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Building Safety Coordinators

The College designates trained Building Safety Coordinators and alternates for campus buildings and designated areas. Depending on the building, these individuals may include:

  • Campus Safety personnel;
  • Residential Education staff;
  • Faculty or staff members assigned responsibility for a specific building, floor, or area; and
  • Other employees designated by the College.

Instructors are responsible for directing students and visitors from their immediate classrooms or instructional areas but should not delay their own evacuation to conduct an extensive search of the building.

Responsibilities During an Evacuation

When conditions permit and without placing themselves or others at risk, Building Safety Coordinators should:

  • Direct occupants to evacuate using the nearest safe exit.
  • Quickly check their assigned area while proceeding toward an exit and verbally alert occupants to evacuate.
  • Close doors as areas are evacuated, when it is safe to do so. Doors should not be locked.
  • Maintain an orderly evacuation and discourage the use of elevators unless specifically authorized by emergency responders.
  • Provide evacuation assistance consistent with their training and the individual’s established emergency evacuation plan.
  • Report the location of any person who cannot safely evacuate to Campus Safety or responding emergency personnel. Building Safety Coordinators should not attempt a rescue, carry, or physical evacuation beyond their training or capabilities.
  • Proceed to the designated assembly area after completing their assigned responsibilities.
  • Assist with accounting for occupants when it is practical to do so.
  • Report the names and last known locations of individuals believed to be missing or remaining in the building.
  • Document evacuation times, hazards, blocked exits, communication problems, or other significant observations.
  • Follow the directions of Campus Safety, the fire department, law enforcement, or other emergency responders.

Building Safety Coordinators must not enter or re-enter an unsafe area, move through smoke or fire, or delay their own evacuation to complete a sweep. No person may re-enter an evacuated building until authorized by Campus Safety or emergency responders.

Fire Extinguisher Use

The immediate priorities upon discovering a fire are to activate the fire alarm, notify 9-1-1 and evacuate. Only individuals who have received appropriate training may consider using a portable fire extinguisher, and only when:

  • The fire is small and in its beginning stage;
  • The correct type of extinguisher is readily available;
  • The individual has a clear and unobstructed escape route;
  • Smoke, heat, or hazardous materials do not present a danger; and
  • The alarm has been activated and emergency assistance has been requested.

No individual is required or expected to fight a fire. If the fire cannot be controlled immediately, the individual must evacuate, close the door if possible, and leave firefighting to emergency responders.