Housing Handbook Collin College Resident Handbook05-08-2020 | Page 51

have resulted. All fires that occur, including minor
fires that do not require an emergency response,
must be reported to the Collin College Police
Department as soon as possible to ensure inclusion
in the annual fire safety report and fire statistics.
Never assume a fire alarm is a drill or false alarm –
treat each alarm as if it is the real thing. If there are
questions or concerns, contact the director of
student housing operations or designee at
972.881.5151.
Fire Safety Information and Tips
Buildings are equipped with a variety of features
that are designed to detect, stop, and suppress the
spread of a fire. A door can be the first line of
defense against the spread of smoke or fire from
one (1) area to another. Some doors, such as fire
doors in corridors or stairwells, are designed to
stand up to fire longer than those of an individual
room. It is important that these doors remain
closed for them to work. Additionally, if a door has
a device that automatically closes the door, it
should not be propped open.
Sprinklers are effective in preventing the spread of
fire when operating properly in 98% of fire
incidents (Effectiveness and Reliability of Fire
Protection Systems, Milke, J. [2014], Society of Fire
Protection Engineers [SFPE], https://www.sfpe.
org/page/2014_Q4_4). Do not obstruct the
sprinkler heads with materials like clothing
hanging from the piping.
Smoke detectors cannot do their job if they are
disabled or covered. Disabling or covering smoke
detectors is a violation of Collin College and Collin
College Student Housing policies.
Almost three-quarters (¾) of all fires that are
caused by smoking material are the result of a
cigarette being abandoned or disposed of
carelessly (Smoking-Related Fires in Residential
Buildings (2008-2010), Topical Fire Report Series
[2012], https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/
pdf/statistics/v13i6.pdf). Collin College is a smoke-
and tobacco-free institution; therefore, smoking is
2019-2020 Collin College Resident Handbook
not permitted in any Collin College building or on
any Collin College property. Smoking is only
permitted in designated units and areas at Collin
College Student Housing.
Safe evacuations require familiarization with the
exits in each facility so the evacuees use the nearest
stairwell or exit from the facility.
Prepare in Advance
Know the locations of alternate exits from your
area. Know exactly how many doors you will pass
along your evacuation route before you reach the
nearest exit door, since exit signs may be invisible
in heavy smoke. Even in heavy smoke, you can
count the number of doors you pass so you will
know when you reach the exit door.
If There is a Fire on Your Floor
1.
2.
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7.
Immediately call 911 and report the
location of the fire.
When it is safe to do so, also call
972.578.5555 and report the fire to the
Collin College Police Department.
Activate the fire alarm, alert others, and
move everyone away from the fire.
Use a fire extinguisher on small (i.e.,
wastebasket size) fires only if it is safe to
do so.
For larger fires, get out and close the doors
to contain the fire as much as possible.
If clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP, and
ROLL.
Follow all directions given to you by
emergency personnel, if present.
Fire Extinguisher Instructions
1.
2.
3.
4.
PULL the safety pin from the handle.
AIM the nozzle, cone, and horn at the base
of the fire.
SQUEEZE the trigger handle.
SWEEP the nozzle from side to side, and
watch for re-flash (i.e., rekindling of the
fire).
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