In the event of a fire, all building occupants are instructed to always evacuate the building promptly via the nearest clear exit and to remain in the designated area outside the building until they are given the word to re-enter the building.  Staff and residents have been made aware of manual fire alarm box locations within the facility and the fire alarm system may be activated while exiting the building, but in no case should residents jeopardize their safety to activate the alarms.  Once outside the building, the fire should be reported by dialing 9-1-1.

The following fire emergency instructions are posted in each student room:

If You Hear a Fire Alarm

  1. Immediately evacuate the building via the shortest and safest route. Do not use elevators.
  2. If you notice smoke, use the alternative escape route.
  3. Test doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If the door is warm or if you notice smoke, use an alternative escape route. Check paths for safety before proceeding and close doors behind you.
  4. Crawl low if you have to go through smoke.
  5. Go to a safe area or to a pre-assigned exterior area for your building.
  6. If you suspect that someone is missing or trapped, contact the emergency personnel outside the building.
  7. If you are trapped during a fire emergency, close all doors between you and the fire. Stuff cracks around the doors to keep out smoke. Wait at a safe window and signal/call for help. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department or911and tell them exactly where you are.
  8. Stop, Drop and Roll if you clothing catches fire.

If You Discover a Fire

  1. Leave the fire area and close the door to the area.
  2. Sound the fire alarm.
  3. Immediately evacuate the building via the shortest and safest route. (Proper use of fire extinguishers within extinguisher limits and by trained individuals is optional but should not be attempted until building alarm is actuated and people are evacuated.
  4. Do not use elevators. A fire can disrupt the operation of elevators and trap occupants inside.
  5. If you notice smoke, use the alternate escape route.
  6. Test doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If the door is warm or if you notice smoke, use an alternative escape route. Check paths for safety before proceeding and close doors behind you.
  7. Crawl low if you have to go through smoke.
  8. Go to a safe area or to a pre-assigned exterior area for your building.
  9. From the nearest phone in a safe area, call 911.
  10. Await emergency response personnel at safe location and direct them to the scene.
  11. If you suspect that someone is missing or trapped, contact the emergency personnel outside the building.
  12. If you are trapped during a fire emergency, close all doors between you and the fire and stuff cracks around the doors to keep out smoke. Wait at a safe window and signal/call for help. If there is a phone in the room, call the911and tell them exactly where you are.
  13. Stop, Drop and Roll if your clothing catches fire.

Once You Have Evacuated

  1. From the nearest phone in the safe area, call 911.
  2. If you suspect that someone is missing or trapped, contact firefighters on scene or at the fire engine, police officers, or ambulance personnel.
  3. Await emergency response personnel at a safe location and direct them to the scene. Report the fire to the hall office or the nearest available resident advisor. Do not reenter the building until instructed to do so by the fire department.
  4. Follow directions of fire and police personnel and the housing staff.
  5. Report to the person who is taking roll.
  6. Never reenter the building to save your personal belongings.
  7. Stay calm.