Skip to Main Content
Skip to content
University of Iowa

University Libraries

New Knowledgebase: Fire

Fire and Emergency

Fire Emergency 

Hardin Library for the Health Sciences

If you detect a fire or smoke in the library (or if a fire/smoke is reported to you by someone else):  

  • Pull the nearest fire alarm. This will send a message to UI Public Safety who will notify the Iowa City Fire Department.  A staff member should also call 911 to make certain that they have received the message from UI Public Safety.   
  • A member of the staff should go to each stairwell to determine if anyone needs assistance moving up and down the stairs. The alarm will continue to sound until it is turned off by the Iowa City Fire Department. 
  • If the fire is SMALL (such as smoldering papers), an attempt can be made to put it out by prompt use of a fire extinguisher or some other measure, if this is possible WITHOUT RISK to the individual.   

If the fire/smoke alarm goes off: 

  • Staff at the circulation desk should determine if the alarm came from a pull station or not.  If the alarm did come from a pull station, the staff member should go to the area indicated and determine if it is a false alarm.   

If it is NOT a false alarm: 

  • The staff member should call 9-911 (Iowa City Emergency) to make certain they are aware of the alarm.   
  • A member of the staff should go to each stairwell to determine if anyone needs assistance moving up and down the stairs. 
  • If the fire is SMALL (such as smoldering papers), an attempt can be made to put it out by prompt use of a fire extinguisher or some other measure, if this is possible WITHOUT RISK to the individual.   
  • If the fire is extinguished, a staff member should call 9-911 to notify the ICFD that the fire is out.  Fire Department personnel will, however, arrive in any case to investigate the cause. 

If it IS a false alarm: 

  • If it can be determined that the alarm was pulled accidentally, a staff member should call 9-911 to let the emergency crew know.  They will, however, need to come to the library anyway to reset the alarms and blowers.  

Resetting the system: 

  • After the Iowa City Fire Department has arrived and the danger of fire is no longer present, authorized personnel (usually from UI public safety) will turn off the alarm and reset the alarms and panels.  
  • After the alarm stops sounding, an appropriate announcement should be made via the P.A. System by a staff member stating that it is safe to resume activities within the building. 
  • After the Iowa City Fire Department leaves, Facilities Services Group (Physical Plant) should be called to reset the air handling system (5-5071), unless this has already been done.  Make certain to mention that the air handling system has shut down because of the alarm system.