Fire Alarms and Safety - NMU Safety Department

The fire alarm is going off in the Northern Michigan University facility you’re in. What do you do next?

Not knowing the university’s fire alarm evacuation procedures can put you and others at risk.  All NMU students, faculty, staff and visitors are encouraged to review the entire evacuation procedure, which includes steps for residence hall evacuations, evacuating persons with disabilities and some special requirements for the Jacobetti Complex, Learning Resources Center and Physical Education and Instructional Facility (PEIF).

Here are the general fire alarm procedures:

1. When a fire alarm sounds, all personnel must evacuate the building immediately.
2. When evacuating, personnel must move away from the exit doors.
3. With the exception of fire department personnel and Public Safety officers, no one is allowed to re-enter the building until notification has been given by a representative of NMU’s Police Department.
4. If the fire alarm is silenced, this is not an indicator that it is safe to re-enter the building.
5. NMU Police Department has the responsibility to determine that the building has been evacuated and when it is safe to re-enter. The officers will coordinate with maintenance, custodial and fire department personnel, as required.

An experienced and state-certified fire marshal oversees the University Fire Safety Program and investigates all reported or discovered violations of the state fire codes. The fire marshal also provides fire safety training to Residence Life as well as other members of the campus community.

Fire Safety Tips

• Check all electrical equipment. Replace cracked or frayed electric cords. Unplug all electrical appliances that overheat or give off unusual odors.
• Store flammable liquids properly. Store flammable liquids outside of the facility or in a designated area. Install smoke detectors. Test the detector every month and replace batteries once a year or whenever the detector signals a low battery. Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old.
• Plan your escape from fire. Be sure to have at least two unobstructed exits—doors or windows—from every room.
• Keep an eye on smokers. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America. Provide a proper ashtray for discarding butts. Before going to bed or leaving the residence, check cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
• Remember, matches and lighters are not toys. Use only child-resistant lighters and store matches out of reach of children.
• Have a fire extinguisher handy. Know where the extinguishers are located and how to properly use one.

Fire Safety Reminders

NMU requires that everyone evacuate the building during a fire alarm. Enforcement action may be taken if anyone is found not complying with this policy.

Marquette City Fire Department provides free smoke detectors to residents living in the City of Marquette, including NMU students. Contact Fire Marshall Jeff Fossitt at 225-8941 or Fire station number one at 906-225-8936.

For more information regarding fire safety, contact Lee Gould at 906-227-2151.