Common Causes of Fires• Alcohol: In more than 50% of adult fire fatalities, victims were under

the influence – it impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts• Cooking• Smoking• Candles• Overloaded extension cords and power outlets• YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Understand and respect the importance of

smoke alarms

Protect Yourself!

• ALWAYS participate in fire drills; Familiarize yourself with the building’s alarms and emergency exits• NEVER remove the batteries from a smoke alarm• NEVER assume a false alarm; When an alarm sounds, GET OUT

IMMEDIATELY• In case of an alarm, use the stairs, NOT elevators• Fires spread quickly, think fast and make smart choices

Electrical Safety

• Do not overload the power strips (surge protectors) or outlets• Extension cords are not allowed for permanent use• Electrical outlets should never be too hot to touch• Never connect multiple extension cords or power strips to each other

(daisy chaining)• Most electrical circuits supply only 15 to 20 amps per room for all

outlets

Allowed Appliances

• Clocks• Coffee pots• Curling irons• Electric blankets• Fans• Hair dryers• Irons

• Stereo systems• Televisions• Dvd players•Microwaves• Personal computers• Radios• Refrigerators (4.0 cu. ft.

max)

Alcohol and Fires

• About ½ of the adults who die in house fires have a high blood alcohol content• Drinking increases the chances of doing something hazardous and

falling asleep while doing such things• Greatly inhibits the ability to detect a fire or respond to a fire alarm

and escape safely• Drinking alcohol in the residence halls is strictly PROHIBITED

Sound the alarm: Sound the alarm as soon as you find or suspect a fire. There are many alarms located around each floor of Daniels Hall.

Dress: If time permits, take a jacket and shoes and maybe a towel to cover your face.

Evacuate: As you are leaving the building, knock on doors and shout as you leave (especially if it is the middle of the night). Use the staircase and not the elevator.

If you unsure about any appliance, ask the RA on the floor!

If you are trapped: Keep the doors closed. A closed door can protect you from fire, heat, and smoke.

Signal for help: Stay where you are and try to signal for help from your window. Also call campus police and give them your building name and room number.

Check the hallway: If the hallway is clear of smoke, close your door behind you and proceed to the nearest exit as quickly as possible. If visibility is poor, stay low and crawl to avoid breathing in the smoke.

If you are on fire: Stop, Drop, & Roll! Rolling around smothers the flames.

Campus Police: 508 - 831 - 5555 (Emergency) 508 - 831 - 5433 (Non-Emergency)

Do NOT search for others!

Do NOT try to gather your things!

Candles and incense are NOT allowed in the WPI residential halls.