The building has fire and life safety systems designed to minimize the chance of a life-threatening emergency and to reduce damage in the event one does occur. The building systems are inspected regularly, and the fire control panel is monitored remotely 24-hours a day, seven days per week.
Smoke detectors are located throughout the building, and manual pull stations are located at the stairwells on all office levels, in the parking garage, and in main lobby. When activated, these devices provide occupant notification of a fire emergency as well as notification to the monitoring center.
When an alarm is triggered by either of these systems, a signal is sent to an off-site monitoring company, which contacts the Fire Department and building management. The control panel located in the main lobby will pinpoint the source of the alarm. If smoke is detected, the air handling equipment will shut down to help prevent the spread of smoke and fire. Fans will be activated to pressurize the stairwells. Elevators will be returned to the lobby to await firefighters. During an emergency, the elevators will not respond to call buttons. USE THE STAIRS TO EVACUATE.
Fire Prevention
Of course, the best method of handling a fire emergency is to prevent the situation from arising by following sound safety procedures:
- Flammable materials are not permitted in the building. If, for any reason, you have any materials necessary for the operation of normal office equipment, which require special care, they must be stored in safety containers and building management must be notified.
- Use of extension cords in lieu of permanent wiring is never recommended. If used, extension cords should be sized and grounded according to the load.
- Appliance connections and cords should be kept in good repair.
- Smoking in the building is strictly prohibited.
- Water should never be used on electrical, oil, gasoline or grease fires. The WWF Building is equipped with type ABC fire extinguishers. Please check the hallways to become familiar with the location of extinguishers provided. Most of the extinguishers can be found in the main corridors near the women and men’s restrooms in wall-mounted cabinets. The extinguishers installed by Cushman & Wakefield are designed to be used on all types of fires.
- Please report potential fire hazards in the building is asked to report these conditions to building management at (202) 756-0400, 0401 or 0406.
Fire Emergency
In the event of a fire emergency the building staff will respond as follows:
- Chief Engineer reports to the fire panel / fire command room to determine location/source of the alarm.
- Engineer goes to the area indicated on the fire panel to assess the situation and report findings to management team and Chief Engineer.
- Property management team will post outside the front and rear entrances to assist with evacuation, receive emergency responders, and be available to receive information from fire wardens.
During an Alarm
If signs of fire are found:
- Confine the fire by closing doors. Take steps to control the fire if appropriate. In all cases, removing anyone in danger and notifying Building management takes precedence over fighting the fire.
- Pull the alarm.
- If you can safely do so, contact building management at (202) 756-0400. Describe the material that is burning, its exact location and severity.
- Proceed with your evacuation plan.
If You Smell Smoke
- If you can safely do so, contact building management at (202) 756-0400. Report the location where the odor seems to be coming from (i.e., floor and suite number) and be prepared to begin evacuation.
- Keep personnel away from any area that is emitting a smoke odor.
If You See Fire
- Call 911.
- Pull the nearest alarm station.
- If possible, close any door that will confine the fire.
- If you can safely do so, contact building management at (202) 756-0400 and briefly state the nature and location of the fire.
- Proceed with your evacuation plan.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are located on each floor; familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest extinguisher. Do not use water on electrical fires and do not endanger yourself or others.
All fires, no matter how small or quickly extinguished, must be reported to building management.
