Fire safety

It’s easier to prevent a fire than it is to extinguish or escape from one. Fire safety is important:

• Know the location of fire extinguishers and alarm systems in your area and how to use them.
• Have an exit plan; know and become familiar with two ways to exit your building.
• Keep hallways and stairwells clear and accessible. Don’t block doorways.
• Never prop fire doors open.
• Keep equipment such as fire extinguishers, electrical panels, detectors, pull stations and automatic fire sprinklers clear at all times. Sprinklers require at least 18 inches of clearance and electrical panels require at least 36 inches of clearance.
• Never tamper with life safety devices such as sprinklers, detectors, and fire extinguishers. It is a violation of campus policies and state law to do so.
• Avoid the use of extension cords. Use only surge protected, UL-listed power strips and plug them directly into wall outlets.
• Plug major appliances directly into wall outlets.
• Check electrical cords frequently for damage and replace if worn or damaged. Avoid running cords underneath rugs or traffic areas to avoid damage.
• Store combustibles away from all heat sources such as heaters, stoves, ovens, etc.
• Store flammable liquids in designated cabinets.
• Avoid the use of space heaters. When allowed on campus by facilities, space heaters must be electrical only, with no open flame, and must have an automatic shut-off feature when tipped over.
• Keep grills at least 10 feet away from all buildings, including building overhangs, porches, and balconies.
• Any camp/bonfire on campus must be in approved locations and requires a permit from Public 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 and call 911, then Earlham Public Safety at 765-983-1400.

• If you are the person who has discovered the fire, extinguish it ONLY if you can do so safely and quickly.
• Use an appropriate fire extinguisher to control the fire only if you have had fire extinguisher training; and the fire is containable; and your personal safety is not placed in jeopardy.
• If the fire is extinguished, notify Public Safety.

• Confine the fire by closing the door(s).
• Pull the nearest FIRE ALARM while leaving the building
• Alert others (while proceeding to evacuate the building).
• Exit the building, assisting anyone who needs help in the evacuation.
• CALL 911 
• Call Earlham Public Safety at 765-983-1400.
• Meet the Fire Department when they arrive.

• Close the doors to your immediate area.
• Feel closed doors from top to bottom before opening. If it is hot, DO NOT proceed; go back.
• If the door is cool, crouch low and open the door slowly. If smoke is present, quickly close the door to prevent inhalation.
• If no smoke is present, exit the building via the nearest exit. Assist others in exiting the building. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
• Avoid smoke filled areas.
• If exiting a smoke-filled area, stay low to the ground and crawl to the nearest exit.
• If your clothing catches fire; do not run. Remember – STOP, DROP AND ROLL.