Fire Alarm Procedures
- Activate the fire pull alarm station and warn the other occupants by knocking on doors and shouting as you leave.
- Notify 911 immediately and contact Campus Safety (at least one person needs to ensure that this has been accomplished, generally an RD or RA). Give the exact location and nature of the situation.
- Confine the fire by closing all doors in the area and rescue anyone in immediate danger, only if you can do so safely.
- Evacuate the building via the nearest exit, in a controlled yet rapid manner. All persons are to utilize stairs, not elevators during a fire alert situation. Walk to the outside of the building at a distance of at least 100 feet, keeping the main building egress clear for incoming emergency vehicles.
- Remain outside until the local Fire Department and Campus Safety arrive to assess the situation, which includes a search of the building for any remaining occupants. Approval to return to the building is subject to authorization by the Fire Chief.
Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself. Your best means of survival is immediate evacuation.
Fire Drills Fire drills will be held at least once a semester to ensure residents will be able to evacuate the halls quickly. Anyone in the building at the time of an alarm must participate in the drill. It is necessary for everyone to go to the assembly area, which you are instructed or informed of at the beginning of the year by your Resident Director (RD), or Assistant Resident Director (ARD). This is to allow a count to ensure that everyone has exited the building safely.
Severe Weather Information
- Tornado Watch: Weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. A weather watch is generally issued for a period of six (6) hours by the National Weather Service. Campus Safety will notify the R.D. on call and continue to update them regarding any changes that occur. They can notify the other RD’s and ARD’s
- Tornado Warning: A tornado has been detected by radar or a trained weather spotter. A tornado warning is generally issued for a period of one-half (1/2) hour to one (1) hour by the National Weather Service. Campus Safety will send out a Grace Alert to notify the campus of the need to move to the lowest level of the building away from outside walls and windows. Updates will be sent by Grace Alert regarding any changes that occur. In the case of a tornado warning, residents should move as quickly as possible. The Director of Campus Safety or a designated official will give the all-clear.
Please note the following instructions to be followed during a tornado warning:
- Evacuate upper floors
- Move to the center of the basement, bathroom, interior room, or closet
- Get under a sturdy table or desk if possible
- If stuck on an upper floor go to an interior hall or stairwell
- If caught outside lie flat in a ditch
- Avoid windows and exterior walls
- Cover your head
Your shelter locations are indicated on the residence hall floor diagrams posted on the hall and dorm room doors.