Fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors are located throughout buildings on campus and it is a misdemeanor to tamper with this equipment. Violators are subject to legal prosecution and a $500 fine imposed by the University. University staff, faculty, and students should become familiar with the locations of fire alarm pull boxes, fire extinguishers, and building exits.
The University's Residence Hall fire regulations stipulate that residents are expected to abide by the following regulations:
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No ironing or cooking in student rooms.
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No appliances with heating units in rooms, except hair dryers.
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Light fixtures must not be tampered with in any way.
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No halogen lamps are permitted due to danger of fire.
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No smoking in any student housing or campus buildings.
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No candles or incense should be burned in student rooms.
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Combustible liquids (e.g. gas canisters) may not be stored in student rooms.
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Motorbikes are not to be brought into the hall.
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During fire alarms students must vacate the hall.
What to do if there is a fire:
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If you have been trained and are able to safely extinguish the fire, do so. Be sure you are using the proper fire extinguisher for the type of fire you are fighting ( ABCs of Portable Fire Extinguishers). If you are not sure, read the instructions on the extinguisher. Make sure you have a safe exit from the area in case the fire cannot be put out. Always direct the charge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame. Make sure to replace any used fire extinguisher with Public Safety.
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If the fire is large, very smoky, or spreading rapidly, leave the building immediately.
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Close the door to the room where the fire is located and immediately sound the building fire alarm.
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Inform the others in the building who may not have responded to the alarm to leave immediately. The alarm may not sound continuously. Even if the alarm stops, continue to evacuate the building and warn others who may attempt to enter the building.
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Assist all disabled persons. See Evacuation for Persons with Functional Needs.
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If you have a mobility impairment, request assistance from those nearest you. If no one is there to render assistance, proceed to the nearest stairway landing, shout for help, and wait there until help arrives.
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When fire alarms sound, do not use the elevators. An elevator may become a trap.
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Walk – do not run – to the nearest exit.
- Call 911
from a safe location. Give your name and the location of the fire. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so.
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If there is a closed door in your exit path, touch the door lightly with the back of your hand to ensure that it is not warm. Never use the palm of you hand to check for heat – burning those areas could impair your ability to escape (e.g., crawling on the floor, climbing down a ladder).
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If it is not warm, open slowly. Be prepared to close the door quickly if smoke or flames are present. Leave immediately if clear and be prepared to crawl if you encounter smoke. Cooler cleaner air is near the floor.
- If it is warm, do not open. Look for an alternate route.
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If there is smoke in your only exit path, crawl on hands and knees, keeping your head as close to the ground as possible to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. Cover your mouth with a dampened cloth, if possible.
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If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing outside the window as a marker for emergency personnel. If there is no window stay near the floor, where the air will be more breathable. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency personnel of your location.
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If your clothing is on fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL to extinguish the fire.
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Proceed to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area (EAA) .
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Report to your designated Building Manager, Residence Life Staff member, or other University emergency personnel.
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Notify emergency personnel on the scene if you suspect someone may be trapped inside.
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Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by Public Safety.