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. 3. 4. 5. 6. 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). Page 42