FIRE SAFETY
AND
ARSON PREVENTION

Fire Safety Begins With You 

Each year college and university students face a growing number of fire related emergencies. There are a number of causes for these fires, but lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention is the leading cause. 

In cases where fire fatalities have occurred on campuses across the nation, alcohol was a contributing factor. 

There is a strong connection between alcohol and fire related deaths. Alcohol impairs judgment and decision making and hampers evacuation efforts. Cooking has been identified as the leading cause of fire related injuries on college campuses. This is followed closely by careless handling of smoking materials and ARSON. 

• There are many factors that contribute to the problem of residence hall fires.
• Improper use of 911 systems delays emergency response.
• Apathy on the part of students. Many do not feel the threat is real. 
• Fire alarms are often ignored. 
• Building evacuations are delayed because of lack of preparation and planning by residents. 
• Misuse of cooking appliances, overloading electrical outlets and extension cords. 
• Vandalized smoke alarms and fire alarm systems. 

Should you discover SMOKE or FIRE or hear the fire alarm: 

1. Pull the fire alarm, if it is not already sounding. 
2. Notify other persons on your way out of the building. 
3. Leave the building then Dial 9-911 from an FSC building or 911 from an off campus phone or cell phone. 

IMMEDIATELY LEAVE BUILDING BY MEANS OF NEAREST AVAILABLE EXIT. 

1. Before opening the door, see if it is hot by placing the palm of your hand against it. 
   1. If the door is hot, remain in the room. 
   2. If you are on the ground floor level, CAREFULLY exit through the window, if possible. 
   3. If you are on the upper floor, call 9-911 from an FSC phone or 911 from an off campus or cell phone and notify the dispatcher of the name of the residence hall at FSC and the room number. 
   4. Block the entrance of smoke and heat into the room by stuffing towels or blankets around the door. 
   5. Stay low near the floor to avoid smoke and heat. Open the window, DO NOT exit onto ledges. 
   6. REMAIN CALM. Firefighters will get to you as soon as possible. 
2. If the door is cool, open it slightly and check for smoke in the corridor. 
   1. If it is clear, proceed to nearest available exit (exterior door or stairwell).
   2. Stay low near the floor to avoid smoke and heat. 
   3. Close the doors on your way out. 
3. If the corridor is too smoky to reach the stairway or exit, remain in the room.
4. Follow the instructions in item 1, above. 
5. When leaving the building, get clear of the entire area. 

If you have information about a possible Arson or if you suspect a fire may have been deliberately set, please contact Campus Safety at 680-4305.