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FIRE SAFETY

Fire Policy

To assist in the protection of life and property, candles and other open-flame devices or highly flammable substances (particularly gases, liquids, and gels) are prohibited in all campus buildings; this includes use, decoration, or storage. With proper safeguards, there are exceptions for academic, maintenance, construction, and storage purposes. These exceptions must be approved by the Safety Committee and Fire Safety Manager. 

Fires are permitted outdoors only in specified areas.

Only manufactured Christmas trees are permitted in any campus building. Natural, cut trees are prohibited, whether or not they are decorated with electric lights.

RESIDENCE HALL & OTHER BUILDING FIRE POLICIES

Alarm Policy

When the fire alarm activates immediately exit the building using the nearest available exit. It is not your responsibility to determine whether or not there is a fire. It is your responsibility to leave the building and go to your designated assembly area to facilitate accounting for the building occupants. It is not your responsibility to fight fire.

When the fire alarm sounds, get out. Exit the building via the nearest available exit. Go to your assembly area and stay there until authorities give the All Clear to re-enter or tell you to move to a shelter area. When the tornado warning sounds (long siren wail outside, some buildings have an alarm and announcement inside), go to a marked storm shelter. If there is not a marked storm shelter in your building, go as low as you can in the building in an inside (away from the outside walls) room. Stay there until the All Clear (short siren wail or announcement) sounds. When a campus lockdown order is issued (this will be announced over the alarm system in equipped buildings and by text and voice messages via the Emergency Notification System; click here to sign up), stay in the room you’re in. If you are in a hallway, get into a room. Lock or barricade the door. Be quiet. Stay away from windows. Don’t open the door for ANYONE. Authorities will have access to locked doors. 

Fire Safety Practices

Campus Safety works closely with local, regional, state, and national agencies to ensure Southern is prepared to respond appropriately to a wide range of emergencies. Following are links to emergency agencies and other safety information: