Means of Egress and Evacuation Procedures
Means of Egress
Means of egress is another name for any exit from a building. Means of egress at Virginia Tech include hallways, stairwells, and doors over which an
exit sign is placed. Emergency evacuation route signs have been placed in the residence halls to direct residents to exits in case of an emergency.
Obstructing these means of egress is forbidden and can be dangerous or life threatening. The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code states in section F-604.1:
"The means of egress from each part of the structure, including exits, stairways, egress doors and any panic hardware installed thereon, aisles, corridors,
passageways, and similar elements of the means of egress, shall at all times be maintained in a safe condition and available for immediate utilization and
free of all obstructions."
The code also states in section F-606.1:
"An exit shall not be utilized for any purpose that interferes with its function as a means of egress."
Bicycles, trash, furniture, boxes, and similiar items may not be placed in hallways or stairwells at any time.
Evacuation Procedure
The Blacksburg Fire Department responds to all fire alarms. However, the most important step you can take for your safety is to learn the quickest way out
of the building and always evacuate whenever you hear a fire alarm. Smoke is the most significant danger in a fire and prompt evacuation is your
best response.
When the general fire alarm sounds in your building, feel your room door:
- If cool, leave immediately, close the door, and proceed quickly and in an orderly fashion to the nearest exit. Stay out of the building until given the
"all clear" signal by emergency personnel or Residence Life staff. Failure to evacuate properly during a fire alarm is a serious breach of university
policy. Use stairwells in the event of fire. Do Not use elevators, which might become inoperable and trap occupants. Stairwell doors in
residence halls are fire doors and must remain closed at all times. Never prop them open, especially when evacuating.
- If the door is hot, remain in the room, put towels or other material under the door, open the window from the top, and call 911.
Evacuation Tips
- If you see smoke or flame and the alarm is not sounding, pull the closest fire alarm and leave the building.
- If smoke is present in the hallway or stairwell, remain close to the floor.
If you are unable to evacuate without special assistance or a modified plan, contact your RA or Housing and Dining Services, 109 E. Eggleston Hall.
Special accommodations or a personalized evacuation plan may save your life!
