Walla Walla University Campus Security

Did you know that…?

  • 165 people have died in campus-related fires since 2000?  Don’t be on this list.
  • smoke alarms were missing or not working in most fatal fires?  They can’t save your life if they don’t work! 
  • the leading cause of fatal fires is smoking?  Many fires start in the middle of the night after parties. 
  • most fatal fires happen at night?  Get up! Get out! Stay out! 
  • cooking and drinking is as dangerous as driving while drinking? 
  • the leading cause of deaths during fires is smoke, not fire?

 

The Alarming Truth



Mock Residence Hall Room Fire



Prevention

  • Don’t run cords under rugs. They can fray & start a fire.
  • Don’t overload outlets & extension cords. They can overheat & start a fire.
  • Don’t leave pizza boxes or any other items such as towels or pots and pans on top of the stove. They will burn if it is accidentally turned on and it happens more than you know.
  • Smoke alarms can save your life only if they are working.  Don’t take the batteries out of the smoke detectors and don’t take them down.
  • When the alarm sounds, get out.  You never know when it’s real.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended.  Never.  What was a romantic flame can become an inferno.
  • Remove all obstructions from emergency exits and corridors.  Do not block exit paths.
  • Do not allow electrical appliances to be near common combustible materials.
  • Open flames are not allowed.

Fire Code prevents the use of any electrical cooking appliances with an open coil in student housing.

See the list below for examples of objects and appliances that are NOT ALLOWED and those which

are ALLOWED.  Note that this is not a comprehensive list.

Not Allowed:

Hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, electric skillets, sandwich cookers, electric grills, candles, torches, incense, matches, lighters, extension cords, Christmas trees, oil lamps, fireworks, combustible chemicals, halogen lamps

Allowed:

Microwaves, coffee makers, hot pots, rice cookers, electric tea kettles, slow cookers, crock pots, bread makers, blenders, electric mixers, hand mixers

Fire Survival Planning

  • Don’t get trapped.  Always know two ways to get out, wherever you are.  Ex. your house, residence hall, movie-theater, classroom, etc.
  • Smoke alarms save lives.  Test your smoke alarms and batteries to make sure they are working.
  • Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and other emergency equipment.
  • Identify landmarks that can be used to help you escape when visibility is reduced by smoke.
  • Know your evacuation meeting area or determine one and take a head count after exiting.
  • Learn how to use a fire extinguisher BEFORE the fire breaks out.  Learn the PASS procedure:
  • Pull the pin.  Aim at the base of the fire.  Squeeze the trigger. Sweep back and forth.

Fire Emergency Procedures

In case of Fire:

  • Extinguish fire only if fire is very small and if it is safe to do so.  Use the proper extinguisher.
  • Use a lid to put out a grease fire.  Water will spread the fire.
  • Use stairs to get out, not elevators.  You can get trapped in an elevator and the smoke can kill you.
  • If you smell smoke or have other indication of fire, pull the closest fire alarm as you exit the building.
  • As you exit, notify others in your vicinity if you can do so without increased danger to yourself.
  • Before opening a door, feel the top of the door or the doorknob.  If these areas are not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly.
  • If area is full of smoke, stay low to the floor.  If possible, cover your face with a wet cloth.
  • If nearest exit is blocked, go to an alternate exit. If all exits are blocked, go to the room furthest from the fire, close the door and follow “If trapped by fire” procedures below.
  • Evacuate to your designated assembly area (listed under the "Building Evacuations" tab below).  Do not re-enter the building.
  • Immediately report any fire to 911 and then to Campus Security, 527-2222.

If trapped by Fire:

  • Close the door, seal cracks with clothing, tape or other material.
  • To attract attention and signal for help, stand by window and/or hang an object out the window, yell and use your phone to call for help.