FIRE ALARMS AND EVACUATION
With the construction at MCC at varying stages of completion, the Public Safety Department wishes to keep the college community informed of the on-going process of evacuation planning. Recent events have indicated that there may be some confusion as to your role in the event you hear a fire alarm.
If You Hear a Fire Alarm You Should...
· Exit the building as soon as possible, using the closest exit.
· Do not call the Public Safety desk unless you are reporting an emergency.
· Move away from the building as far as possible. 300 feet is the recommended distance.
· It is New York State law that when the alarm is activated and the fire department is called, people cannot re-enter the building until cleared by the fire chief. This is done whether the fire is out or it is determined that it is a false alarm.
· If you hear an alarm sounding in an adjoining building and not in yours you should evacuate the building. There may be a malfunction or damage to the system caused by the emergency.
· Do not re-enter the building until you hear the all -clear via the public address system.
In recent fire alarm activations the Public Safety dispatcher has been inundated with telephone calls asking if the alarm is real or a drill. This has created some concern regarding college safety. The dispatcher's primary role is to communicate direct and accurate information to the responding fire department and then communicate with MCC Public Safety personnel. Any distraction from these responsibilities creates an increased safety risk.
The Public Safety Department publishes the fire drill schedule in advance so that faculty, staff and students can schedule their classes and daily routine appropriately. Fire drills are posted on the MCC Daily Tribune. Any questions or comments regarding the drills should be directed to Marty Gilmore at Ext. 3151.
Your continued cooperation regarding this very important process is greatly appreciated and will add to making our campus a safe and injury free environment.
Robert Wiesner
Public Safety
05/19/2003 |