Keep the Doors Closed: Seal cracks and vents if smoke comes in. If you become trapped in a room and there is no smoke outside, open the windows, from the top to let out the heat and smoke and from the bottom to let in fresh air.

Signal for Help: Hang an object out the window (a bed sheet, jacket, shirt, etc.) to attract the fire department’s attention. If there is a phone in the room, call the Department of Safety and Security and report that you are trapped. Be sure to specify your building and room number.

Sometimes it is Safer to Stay in Place: 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. DON’T JUMP!

If You Are on Fire: If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll. Rolling smothers the fire.

Cool burns: Use cool tap water on burns immediately. Don’t use ointments. If the skin is blistered, dead white, brown, or charred, go to the Health Services building or call the ambulance 9-911.

Smoke Carefully: Smoke only in designated areas. If you smoke, don’t smoke in bed or near flammable materials. Use large ashtrays and be sure ashes, matches, and cigarette ends are cold before you dump them. Don’t smoke while intoxicated.

Cook in Approved Areas or Kitchens and Use Laboratory-Tested Appliances: Stay nearby while appliances are being used. Remove grease and clean appliances as soon as possible.

Be Careful with Electricity: Use only laboratory-tested appliances. Don’t overload outlets. Replace damaged wires.

If you have a disability (even a temporary one), be certain to do the following:

• Plan ahead for fire emergencies.
• Be aware of your own capabilities and limitations.
• Notify the College staff so that you can get assistance when needed.
• Look for “areas of refuge” like stair enclosures or the safe side of corridor fire doors.
• Do not use elevators or try to descend fire stairs in a wheelchair.

Sometimes it may be safer to stay in your room, and follow the advice for being trapped.

You are especially vulnerable to smoke asphyxiation. Even young healthy people may not be able to escape a fire if they are intoxicated. They may not hear the smoke alarm or be able to find an exit. Take special care of anyone who becomes intoxicated, particularly if the person is a smoker.

Report to the Department of Safety and Security any damaged fire equipment such as the following:

• Fire Doors: Fire doors should close completely and automatically. Fire doors must be kept closed at all times.
• Exit Doors: Two exits should be visible from all public areas.
• Fire Alarms: Horns, bells, and pull stations should be accessible and operational.
• Smoke Detectors: Smoke detectors should not be blocked or vandalized.
• Fire Extinguishers: Fire Extinguishers should be functional. Report when they are empty, have been vandalized, or are missing.

If a fire alarm sounds, students should close the windows, leave the room, closing the door behind them, and leave the building immediately through the nearest safe exit. There is a $100 fine and disciplinary action for a student who does not leave the building during an alarm. Tampering with or disconnecting smoke detectors is illegal and results in severe sanctions.

Students with information about the nature of a false alarm should report the information to College officials when they arrive on the scene. If the false alarm is pulled intentionally, the residence hall is fined. Serious offenses such as any tampering with fire equipment (alarm, extinguishers, sprinkler heads, etc.) result in removal from College housing, restitution, and/or a minimum two-day suspension.

Vandalism of fire extinguishers, exit signs, and fire alarms reduces fire protection, and is against the law. Any student found responsible for such vandalism can be expelled from the College and face criminal prosecution. A conviction could prevent a student from being admitted to graduate or professional school. Fires injure and kill people and destroy property. Therefore, anyone setting a fire should be reported immediately.