Fire Equipment and Safety

Fire Equipment

Fire Alarms In order to protect yourself, and possibly save your life and the lives of others, you must assume that there is a fire when an alarm sounds.

All students must evacuate the building when a fire alarm is sounded. Failure to evacuate during a fire alarm will subject the student to University disciplinary action and/or civil action.

Pulling a false alarm is a violation of both University policy and civil law. Anyone found responsible for pulling a false fire alarm will be subject to a University sanction and/or civil action.

Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers are located in the hallways of Crawford, Julia Sears, McElroy, and Preska. They are to be used only in the event of a fire. Sprinkler System Sprinkler heads are installed in various areas of the residence communities. Extreme heat or trauma directed toward a sprinkler head will activate the sprinkler system and fire alarm system. When the fire alarm system is activated, the area must be evacuated. Large volumes of water will flow out of the sprinkler head. Damage to the surrounding area will occur.

Smoke Detectors Smoke detectors are an essential part of the fire safety system. Residents’ bedrooms are equipped with smoke detectors that sound independently. Residents are responsible for ensuring their smoke detectors are connected and operational at all times per Minnesota Law. Residents should test smoke detectors the first Monday of every month. Disabling or removing smoke detectors will result in disciplinary action. If your smoke detector is inoperable, submit a Maintenance Request (MR). Tampering with Fire Equipment

Fire safety equipment that has been tampered with may fail to operate correctly in an emergency. This could prove fatal. Tampering with fire safety equipment (including, but not limited to fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, and exit signs) when there is not a fire or any reason to believe that one exists will result in disciplinary action, civil penalties, and possible eviction. Fire Safety Regulations

All residents are expected to observe the following fire safety regulations. • No candles, incense, open flame, e-cigs or other electronic smoking devices are allowed in the residence communities. • Appliances with an open coil or that can bring oil to a boil are not allowed. • Smoke detectors are to be connected and operational at all times. • Light fixtures, outlets, and switches are not to be altered or have items hung from their surfaces. • Motorbikes or other motorized vehicles are not allowed in the residence communities. • Access to windows, smoke detectors, or doorways is to be unobstructed. • Excessive use of flammable substances on walls is not permitted. • Residents are encouraged to use metal or flame-retardant wastebaskets. • Items posted on room doors may cover only 20 percent of a door’s surface. • Residents are not to leave cooking food unattended. Fire Safety Tips

• Make a fire escape plan and practice it. Locate two fire exits close to your room and count the number of doors between your room and each exit. • Make a plan to assist others who are unable to evacuate on their own. Even if it is a temporary disability, plan ahead for fire emergencies. • Test your smoke detector the first Monday of every month. Submit a Maintenance Request (MR) to report a malfunctioning smoke detector. • Turn off all appliances when leaving a room and check any electrical equipment that is not working properly or smells odd. • Do not overload electrical circuits. • Keep all areas clear of trash. • Use fire equipment for fire prevention only. Participate in fire drills.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are used to familiarize residents with a building’s fi re alarm system, emergency exits, and procedures for contacting the fi re department. Residents must evacuate during a fi re drill. Fire Evacuation Procedures

At the fi rst indication of a fi re, whether it is persistent smoke, fl ame, or a fi re alarm; follow the procedure outlined below. If You See a Fire • Leave the area immediately. • Contact the fi re department (911). When the Fire Alarm Sounds • Always assume there is a fi re. Don’t ignore it. • If time permits, take a jacket and shoes. Take a towel to cover your face. • Stay low and crawl to your door. Smoke fi lls a room from the ceiling down. • Test the door with the back of your hand. • If the door is hot, keep the door closed and stay in the room. • If the door is cool, open it slowly. Walk quickly and calmly to the ground level, closing all doors behind you. Do not use an elevator.

An elevator may open at a fl oor on fi re or stop working, trapping you inside. • If there is smoke in the hallway, crawl to the stairs. Count the doors as you go so you do not get lost. If the smoke and heat are too great, try an alternate escape route. If both escape routes are blocked, return to your room. If You Are Trapped Inside Your Room • Close the door between you and the fi re. • Seal up cracks and vents to keep smoke and toxic gases out. • Put a wet cloth over your nose and wait at a window. • Open the window a few inches for fresh air. DO NOT break the glass. • Hang a sheet or some other article out your window to signal the fi re department. • DO NOT panic. DO NOT jump. Wait for help. Once You Have Evacuated the Area • Notify civil authorities of anyone that may not be able to physically respond to the fi re alarm or use sound judgment to evacuate the area (e.g. wheelchair users or someone under the infl uence of alcohol or drugs). • Do not reenter the building until you are told to do so by civil authorities. If Your Clothes Catch Fire • STOP. DROP to the ground or fl oor immediately and cover your face with your hands. ROLL over back and forth to smother the fl ames.