Fire Safety

Fire Prevention

Fire safety begins with prevention.  While you should consult the Student Life Guide for a current and specific list of restricted items, the following list includes items that can present a fire hazard and should be avoided:

-       Non-LED Christmas lights

-       Candles, warmers, incense, and anything else that produces an open flame

-       Cooking appliances (such as hot plates)

Evacuation

In the event of a fire, exiting the building quickly and safely should be your top priority. 

1. Feel the door. If the handle is hot, don’t open it. Instead, go to a window and call for help. If the handle isn’t hot, open cautiously and check for smoke or fire before going out.
2. Close the door behind you. This may keep the fire from spreading and may protect your possessions from fire and smoke damage.
3. Get out of the building. Don’t look around for other people or gather up your stuff. Knock on doors as you leave and yell “fire.” Don’t hesitate or stray from your path as you leave.
4. Crawl low to the floor if there is smoke present. Thick smoke can make it impossible to see and toxic chemicals from smoke can be deadly in minutes.
5. Pull the fire alarm on your way out if the alarm is not already sounding.
6. Phone for help only after you exit.
7. If you can’t get out, get someone’s attention. Yell and scream or hang a sheet from the window

Fire Extinguisher Use

In some cases, it may be appropriate to use a fire extinguisher on a fire, particularly if it is still relatively small and contained.  If you have any doubt about your ability to extinguish the fire, activate the nearest fire alarm and evacuate the building.  If you do make the decision to use an extinguisher, remember the acronym P.A.S.S.:

PULL the pin.

AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the lever slowly.

SWEEP from side to side to cover the fire’s source until completely extinguished.

If you use a fire extinguisher, please notify Public Safety immediately so that we can take a report and replace the used extinguisher.

Elevator Entrapment

While most members of our campus community will never directly encounter any problems, the sheer volume of elevator traffic on our campus means that entrapments do happen.  Elevator entrapments may be caused by mechanical malfunctions or by passengers as the result of overloading, jumping, attempting to force open doors, or other activities outside normal operation. 

If you find yourself trapped in an elevator, remain calm and press the emergency call button to be connected directly to our dispatch center.  Don’t try to force open the doors, jump, or exit the elevator between floors if the doors are open.  We’ll make sure there are no medical emergencies and begin working to address the issue as quickly as possible.  Most elevator entrapments can be resolved in a matter of minutes, and we’ll stay in touch with you every step of the way.