Emergency response
What to do when a fire alarm rings
A safe response sequence centred on evacuation, calling 999, reporting at the assembly point and waiting for fire personnel.
If there is fire or immediate danger
Leave the premises using a safe route and call Hong Kong emergency services on 999. Do not remain to investigate or use a lift.
Treat the alarm as real
Respond immediately. A history of false alarms is not a reason to assume that the present alarm is harmless. Stop work, alert people nearby and follow the premises-specific emergency plan.
If you see fire or smoke or smell burning, activate the nearest fire alarm call point if it is safe to do so and leave. Do not remain in danger to investigate, and never go back for belongings.
- Help people who need assistance without becoming trapped
- Do not silence, reset or isolate the alarm system
- Close doors as you leave, but do not lock them
Leave by a safe staircase
Use the nearest designated escape route that is free of smoke. Do not normally use a lift during a fire: power may fail, passengers may be trapped, or the lift may open on a smoke-affected floor.
Do not open a hot door or one with smoke coming through it. If smoke blocks a corridor or staircase, use another safe route. If none is available, retreat to a place that can resist smoke, close the door and call 999 with your exact location.
Call 999 from safety and assemble
Once safe, dial 999. Give the full address, floor or unit, the nature of the incident, whether anyone is trapped or hurt, and your contact number. Do not assume that somebody else has called.
Go to the designated assembly point and report for the roll call. Stay clear of the building and fire-appliance access. Do not re-enter until fire personnel expressly say that it is safe.
Practical checklist
- Stop work and treat the alarm as real
- Use a designated smoke-free staircase
- Do not use a lift
- Do not open a hot or smoke-filled door
- Call 999 from a safe place
- Report at the assembly point
- Do not re-enter without permission
When to call a registered contractor
During the emergency, evacuate and call 999 first. Arrange contractor follow-up only after the immediate danger has been controlled.
- The alarm did not operate, was not audible or failed in part of the premises
- The control panel shows a fault, isolation or power problem
- Post-incident inspection, testing, repair and service records are required
Official sources
Open the current official source before relying on legal or technical detail.
Related reading
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How to identify common obstruction risks in corridors, staircases, smoke-stop doors, roof exits and fire-appliance access.
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