Residence Halls

Before A Fire:

  • Locate the two nearest emergency exits and count the number of doors between your room and the exit. In a fire, the hall may be dark, and it may be difficult to see the exit.
  • Do not tamper with, disable or block fire alarms or smoke detectors.
  • Candles, incense, and all other open flame devices are not allowed in residence halls.

If You Discover A Fire:

  • Close the door to the fire area if at all possible, to contain smoke and fire.
  • Activate the fire alarm system at nearest pull station and exit the building immediately.
  • Once outside, call 911 from the nearest phone and report the exact fire location.
  • Report to your building’s designated meeting location.

During A Fire:

  • If the fire alarm sounds, leave the building immediately. Take your room key with you, in case the exits are blocked by fire or smoke, you can return to your room.
  • Feel all closed doors for heat. If there is fire on the other side, it will feel warm. If the door is warm, use your second way out or stay in the room and begin procedures for “If You Are Trapped.”
  • Always use the stairs, not an elevator, during a fire.
  • If you must escape through smoke, crawl low under the smoke on your hands and knees to your exit.

If You Are Trapped:

  • Stay calm – Do not panic.
  • If you cannot escape and there is not fire in your room, stay put.
  • Call 911 if possible and let them know your exact location.
  • Shut off fans and air conditioner because they can draw smoke into the room.
  • Stuff towels or sheets in the cracks around all doors and vents between you and the fire.
  • Open the window and wave a white or brightly colored cloth from it and call to any people below.
  • Do not break windows unless smoke is pouring into your room and you need fresh air to breathe.
  • Stay near the window where you can be seen. Do not hide under the bed or in the closet.
  • If you cannot get to a window, go to an inside corner of the room, curl up on the floor, and protect your face with a wet cloth if possible. Stay calm, breathe slowly, and call out for help when you hear rescue personnel in the hallway.

EH&S conducts Residence Hall Fire Drills once a semester.