the responsibility of the Fire and Emergency Services Unit within the Department of Public Safety. Plans are developed in collaboration with building tenants and Drexel University Real Estate and Facilities department.
Fire Safety Tips
- Take fire alarms seriously. Evacuate immediately and do not use elevators.
- Know the locations of emergency exits, areas of refuge, fire towers and points of assembly. Emergency Procedures Bulletins are posted in Drexel buildings, near entrances or elevators.
- Evacuate to your designated assembly area.
- Assist individuals with special needs.
- Do not tamper with fire or life safety equipment.
- Pay attention when you cook:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
- If you must leave the room even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Turn off all burners and ovens when you finish cooking.
- Never pour water on a grease fire.
Additional Fire Safety Information