Fire Safety

This policy is not in the purview of Student Life

College buildings are provided with smoke and fire alarms, fire extinguishers and other forms of fire safety equipment in order to ensure the safety of all persons associated with the college. The college regards any tampering with fire safety equipment as a serious offense, which potentially endangers the lives of hundreds of students. For this reason the following regulations have been established:

1. Dangerous or malicious misuse of fire in college buildings such as the burning of material in waste baskets or on bulletin boards, damaging fire doors, etc., is viewed as serious misconduct by the college. Any object, including candles and incense, creating an open flame will be seen as a violation of the fire safety policy and is strictly prohibited. Anyone found responsible for these actions will be subject to disciplinary action.
2. The removal, possession, destruction, theft or misuse of fire safety equipment such as fire alarms, fire exit signs, smoke and fire detector alarms, and similar safety equipment shall be subject to disciplinary action. It is a city ordinance that anyone tampering with fire extinguishers in any fashion is subject to a fine of $500 and/or 30 days in jail. Persons found to be misusing fire extinguishers may be reported to civil authorities in addition to the penalties set above. The setting of false alarms is a misdemeanor punishable by civil authorities with a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail. Persons found to be setting off false alarms will be reported to civil authorities for civil action in addition to the penalties set above.
3. For the purposes of the above regulations and penalties, fraternities are considered to be college residences.
4. Do not ignore fire drills; they serve a purpose. Hall residents are expected to participate in fire drills for their own protection.

If you discover or suspect a fire, sound the alarm.

• Go to a fire alarm box and pull the lever.
• If the alarm does not operate and you are not in immediate danger, shout and knock on doors.
• Call the fire department when you are out of danger (911).

If you hear a fire alarm, leave the building.

Walk; do not run to the nearest stairway. If the nearest exit is blocked by smoke, heat, or fire, go to an alternate exit. If all exits from the floor are blocked, go back to a remote room, close the door, and open the windows. They should be opened slightly to let out heat and smoke and to let in fresh air. Hang a sheet or towel out of your window so the fire department knows you are there.

Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

1. Be aware of persons in your area with disabilities (i.e. impaired vision, impaired hearing, impaired mobility).
2. Alert them to the emergency (i.e. inform a person with a hearing impairment of the alarm) and give assistance if asked.
3. Persons with impaired mobility have four basic options for evacuation, in the following order:
   1. Evacuate using building exits to the outside at ground level, or go to an unaffected wing of multi-building complexes.
   2. Evacuate to the designated “Area of Refuge” away from the area of danger. The “Area of Refuge” is a pre-determined location on each floor of each building. The person should go to the area and notify emergency personnel of their location. Emergency personnel will determine if further evacuation is necessary.
   3. Stay in place: unless danger is imminent, remain in a room with an exterior window, a telephone, and a solid or fire resistant door. Call 911. Report your location. If the phone lines fail, signal from the window by waving a cloth or other visible object.
   4. Evacuate using steps to reach ground level.
4. NOTE: Trained professionals should conduct stairway evacuation of wheelchair users. Only in situations of extreme danger should untrained people attempt to evacuate wheelchair users.
   Immediately notify emergency personnel of the precise location and needs of persons with disabilities who need assistance with evacuation.