Fire and Evacuation
If you discover a fire
- Warn people nearby - Shout Fire! Fire! Fire!
- Activate the nearest fire alarm manual call point
- If safe, turn off any electrical equipment which could cause a fire if left unattended
- Leave by the nearest safe route, or as directed, assiting others if necessary
- Do not stop to collect belongings
- Close fire/smoke doors behind you
- Do not use lifts
If the fire alarm sounds
- Never assume it is a false alarm
- If safe, turn off any electrical equipment which could cause a fire if left unattended
- Leave by the nearest safe route, or as directed, assisting others if necessary
- Do not stop to collect belongings
- Close fire/smoke doors behind you
- Do not use lifts
Immediate Actions Upon Exiting the Building
- Continue moving away from the building
Do not stop or linger near entrances or exits.
- Disperse rather than gather
Do not form large groups, as this can cause congestion and create secondary risks.
- Use open spaces and multiple pathways
Disperse naturally into safe outdoor areas such as footpaths, pedestrian zones or parks.
Maintaining Situational Awareness
- Remain alert to your surroundings
Maintain awareness of your surroundings including people, vehicles or any potential hazards.
- Listen for official announcements
Follow directions from Campus Security, Fire Wardens or Emergency Services.
- Avoid distractions Refrain from using headphones, phones or becoming absorbed in digital devices.
Wait for instruction from the Building Warden or Fire and Emergency before re-entering the building. Do not re‑enter when the alarm stops sounding.
Wardens
All wardens will be wearing bright high-visibility jackets in an emergency. Building wardens wear yellow, floor/area wardens wear red and crowd control wardens wear green.
Staff information: Warden duties.
Responsibilities
All staff, students, tenants, contractors, and accommodation residents:
- Must familiarise themselves with fire safety information and evacuation procedures for each building they use
Staff must:
- Ensure that students and other visitors evacuate the building by the nearest safe exit
Lecturers:
- Are responsible for ensuring that people in their classes safely evacuate the building and them report to the building warden
Those responsible for buildings:
- Must ensure that plans and/or equipment are in pace to ensure that persons who require assistance are able to safely and quickly evacuate the building using the means of escape to a safe location outside of the building. It is not acceptable to leave people inside a building to await rescue by Fire and Emergency NZ, as this is not their role.
Important: Do you need evacuation assistance?
Organise an evacuation plan before an emergency.
Find out more: People requiring assistance
Find out more: Evacuation Chairs
Fire Action Notices
Fire action notices are displayed throughout the University. They provide information on actions to take in the event of a fire where to go in an emergency. Be familiar with these before an emergency.
Exit door not opening?
Be aware that most doors are released when the alarm sounds. Important note: Most card readers will remain red but the doors should unlock. If the doors are still locked, then:
- Look for the emergency door release.
- Press or break the cover. Depress the release switch. This will release the door.
Building Systems
May remain offline temporarily, e.g. lifts, ventilation systems, security doors, until the building's fire safety system has been reset. This can be dependent on the building's age and the type of system installed.
Fire Safety
Find out more about: Fire Safety
Document Control
Version: 2.0
Last Updated: Mar 2026
Next Review: Mar 2029
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing