All of the residence halls are equipped with heat and smoke detectors. When activated, an alarm is sent to the Public Safety Office, as well as a monitoring company. The fire department is immediately notified and responds regardless of the outcome of the alarm. On occasion, alarms will be activated by things other than smoke. Hair sprays and colognes applied too close to the alarm head may set off the alarm. Obviously, it is important that we have installed alarms that are sensitive and will employ in an emergency. An outside company checks the alarm heads periodically.

Unannounced fire drills are conducted each semester throughout all the buildings on campus. It is imperative that when an alarm is sounded, everyone evacuates the building immediately. Occupants will be directed to a specific evacuation area. Those who fail to exit any building when an alarm has sounded will be cited to appear before Community Standards. No one should ever assume that an audible alarm is just a drill and not an emergency situation.