A visible fire or the presence of smoke provides sufficient cause to evacuate a building . In the event of a fire or hazardous materials emergency within a campus building , it is necessary , as well as safest , for occupants to evacuate . College policy calls for total evacuation of the building or area affected .
A Fire Emergency exists whenever :
• A building fire evacuation alarm is sounding .
• An uncontrolled fire or imminent fire hazard occurs in any building or area of campus .
• There is the presence of smoke or the odor of burning of any material .
• There is an uncontrolled release of combustible or toxic gas or other hazardous material , or a flammable liquid spill .
Dorm Fire Evacuation Procedures :
• The fire alarm system may be used to evacuate a building ( s ) if there is a potential threat to the health and safety of that segment of the community .
• Activate the building fire alarm if it is not already sounding .
• Leave the building using the nearest exit .
• Crawl if there is smoke . Cleaner , cooler air will be near the floor . Get Low and Go .
• Before opening any doors , feel the door handle . If it is hot , do not open the door . If it is cool , brace yourself against the door , open it slightly , and if heat or heavy smoke is present , close the door and stay in the room .
• Go to the nearest exit or stairway . If the nearest exit is blocked by fire , heat , or smoke , go to another exit . Always use an exit stairway , not an elevator . Elevator shafts may fill with smoke , or the power may fail , leaving you trapped .
• If stairway fire doors are closed , they will keep out fire and smoke and will protect you until you get outside . Close as many doors as possible as you leave . This helps to confine the fire . Total and immediate evacuation is safest .
• Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small , controllable , and you know how to use it safely . Do not delay calling emergency responders or activating the building fire alarm . If you cannot put out the fire , leave immediately . Make sure the fire department is called — even if you think the fire is out .
• If you get trapped , keep the doors closed . Place cloth material ( wet , if possible ) around and under door ( s ) to prevent smoke from entering .
• Signal for help . Hang an object at the window ( jacket , shirt ) to attract the fire department ’ s attention . If there is a phone in the room , call 911 . Be sure to give your room number and location . If all exits from a floor are blocked , go back to your room , close the door , seal cracks , open the windows if safe , wave something out the window and shout or phone for help .
• If you are on fire , stop , drop , and roll , wherever you are . Rolling smothers fire .
• Cool burns . Use cool tap water on burns immediately . Do not use ointments . If skin is blistered , brown or charred , call for an ambulance .
• Be aware of obstacles . Storage of any items in the corridors , such as bicycles , chairs , desks , and other items is prohibited in all exit ways , including stairwells . Blocked exits and obstacles impede evacuation , especially during dark and smoky conditions
• If you are a person with a disability ( even temporarily ), you should plan ahead for fire emergencies . Know your best way out .
Dormitory Room Regulations { 6 / 25 / 19 }
Students are to maintain their dorm rooms according to the following policies ; infractions can result in disciplinary action . Inspections can occur on academic days between 8-11:35am and 12:45-4:15pm , on weekends , on academic breaks , and during Spring Cleanup .
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