Last year, UHN had 90 Code Red calls for fire – and zero resulted in hospital evacuation.
For John Chartrand, Fire & Life Safety Manager at UHN, that's something he's proud of. In more than 15 years at UHN, he's never seen the hospital evacuated due to fire.
"We have a good fire prevention program, we educate our staff," says John. "We make sure staff review fire procedures every year so we can maintain this track record."
John and his team of three Fire Marshals and three Fire Alarm Technicians ensure TeamUHN is prepared in case of fire by reviewing departmental fire procedures with managers and directors every year.
Each department across UHN has its own unique Departmental Fire Procedure, which lists what to do in case of fire, as well as the team's evacuation site.
The team reviews the procedures annually not only for staff education, but to also see if any updates are needed, for example, if the department has undergone renovations that would change the procedure or evacuation site.
For this year's Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 9 to 15, the theme is "Fire won't wait. Know your escape." Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about a safe fire escape at UHN.
When a Code Red is called, what should staff do?
If the fire is nearby (you see or smell it), follow REACT: Remove occupants, enclose the area, activate alarm, call 5555 (or 911 if at home), try to fight the fire if safe to do so. For staff, it's on the back of their UHN badge.
Even in a false alarm – like burnt popcorn setting off the alarm – follow REACT. Once an alarm goes off, it cannot be reset, so Toronto Fire Services will respond.
When you hear the overhead announcement calling a Code Red, pay attention to the location of it.
If the Code Red is nearby (on, above, or below your floor), alert others in your area and follow your Departmental Fire Procedure.
These procedures provide "horizontal evacuation" – meaning occupants do not evacuate the building, but rather go to a separate wing or area beyond a fire separation, where it's safe.
"We defend in place," says John. "When a Code Red is called, stop, listen and defend in place. Follow REACT if needed and your Departmental Fire Procedure."
If the Code Red is not nearby, you don't need to do anything. Just standby for more information.
"That's why it is so important to stop for a moment and listen to the overhead announcement," says John. "That way you know where the Code Red is happening and if it affects you."
However, if your smoke alarm goes off at home (three loud beeps means there is a potential issue), you should always evacuate and call 911.
If evacuating a department due to fire, can staff take items, like laptops and bags, with them?
No. You must leave everything behind.
Once staff have evacuated their area, what do they do?
Staff must wait at their evacuation site until a Fire Marshal or someone who is trained in fire safety arrives to help.
If the hospital is being evacuated, how should staff react?
If the hospital is being vertically evacuated – meaning that those inside must leave the hospital – it is no longer a Code Red, but a Code Green. Staff then must follow Code Green procedure.
How often should TeamUHN review their Departmental Fire Procedure?
Staff should be reviewing these procedures annually. If the department has undergone any renovations, managers should also proactively reach out to Fire & Life Safety to see if the procedure must be updated.
"We need to be informed of any big changes," says John.
How can staff create their own fire procedure at home?
Connect with your local municipal Fire Department, or the National Fire Protection Association for information.
UHN Fire Marshal Vito D'Amico goes the extra mile and runs an annual fire drill with his family.
He sets off the alarm at night and has the family follow their procedure and meet outside at their designated spot.
"It's awesome," says Vito. "My youngest loves doing it – but my oldest doesn't!"
