Tips for Fire Preparedness

Your Fire Emergency Plan: What You Need to Know

Published March 24, 2025

A special message from the Police Dept. and Marketing & Communications Dept. of Blue Ridge Community College

Learn about the “Ready, Set, Go!” fire evacuation levels used during an emergency.

With wildfires in the area this spring, Blue Ridge Community College Chief of Police Chris White offers advice to help community members stay safe and prepared. Ensuring safety and preparedness is crucial for protecting individuals, communities, pets and property. Hazardous conditions demand attention and precautionary measures.

“As we deal with the fires in Polk and Henderson Counties, it’s crucial to stay ahead by taking the right precautions,” said Chief White. “The safety tips we’ve provided will help you and your family navigate these conditions more effectively.”

Chief White reminded students, employees and community members that there is a state-wide burn ban issued by the North Carolina Forest Service. It is important to be mindful of any outdoor activities that could possibly contribute to these fires.

Ahead of any possible weather or safety emergency, members of the College community should sign up for the Blue Ridge Alert system. It only takes a minute to sign up and stay informed of any developments that affect campus operations and schedules. Visit www.blueridge.edu/alert for more details on SMS text alerts. Additionally, your geographical area may have emergency alerts available, such as Hendersonville’s Alert HVL, Henderson County’s Smart911, Brevard Alert, and Asheville’s Alert AVL.

Tips for Home Evacuations

Prepared by ReadyNC.org. View the original article.

  • Listen to local media.
  • Fill your car with gasoline. Take only one vehicle to lower the amount of traffic.
  • Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
  • Plan where your family will meet and go. Tell family or friends of your plans.
  • If possible, stay with family or friends in a safe area. Next, try a motel or hotel. As a last resort, go to a shelter. Remember, shelters are not made for comfort and should be places of last resort.
  • Map out your path using major roads. If local officials suggest certain evacuation routes, use those roads.
  • Always take pets with you when evacuating.
  • Don’t forget emergency kits for your family and pets. Bring key family papers.
  • Bring extra cash. Banks may be closed, and cash tellers may not work.
  • Lock doors and windows before leaving your house. Unplug radios, toasters, televisions and small appliances. Be sure to turn off water, gas and power.
  • Ask neighbors if they need a ride.

Guidelines for Reporting Fires on Campus

Fires, large or small, have their own dangers and should be dealt with seriously. As always, the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors is the primary concern. Protect yourself and proceed with the following actions: 

  • Alert others: Activate the fire alarm; Avoid panic 
  • Call 911 for the fire department.
  • Activate Blue Ridge Alert.
  • Do not use elevators during a fire emergency. 
  • Evacuation: Everyone will evacuate the area or building. If time permits, close all doors and windows on the way out. Ensure you get far enough away from the buildings to allow emergency personnel to come and go as needed. 
  • Assist persons with disabilities as appropriate. If a person in a wheelchair cannot be evacuated safely, move them to a predetermined area of rescue assistance (typically a stairwell) and alert emergency responders immediately.
  • In smoke filled environments it is recommended to stay near the floor where air will be less toxic.
  • Exit the building immediately; do not take time to gather belongings. Avoid personal injuries and excessive risks. 
  • Follow the designated evacuation map in the hallway, nearest to your location. Instructors and staff members should keep everyone calm and moving in an orderly fashion. 
  • Once the evacuation assembly area is reached, account for students by name and persons unaccounted for will be reported immediately to emergency personnel.
  • Notify authorities of any trapped persons or persons with disabilities awaiting rescue and their location. 
  • If trapped, seal off the area by closing doors. Signal for help from a window if possible.
  • Stay Out: Do not re-enter the building.