Procedures for Evacuation

Upon hearing the sounding of a fire alarm:

• All residents and guests must immediately evacuate the building.
• At the sound of a fire alarm or if you are instructed to evacuate, leave your dorm room or work area immediately and proceed to the nearest exit, and leave the building.
• If you are the first to recognize a fire situation, activate the alarm, evacuate t a safe location using the nearest exit, and call 911 and notify the Department of Public Safety at 413-565-1225.
• Remain CALM.
• DO NOT use elevators; use the stairs.
• Assist the physically impaired. If they are unable to exit without using an elevator, secure a safe location.
• Proceed to a clear area at least 150 feet from the building. Keep all walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Make sure all personnel are out of the building.
• Do not re-enter the building.

If smoke detector activation occurs in your door room or work area only:

If activation occurs and fire, smoke and/or burning odor is present:

• Leave the room or area, closing the door behind you.
• Pull the Fire Alarm Pull Box located at the building exits.
• Evacuate the building.
• Call 911 to report the fire or possible fire. Be prepared to give location, name and phone number if possible.

If an activation occurs and there is NO evidence of any fire, smoke and/or burning odor present:

• Leave the room or area and close the door behind you.
• Call Public Safety from a safe location to give report and then meet the responding fire department in a safe location outside of your room.
• If you subsequently discover evidence of a fire, smoke and/or burning odor follow the above evacuation procedures.

Fire Safety Education and Training Programs:

All Residence Life staff members are trained based upon standard University protocols for fire safety, with an additional training session on specific protocols for Resident Advisors (RAs) included below:

RA Protocol for Fire/Sounding Alarm

• Every time a fire alarm sounds, exit the building – always assume there is a fire.
• If a fire is confirmed and alarm is not sounding, activate the closest pull situation.
• Immediately notify the Department of Public Safety whenever fire alarm is sounding.
• After calling  Public Safety, call the RD on Duty.
• RAs should assist with crowd control and orderly evacuation of the building (staff shouting “Get Out,” or if confirmed fire, shout “Fire – Get Out). RAs should NEVER put themselves in harm’s way.
• Help keep residents at designated evacuation stations away from buildings. Do not re-enter a building until instructed to do so by Campus Public Safety or the fire department, typically after alarm and strobe lights have been reset.
• Remain alert at all times, paying attention for any information about vandalism or false alarms.

The RAs sponsor multiple fire safety education programs, particularly focusing on the start of each new term, to help educate the students. Special programs are designed for incoming freshmen each fall semester. Every student is required to attend a mandatory opening meeting to review all policies and procedures, including fire safety and evacuation procedures.

Policies on Portable Electrical Appliances, Smoking and Open Flames in Campus Housing

All policies must be must be reviewed and acknowledged by each student upon registering online for campus housing. All University policies related to campus housing are located in the Student Housing Agreement within the Student Handbook, distributed to each resident upon checking in.

Smoking

Smoking any substance and the use of tobacco products is prohibited inside all residential facilities.

Fire Safety

Tampering with, vandalizing, or misusing fire safety equipment is prohibited and constitutes reasons for eviction from residential living and possible suspension or expulsion from the University. Fire safety equipment includes, but is not limited to: alarms; extinguishers; smoke detectors; door closures; alarmed doors; and sprinklers. Failure to evacuate during a safety drill will result in disciplinary action. Items that are flammable, such as fuel, may not be stored in a resident's room or apartment.

Extension Cords and Multiple Plugs

An extension cord must be UL approved, 16 gauge, and not exceed an un-spliced length of 6 feet with a polarized plug and a single outlet. It may not be placed under floor coverings or furnishings and may not be secured by penetrating the insulation.

Flammable Items

Flammable items, such as fuel, may not be stored in residents’ rooms or apartments.

Fire Lanes

Emergency lanes are strictly reserved for use by emergency vehicles only. Unauthorized vehicles parked in these areas will be towed at the owner’s risk and expense.

Fire Equipment

Equipment is provided to monitor fire safety conditions. Misuse of these items or other emergency equipment constitutes a danger to the safety of the community and may lead to suspension from BPU. Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of fire equipment and evacuation routes. Fire equipment is also located throughout the corridors and includes, but is not limited to, alarms, extinguishers, smoke detectors, door closures, alarmed doors, and sprinklers. Safety drills will be conducted in accordance with state law. Failure to evacuate when alarms sound is grounds for disciplinary action and fines.

Irons

Ironing is permitted, but irons must always be used with ironing boards that have a fire resistant cover. Irons should never be plugged in when not in use, or left unattended. Irons with automatic cutoff mechanisms are required.

Open Flames

Items which require an open flame to operate or which produce heat (e.g., Bunsen burners, lighted candles, alcohol burners) are not allowed in the facilities.

Decorations

Decorative items such as fishnets, parachutes, and other items that are flammable are not permitted in residents’ rooms and are prohibited unless they have been fireproofed. Only UL approved lights may be used. Decorations must comply with all fire and facility regulations. Due to fire/facility damage risk, live cut trees are not permitted. While actual fire has not historically been a problem at BPU, fire alarms frequently sound as a result of burned items in microwaves, specifically popcorn. Residents should always stay with the items they are cooking and avoiding burning food.

Report any vandalized or disconnected smoke detectors to the Residence Director immediately.