 |
| Western Kentucky University |
In Case of Fire
If you experience a fire, do not use water. Call 911 immediately. Never attempt to use water to extinguish a grease fire. While awaiting the fire department’s arrival, an all-purpose fire extinguisher can be used, but only if you have one ready and know how to use it.
On Campus:
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) reports that in cases where fire fatalities occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. In more than 50% of adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence at the time of the fire. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts. Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries on college campuses, closely followed by careless smoking and arson.
- Students should be made aware of the general rules of fire safety. Proper evacuation procedures should be discussed, along with how to properly use the fire alarm system and notify emergency dispatchers.
- Plan ahead – know the layout of your floor; the location of stair exits; the number of doors between your room and the exits; the location of fire alarm boxes; and the location of your room key, which you’ll need to take with you when evacuating.
- Students should take each alarm seriously and never ignore them.
- Vandalized smoke detectors and fire alarm systems can prevent early detection of fires.
- Misuse of cooking appliances, overloaded electrical circuits and extension cords increase the risk of fires.
- Students should keep exit doors and windows clear and unobstructed.
- All students should be required to participate in fire drills.
Off Campus
- Plan ahead – know the layout of your floor; the location of stair exits; the number of doors between your apartment and the exits; the location of fire alarm boxes; and the location of your apartment key, which you’ll need to take with you when evacuating.
- Never leave food unattended while cooking.
- Report fire hazards and problem alarms to management personnel.
- In a fire emergency, feel the entry door with the back of your hand. If it's warm, don’t open it. Stay in the apartment. Use a cell phone to stay in touch with 911 dispatchers. Wave a flashlight or light-colored piece of clothing or material (like a sheet) out the window to alert firefighters that you're trapped.
- Test your smoke and CO2 alarms monthly and don’t disable them for any reason.
- Don't overload electrical circuits.
- Keep exit doors and windows clear and unobstructed.
- Take each alarm seriously and never ignore them.
- Report any problems with the self-closing devices on apartment doors. They ensure that the door positively latches, which slows down the progression of fire and smoke.
