Fire and Safety
The Campus Police Department will be responsible for the scheduling of fire drills and fire inspections. The Department is also responsible for ensuring that fire extinguishers are charged and placed in the residence halls and other College buildings, maintaining evacuation plans in all campus buildings, and periodic checks of emergency lighting. Any faulty equipment will be reported to the Maintenance Department for repair.
Fire Safety/Alarms/Regulations
If there is a fire in any building on campus the most important rule to remember is remain calm . By following the rules referenced below, you can save your life and also the lives of others.
• If you discover a fire on your floor, or if you see or smell smoke which indicates the presence of a fire, report it immediately by dialing 9-911.
• Upon indication that there is a fire in the building, stay calm and exit the building as quickly as possible. If you encounter smoke, crawl on your hands and knees to the closest exit.
• If you are in your room, check to see if the door is warm.
• After you check the door, if it is not warm, take warm clothes, open your shades and close but do not lock your door.
• If the door is hot, stuff the base of the door with a towel or garment.
• Open the widow and signal for help.
• If you are above the first floor, if at all possible, do not jump from the window - try to wait for help.
• If you must exit the room from the window, tie your sheets together and climb down.
• If you pass a fire alarm as you exit the building, do your best to activate the alarm.
• Go to the closest stairwell and get out of the building. Never use an elevator.
• Once out of the building, call the fire department and Campus Police immediately.
• Stay at least 100 feet from the building.
• Do not reenter the building until instructed by the Fire Chief or by Campus Police .
Fire Extinguisher
Only use a fire extinguisher if there is a small fire. Do not try to extinguish a fire that is already out of control. If you believe that a fire extinguisher will work, follow these rules:
• Do not attempt to extinguish a fire yourself until an alarm has been triggered.
• Pull the pin at the top of the handle.
• Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
• Activate the fire extinguisher and sweep the base of the fire.
• The fire department needs to be notified of the fire as soon as possible.
• If you are able to put out the fire, notify Campus Police immediately.
• If you observe a fire extinguisher missing or needing service, contact Campus Police immediately. Campus Police Officers check fire extinguishers monthly to ensure proper operation and location.
In the event of a fire alarm, all residents are required to vacate the building. The Fire Department is not able to clear alarms and allow residents back into the building until all residents have vacated. Even if you are sure the alarm is a false one, you must leave the building. Students who refuse to leave or attempt to hide to avoid vacating the building will be charged with a serious violation of college policy .
Fire Drills
Fire drills are conducted each month of the Fall and Spring semester in every hall at various times during the evening and after midnight once per semester. This is in accordance with North Carolina state law. It is done to ensure that all residents are familiar with evacuation procedures and to ensure that all safety equipment is functional. During a fire drill every student MUST evacuate the building and follow emergency procedures, as well as Campus Police and/or Residence Life Staff instructions.
Fire Safety EQUIPMENT
Fire equipment is placed in the residence halls for students' protection and the protection of property in the event of a fire or emergency. Anyone who causes damage to this equipment or who renders it unusable or ineffective is endangering the safety of all residents. If a student is involved with the misuse or tampering of any fire safety equipment, tampering with smoke detectors or fire alarm bells, including setting off false fire alarms, he/she will be subject to penalties described by State and Federal laws as well as College judicial action. Costs for missing or discharged fire extinguishers will be charged to all building residents if the individual(s) responsible cannot be identified.
Open Flames
Open flames of any kind (specifically candles, incense, and oil lamps) are prohibited in your residence hall room in conjunction with fire safety regulations. Candles and incense are particularly dangerous as they are easily tipped over or forgotten when residents leave the room. In addition, their flames are easily wind blown and can damage clothing, curtains and carpet. Halogen lamps and extension cords are also prohibited due to their potential to start fires. A UL approved surge protector may be used when plugged directly into a wall outlet.
