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Fire Safety and Response Procedures

Fire and smoke can spread quickly and without warning. Everyone on campus should know how to report a fire, evacuate safely, and respond if an exit cannot be reached.

When a fire alarm sounds or an evacuation is ordered, leave the building immediately. Do not delay to collect personal belongings. Use the nearest safe exit, proceed to the building’s designated assembly area, and remain outside until Campus Safety or emergency responders authorize re-entry.

Please review the College’s Building Evacuation Procedures and become familiar with the exits and assembly areas for the buildings you regularly use.

If You Discover a Fire or Smoke

  • Warn people in the immediate area and assist anyone in immediate danger only when you can do so without placing yourself or others at risk.

  • Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station as you leave.

  • Evacuate using the nearest safe exit.

  • Close doors behind you, when possible, to help limit the spread of fire and smoke. Do not lock the doors.

  • Do not use elevators.

  • Once you are in a safe location, call 9-1-1.

  • Notify Campus Safety at 603-526-3300.

  • Provide the building name, floor or room, location and nature of the fire, and information about anyone who may need assistance.

  • Proceed to the designated assembly area and report anyone believed to be missing or remaining inside.

  • Do not re-enter the building until authorized by Campus Safety or emergency responders.

Never move toward a fire, enter an area containing smoke, or delay your evacuation to investigate the source of an alarm.

If Smoke Is Present

  • Use an alternate exit when the nearest route is blocked by fire or smoke.

  • Stay low, where the air may be clearer.

  • Do not enter a smoke-filled hallway, stairway, or room.

  • Close doors between yourself and the fire whenever possible.

  • Do not return for belongings or attempt to re-enter the building.

If You Cannot Evacuate

When fire, smoke, debris, or another hazard prevents you from reaching an exit:

  1. Use an alternate exit if one is available and safe.

  2. Before opening a closed door, feel the door with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, or if smoke is entering around it, do not open it.

  3. Move to an enclosed room away from the fire and smoke, preferably one with an exterior window.

  4. Close the door and use available material to seal openings around the door and vents to help keep smoke out.

  5. Call 9-1-1 and Campus Safety. Provide: 

    • The building name;

    • Your floor and room number;

    • The number of people with you;

    • Any injuries or assistance needs; and

    • The location of the fire or smoke, if known.

  6. Stay low if smoke begins entering the room.

  7. Signal your location through a window using a flashlight, phone light, brightly colored material, or light-colored cloth.

  8. Remain in the protected location and follow instructions from emergency dispatchers and responders.

Do not break a window, jump from a window, or attempt a dangerous escape unless remaining in the room presents an immediate life-threatening condition and no safer option is available.

Fire Extinguisher Use

No student, employee, or visitor is required or expected to fight a fire. The immediate priorities are to activate the fire alarm, call 9-1-1, and evacuate.

Only individuals who have received appropriate training should consider using a portable fire extinguisher, and only when:

  • The fire is very small and in its beginning stage;

  • The correct type of extinguisher is readily available;

  • The fire alarm has been activated and 9-1-1 has been called;

  • Smoke, heat, or hazardous materials do not present a danger; and

  • A clear and unobstructed escape route remains behind the individual.

When there is any uncertainty, evacuate immediately and leave firefighting and rescue operations to trained emergency responders.

After Evacuating

  • Go directly to the designated assembly area.

  • Stay clear of entrances, roads, fire lanes, hydrants, and emergency vehicles.

  • Remain with your class, department, residence hall, or group when practical.

  • Report anyone believed to be missing and provide their last known location.

  • Follow instructions from Campus Safety and emergency responders.

  • Do not leave the assembly area unless instructed or remaining there becomes unsafe.

  • Do not re-enter the building until authorized.

The silencing of the alarm does not mean that the building is safe to re-enter.