Fire Prevention and Safety

Merrimack College Fire Prevention and Safety

Learn more about fire safety and prevention. 

Fire Prevention

  • Follow the College rules and regulations regarding the use of candles and other combustibles.
  • Do not overload extension cords.
  • Smoking is forbidden in all college buildings.
  • Turn off all appliances before leaving for class or when going home for the weekend. If you think you have left something on, please call someone to check.
  • Appliances that smoke, spark or emit unusual smells may be faulty. Replace them.
  • Keep combustible items away from portable heaters.
  • Do not pull alarms unless there is a fire or other serious situation that requires the building to be evacuated. False fire alarms are expensive and make people complacent, causing a dangerous situation. Anyone tampering with emergency fire equipment will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
  • Gasoline should be stored in an appropriate container and area, never indoors.

Fire Safety

  • Vacate the building immediately if the fire alarm sounds.
  • Never prop open fire doors.
  • Know the locations of fire extinguishers in buildings.
  • Have a sound fire escape plan, and practice it.
  • Have an alternative escape route in case your primary route is blocked.
  • Do not waste time gathering personal items. It takes only 30 seconds for a fire to get out of control.
  • In the event of heavy smoke, crawl under the smoke and cover your mouth.
  • If a door feels hot to the touch, do not open it. Use an alternate escape route.
  • Never re-enter a building after you have evacuated.
  • Make note of any roommates or friends who appear to be missing after evacuation and advise someone in authority as soon as possible.