Fire Safety

The potential for fire is always present in an institutional environment. It is the responsibility of all students, faculty, and staff to be aware of Spelman's fire safety policies and procedures. Failure to comply with fire safety measures may endanger others. The College will take disciplinary action against those who violate fire safety policies and procedures.

Fire Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are located on each floor of all campus buildings. Please become familiar with the operation of the various types of fire extinguishers used at Spelman, especially those in your residence hall.

A fire alarm is located on every floor of every building on campus. The fire alarm may be activated manually by pulling an alarm switch. Learn the location of alarm switches in the facilities that you use.

When activated, the alarm makes a loud sound (bell, horn, or siren). Whenever you hear the emergency alarm, assume there is a fire, and exit the facility at once.

If you detect a fire in your vicinity, pull the nearest fire alarm, and leave the building. Once outside, call the Department of Public Safety
(404-525-6401) and report the exact location of the emergency.

Fire Safety Tips

If you are trapped or isolated by a fire, follow these safety measures:

• Contain the fire by closing nearby doors.
• Place rags, paper or any other available material at door seams to reduce entry of smoke.
• Remain low to the floor.
• Open windows (from top if possible).
• Hang light-colored clothing or other material out the window or on an exterior doorknob to signal fire fighters for help.
• Do not jump from windows unless instructed to do so by fire officials.
• Remain calm; help will arrive shortly.
• Never attempt to use elevators to escape from a fire.

Evacuation Procedures

Floor plans are posted on every floor of all facilities. Become familiar with several means of exiting each of the campus facilities that you use.

When responding to a fire emergency, remember: "Remain calm. Panic kills." Follow these procedures when evacuating a building on campus:

• If feasible, alert anyone else in the immediate area who may not have heard the alarm.
• Proceed immediately to the nearest exit; do not attempt to locate the emergency.
• Make a mental picture of the route you intend to follow to reach the exit. If possible, join with others who are heading toward the same exit. Do not use the elevators.
• Move quickly, but remember: "Stay calm. Panic kills."
• Once outside, move away from the building, and go directly to the evacuation assembly area. Remain there until you receive instructions from a Spelman staff person.

Annual Campus Security Report