Fire-fighting equipment and evacuation route postings are located throughout each residence hall. Fire drills are held regularly to help residents to learn fire evacuation procedures. Residents will be given information regarding the fire alarm and evacuation procedures for the hall during their first house meeting. ALL RESIDENTS AND STAFF OF EACH BUILDING MUST EVACUATE THE BUILDING DURING FIRE ALARMS. Once safely out of the building, move away to allow for emergency personnel. Failure to evacuate during fire alarms will result in disciplinary action. Fire drills are conducted in accordance with state law. Residents are required to cooperate with staff and participate in fire, tornado and other emergency drills. Residents should tour their building to become familiar with the location of all fire exits, alarm boxes and areas of refuge.
It is against state law to use fire equipment for a purpose other than its intended
use. Individuals tampering with life support, fire alarms, smoke detectors, or fire-fighting
equipment are subject to immediate dismissal from the University.
Nothing is permitted to obstruct or be hung on the residence hall fire sprinkler system
or plumbing at any time. This includes piping, sprinkler heads, and valves. Hanging
decorations or items from the fire sprinkler system may cause the system to malfunction.
Also, nothing can block the residence hall room windows at any time. Placing items
that block windows can prevent emergency responders from assessing a fire, or rescuing
a resident from a residence hall room.
Fire Evacuation Instructions
Students with concerns that they may have difficulty leaving their hall during an emergency evacuation, please identify yourself to your RA, so that the RA can make professional staff aware of your need for assistance.
It is important that the following instructions are followed to ensure that emergency responders are able to assess the fire from the outside of the building and rescue any trapped residents from the buildings. If possible, please do the following things:
- Turn on the ceiling light and open the blinds
- Close windows
- Touch the inside of the door to test for heat
- Exit immediately. Wear shoes; take your coat, room key, and Michigan Tech ID. Close and lock the door and walk away from the building by your assigned route. Do not talk. Listen for directions. Do NOT use elevators as an emergency exit. Stay low to the ground.
- When you leave the building, move to your assigned meeting area which will be at least 100 feet away from the building.
- Do not return to your room or re-enter the building. Wait for instructions. You may not enter the building when the alarm is silenced unless the all clear has been given by the fire department.
Mobility Limitations
If danger is imminent and you are located in a building on a floor above or below ground level at the time of the emergency, you should proceed to the area adjacent to the nearest exit stairway. The stairways are considered an area of refuge and are protected by fire doors. Contact emergency personnel immediately. While staying in place, keep in direct contact with emergency dispatch from a cell phone and report pertinent information including the location.
If there is no obvious threat to life safety, remain in the area adjacent to the EXIT stairway until emergency personnel arrive. Fire Department personnel, who are trained in emergency rescue, can then enter the building and assist you in exiting the building.
If You Are Trapped In Your Room By Fire:
- Keep your door and window closed tightly and stand in full view in the window until help arrives.
- Brace yourself against the door and crack it slightly open to check the incoming air at the top of the door with your hand.
Fire Prevention
- Please keep posters and other combustible decorations to a minimum.
- Do not cover your desk or floor lamps with any cloth-like materials.
- Check electrical cords and appliances to ensure they are in proper working order. Do not run extension cords under rugs, mattresses, etc.
- Each hall provides kitchenettes for extensive cooking. Possessing or using hazardous electrical appliances such as those with exposed heating elements (toaster, coffee pot with a hot plate to keep coffee warm, candle warmers with a hot plate, etc.) are not permitted in residence hall rooms.
- Residents may not alter the electrical systems or equipment in their rooms. This includes covering or removing the smoke detectors.