Fire Alarms
Any fire alarm calls for an immediate and full building evacuation. In the event of an actual fire-related emergency,
9-1-1 should be called immediately. Additionally, evacuation procedures as set forth in the Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place Annex (2.3) should be followed. Evacuation maps are placed in multiple common areas, including elevator lobbies.
Upon the triggering of a fire alarm, residents and guests should be directed to leave the building, and the Public Safety Office should be contacted and provided with as much information as possible, including the building’s location, the name of building and location of the alarm. This evacuation can only be halted by the Fire Department giving the “all clear.” During an evacuation only the stairways should be used; elevators should never be used. If one stairway is impassible, the one at the opposite side of the building should be used. The fire escapes should be used as a last resort.
False Alarms
False alarms are serious pranks that have the potential for creating panic situations, as well as being the cause of unintentional injury. Anyone apprehended in the act of triggering a false alarm or reported to have been the cause of a false alarm should be turned in to the proper authorities for disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.
Fire Prevention
In the interest of fire prevention and safety, faculty and staff must maintain an awareness of various potential building hazards in their respective areas. Always remove clutter; properly dispose of old papers, books, boxes, printouts, etc; keep halls and doorways clear; and properly store volatile or flammable substances in approved containers.
All University personnel should also familiarize themselves with the locations of stairwells, fire escapes, and emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and hoses, in and around the areas of the University they frequent.