A fire on campus not only interrupts your education, it destroys valuable property and expensive equipment and can injure or kill people. Carelessness, forgetfulness, and ignorance are factors in many fires. Smoke detectors warn you of a fire while time to escape still exists. Never tamper with smoke detectors or fire extinguishers; they may save YOUR life.
To reduce fire hazards, the following items are not permitted in residence hall rooms: halogen lamps, microwave and toaster ovens, hot plates, toasters, space heaters, candles, and any other appliances that make an open flame or have exposed heating elements. Additionally, fireworks may not be possessed or used anywhere on campus.
Know the fire safety features of campus buildings, including:
- Know where fire extinguishers and pull stations are located and know how to operate them.
- Find the building exits nearest your classrooms, residence hall room, or office.
- Do not block access to extinguishers or fire exits.
- Report to your RA, HD, or security all extinguishers that are missing, damaged, or have been discharged.
- Never tamper with fire equipment as a prank. Tampering with any fire equipment may result in suspension from the College as well as civil prosecution.
- If you hear a fire alarm, leave the building quickly.
- Take fire drills seriously; practicing proper emergency response may save your life in the future.
If a fire occurs …
- Stay calm, then act; every second counts.
- Sound the alarm to warn others.
- Leave the building immediately.
- Never use an elevator.
- Crawl or stay beneath the smoke; smoke kills.
- Do NOT open a door if the doorknob is hot.
- If you cannot leave the room, stop the smoke from coming in by sealing cracks with tape, clothes, towels, etc.
- Shout to others for help.
- Tie a wet cloth over your nose and mouth to aid breathing.
- If your clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL! Do not run. Instead, drop to the floor and roll out the fire or use a rug, coat, or blanket to smother the flames.
- Never go back into a burning building for ANY reason.
- Tell security or fire fighters if you know of anyone trapped inside the building.
- Cooperate with campus authorities.
- Let the fire fighters do their job. Stay out of the way and remain in areas designated for you.