What to Do in Specific Emergency Situations

Fires

Each year, approximately 4,000 Americans die and many more are injured in more than 1.5 million fires nationwide. Fires can spread rapidly. The leading cause of fire deaths is asphyxiation from heat and smoke. If you and your customers find yourselves endangered by fire, adhere to the following:

• Protect yourself and your customers by immediately evacuating the area.
• Report the fire as soon as you safely can. Explain where it is, its source if known, and the health status and location of you and your customers.
• Do not re-enter a structure or vehicle that is on fire or filled with smoke.
• Follow the instructions of emergency responders upon their arrival.

Transit Facilities:

• If safe, close windows and doors to contain the fire.
  Assist in evacuation.
• Know how to use a fire extinguisher and where they are located in order
  to extinguish small fires. Remember, life safety is your first priority.
• Evacuate the area first, before attempting to extinguish a fire. In most cases it is best to leave the firefighting to trained responders.

Transit Vehicles:

• It is wise under most circumstances to quickly evacuate your customers
  from the vehicle.
• Bus and Van: If able, steer the vehicle safely out of traffic. Leave the engine on until you have stopped completely, otherwise there is a chance that the steering wheel will lock. After completely stopping, turn off the engine and evacuate passengers. Make sure passengers are as far away as possible from the burning vehicle (at least 100 ft.) and road.
• Rail: If a fire occurs in or near a station, have passengers evacuate immediately while you notify the control center. If you are en route and far from a station, report the fire condition and await response from the control center in order to ensure that surrounding tracks are cleared for you to evacuate.