Help CenterAll rooms are fitted with smoke detectors for your safety. Covering up or tampering with smoke detectors endangers the lives of all residents and is a criminal offence. Anyone found to have covered or tampered with the detectors, fire extinguishers or other fire safety equipment will face severe disciplinary action and possible dismissal from International Students House. ISH reserves the right to fine any resident who regularly sets off the smoke detectors due to negligent behaviour, though we do understand that steam from showers and hairspray or deodorant can sometimes accidentally activate an alarm.
All fire doors in corridors should be kept closed (not propped open) and should not be obstructed in any way. This limits the spread of fire and smoke. No naked flames at all are allowed, in particular candles, incense sticks, oil burners, etc.
When the fire alarm sounds, please remain calm and do not panic, but stop what you are doing and evacuate the building immediately using the nearest available exit. Failure to evacuate or comply with staff instructions during a fire alarm is considered a Disciplinary matter.
To evacuate the building, make your way quickly and in an orderly fashion to the nearest available exit (DO NOT use the lift) and go directly to the Assembly Point. Do not stop to collect your bags, laptops etc. Do not attempt to re-enter the building at any time until the ISH Fire Manager or the London Fire Brigade confirm that all is clear and that it is safe to re-enter the Building.
Assembly Point locations for Great Portland Street:
- Leave ISH via the car park and assemble on the pavement to the right on Great Portland Street, outside the Portland Hospital and opposite the Albany Pub or
- (if it is not safe to evacuate through the car park) Exit on to Park Crescent
If you discover a fire, please remain calm and do not panic. No personal risk should be taken. Activate the fire alarm at the nearest "break-glass" point. Inform the Duty Manager of the location and nature of the fire by calling 020 7631 8375. IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO, tackle the fire with the appropriate equipment, but ONLY do so providing the fire:
- is not bigger than a small waste bin
- and the exit door is behind you and in sight
If you successfully put out the fire using a fire extinguisher or fire blanket, please notify the Duty Manager. If, however, the fire and smoke increase, leave immediately via the nearest exit and update the Duty Manager.
A weekly fire alarm test will take place at the following time: Monday morning, 9.00 am.
The alarm will sound three times for about 5-7 seconds each time after which it will be silenced. If it continues to sound, it is not a test and a full evacuation will be required. There will be at least one full fire drill during the academic year to check your knowledge of evacuation routes.