Fire

Fire Evacuation
When a fire alarm sounds, or when instructed to evacuate by staff, all residents are expected to leave the building immediately. Failure to comply with the fire evacuation may result in a disciplinary fine. If a student has an ESA or service animal in their room, they should evacuate with the animal.

Before

• Know where fire extinguishers are and how to use them.
• Know location of primary and secondary exits.
• Know evacuation routes.

During

• Even for a minor fire, immediately contact Public Safety at 812-492-7777 or
  activate the building alarms.
• If a fire appears uncontrollable, IMMEDIATELY sound the building alarms and evacuate the building. If possible, aid others to safety and close all doors to confine fire. DO NOT LOCK DOORS.
• Do not use elevators when there is fire. Take the stairs.
• Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where the air will be easier to breathe.
• Once outside, move to an assigned clear area away from the affected building(s).
  Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
• If you become trapped in a building, place an article of clothing outside the window as a marker for emergency personnel. If there is no window, stay near the floor where the air is more breathable. Shout in intervals to alert emergency personnel of your location.

After

• Inform emergency personnel of any trapped or injured individuals.
• Enter the building only after it is declared safe to do so.

Fire Safety Tips

If trapped in a room

• Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
• Wet and place cloth material around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
• Be prepared to signal to someone outside.

Caught in smoke

• Drop to hands and knees and crawl toward exit. Stay low as smoke will rise to ceiling level.
• Hold your breath.
• Move quickly.
• Cover your head and hair.
• Keep your head down and your eyes closed as much as possible.

Using a fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher should only be used on small, contained fires and only if it can be done safely. If you have doubt, evacuate.

• Pull safety pin from handle.
• Aim at base of fire.
• Squeeze the trigger handle.
• Sweep from side to side at base of fire.

Reporting Emergencies

• The quickest, easiest way to obtain help for any emergency is to call Public Safety at 812-492-7777.
• Stay calm and carefully explain the problem and location.