Fire Alarm System Changes - Know What to Do

Know What to Do

The Fire Alarm system at Fanshawe's London Campus has changed!

As part of Fanshawe College's continued commitment to ensure a safe and secure environment, all non-residential London Campus buildings have now been equipped with a two-stage fire alarm system. This tone-with-strobe system differs from Fanshawe's previous bell-type fire alarm system.

Instead of the familiar "ringing" sound, we now have visual strobes, automated voice announcements and two different audible tones - one for alerts (Stage One), and another for alarms (Stage Two).

(Click here for the Fire Safety poster.)

Stage One - Alert Signal
Get Ready, Get Set . . .

• We're checking things out.
• You don't need to leave yet, but get ready to go just in case.

This stage will notify supervisory staff to investigate a potential fire condition, and signal building occupants to be prepared for possible evacuation.

What you will hear:

• 20 pulse per minute audible tone begins (slow beep)
• After 20 seconds, an automated voice announcement:
• "Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please. An alarm has been activated. We are investigating the cause. Please remain calm and stand by near the speakers for further instructions."
• 20 pulse per minute audible tone resumes
• Within 5 minutes, an "all clear" announcement will be given or stage two alarm will be activated.

What to do in the event of a Stage One Alert Signal:

• Be prepared to leave the building
• Identify your nearest exit
• Await further instructions

* Persons who require assistance (e.g. mobility impairments, etc.) are encouraged to begin leaving the building rather than waiting for the Stage Two alarm signal.

Stage Two - Alarm Signal
Time to Go!

• Leave the building calmly and wait outside.

This stage will notify supervisory staff to respond to a fire condition and signal all building occupants to evacuate.

What you will hear:

• Loud alarm: continuous temporal tone (high-pitched, fast beep)
• After 60 seconds, an automated voice announcement:
• "Attention. Attention. There has been an emergency reported in the building. Proceed immediately in an orderly manner to the nearest exit and leave the building."
• Alarm tone resumes until an "all-clear" announcement is given.

What to do in the event of a Stage Two Evacuation Alarm Signal:

• Proceed to the nearest exit (do NOT use elevators)
• Leave the building
• Wait outside at the nearest Evacuation Assembly Area
• Follow direction from College Emergency Responders or external emergency services

* If you cannot evacuate safely, call the Security Control Centre from any emergency phone, or dial ext. 4242 from any London Campus internal phone, or call 519.452.4242 from any external device (mobile phone, etc.).

If you detect a fire: REACT
Remove person from affected area
Ensure all windows and doors are closed
Activate nearest pull station
Call 4242 and report fire
Try to extinguish fire if trained to do so