Fire Safety Procedures

AU Staff Updated by AU Staff

Fire Safety

A fire may include visible flames or strong odors of burning. The appropriate emergency action is for persons to evacuate the building quickly and safely, call the Fire Department (911) first and notify Campus Safety for Manhattan by dialing x6198 from a campus phone or (646) 378-6198 from a private or public phone or for The Bay at Jersey City at (845) 222-8812.

If the Fire can be Extinguished

  • If you are the person who discovered the fire, extinguish it only if you can do so safely and quickly.
  • If the fire alarm has not gone on automatically, pull the nearest fire alarm and call the Fire Department (911).
  • Use an appropriate fire extinguisher to control the fire only if you have had fire extinguisher training, the fire is confinable and your personal safety is not placed in jeopardy.
  • If the fire is extinguished, call Campus Safety Manhattan by dialing x6198 from a campus phone or (646) 378-6198 from a private or public phone or for The Bay at Jersey City at (845) 222-8812.

If the Fire Cannot be Extinguished

  • Confine the fire by closing the doors.
  • If the fire alarm has not gone on automatically, pull the nearest fire alarm and call the Fire Department (911).
  • Call Campus Safety by dialing x6198 from a campus phone or (646) 378-6198 from a private or public phone.
  • Alert others.
  • Exit the building, assisting anyone who needs help in the evacuation.
  • Meet the Fire Department when they arrive.
For Occupants of the Building
  • Close the doors to your immediate area.
  • EVACUATE the building via the nearest exit. Assist others in exiting the building.
  • DO NOT use elevators.       
  • Avoid smoke filled areas.  See evacuating below.
  • If you can’t escape, use wet towels or tape to seal the door and any room supply vent.
  • If there is no fire below, go to the window and open it.  Stay near the open window.  Hang a blanket or a towel out the window to let people know that you are there and need help.
  • Be calm and wait for someone to rescue you.
For Persons Evacuating from the Immediate Area
  • Feel the door from top to bottom. If it is hot, DO NOT proceed; go back.
  • If the door is cool, crouch low and open the door slowly. Close the door quickly if smoke is present so you do not inhale it.
  • If no smoke is present, exit the building via the nearest stairwell or exit.
  • If you encounter heavy smoke in a stairwell, go back and try another stairwell.

Residence Hall Procedures

Electronic Items in Residence Halls

In the interest of fire safety, ONLY the following appliances may be used within designated areas: refrigerators, automatic coffee pots, hot pots, hand vacuums, small sweepers, compact vacuums, electric curlers, curling irons and blow dryers. Electric irons with automatic shut-off are provided within each residence hall. Vacuums are available for use in each residence. If unauthorized items are found, they will be confiscated by Residence Life Staff.

NOTE: Among the appliances NOT permitted are halogen lamps, microwave ovens, toasters, toaster ovens, crock pots, irons, rice cookers, waffle irons, heaters, air conditioners, hot plates, electrical grills and extension cords. These items will be confiscated by Residence Life Staff.

Fire Safety in Residence Halls

Each residence hall will hold fire drills on a periodic basis. Evacuation instructions are posted in each residence room and in public areas. Additionally, each floor is equipped with a fire extinguisher.

When a fire alarm is given, the following procedures are to be followed:

  • All persons must evacuate the building immediately.
  • Doors must be closed (and unlocked) with the room lights turned on.
  • Buildings may only be re-entered when permission is granted by an authorized college or fire department official.

To emphasize the seriousness of fire safety, any person (faculty, staff or student) found violating any provision of these regulations will be charged a fine of $250. Other disciplinary measures and financial restitution may also be required. Violations of these restrictions will also result in a fine of $250 and possible suspension or expulsion. These restrictions include, but are not limited to:

  • Moving, adjusting or otherwise tampering with any fire safety equipment
  • Use or possession of any fireworks
  • Use or possession of any candles or incense inside resident rooms. No candles or incense of any kind is permitted in residence halls (only Glade plug-ins are permitted).
  • Use or possession of any open flame or flame-producing device
  • Use of extension cords (only use of surge protectors is permitted)
  • Blocking or restricting passage in a hallway, stairway or doorway (i.e. garbage, shoes, open umbrella, etc.)
  • Failure to respond immediately to a fire alarm
  • Propping any of the fire doors at any time
  • Initiating or reporting a false alarm – The intentional or reckless pulling of a fire alarm is considered a criminal offense. Any student who sets off the fire alarm by neglect will be fined $250.

Fire Safety Training/Education

Fire safety and training endeavors are an ongoing effort at Alliance University.

  • Resident Life Professional staff and Resident Assistants are provided evacuation and basic fire safety training at the beginning of the year.
  • All new students are given mandatory fire safety training in conjunction with other training during the Fall and Spring New Student Orientation Sessions, which are mandatory.
  • The Alliance University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is made available via email to every employee and student each year at the beginning of October. A PDF copy is also made available on the Safety and Security website:
  • Faculty/Staff training occurs at the beginning of the year retreat in August before the start of each school year.

Residence Hall Visits/Safety Inspections

  • Residence Hall room inspections are held once per month to insure that the Health and Fire safety Regulations of New York are being met (all fire hazards will result in a $250 fine).
  • Items allowed and not allowed (including appliances and electrical items) are included in the yearly Student Handbook that is made available on the Student Portal.

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