Fire Safety Plan
Be Prepared:
- Know where the fire alarm pull stations are and how to activate them.
- Know your evacuation routes and keep them clear at all times. Never use the elevator to evacuate.
- Know where the closest fire extinguishers are and review the instructions for their use.
If Fire or Smoke Is Detected:
- Activate the building alarm system.
- Evacuate the building, moving a distance of at least 100 feet from it. Follow posted building evacuation routes if possible.
- Notify others as you leave the building by shouting “fire” and knocking on doors.
- If possible, close doors and windows as you leave to prevent the fire from spreading.
- If there is smoke in the area, get down on the floor and crawl out of the building.
- Feel all doors before opening them. If a door is not hot, open it slowly. If a door is hot, DO NOT open it. Move to a second exit, or if one is not available, stay in place and try to open a window for fresh air.
- If you are unable to evacuate, call 911 and give your location. Try to do something to help identify your location from the outside of the building (e.g. hang a sheet, blanket, or colorful piece of clothing out the window).
- Once you are outdoors, if you know the specific location or cause of the fire, or are aware of someone still inside the building, provide that information to Campus Safety at (703) 284-1600 (ext. 1600 on campus) or emergency-response personnel.
Fire Safety Plan
This plan provides information to prepare Marymount University departments, employees, and students to recognize, report, and respond to fires that may occur in campus buildings or on campus grounds.
Scope
The purpose of this plan is to help prevent the loss of life and property due to fire. This plan should be referenced in conjunction with Marymount’s Emergency Operations Plan for a more comprehensive safety guide. The entire Marymount Community is responsible for becoming familiar with evacuation routes, exterior assembly points, and general fire safety procedures to help ensure a safe environment.
Planning and Preparation
To prepare for potential fire emergencies, the following preventative measures should be considered by faculty, staff, and students.
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and exterior assembly areas.
- Identify primary and alternative exits from the building.
- Use electrical appliances responsibly and report any faulty equipment to Physical Plant or Campus Safety.
- Do not block or obstruct fire exits or exterior leading doors and windows. Participate in routine Residential and non-residential fire drills organized by Office of Student Living and Campus Safety.
- Learn fire extinguisher locations and how to use.
- Download the LiveSafe app for real time updates and assistance with evacuation routes.
Fire Drills
Fire drills will be conducted in accordance with Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Section 403. The following building types are required to have the listed drill frequency and will be
conducted by Campus Safety and Office of Student Living.
- Group A: Assembly Buildings – Lee Center, Library, Reinsch Pierce Family Campus Hall (Quarterly)
- Group B: Educational Buildings – Caruthers, Gailhac, Administration Building, St. Joseph Hall, Rowley, Ballston (Annually)
- Group R-2: Residence Halls – Ostapenko, Gerard, Berg, Butler, Rowley (Four Annually)
- Action Plan & Evacuation Procedures
Emergency action plan in the event of a fire emergency (this may include smoke, fire, gas leaks, or any other emergency requiring evacuation):
- Locate manual pull station – If you experience a fire emergency, activate the nearest fire alarm to alert others. They are typically placed near exits.
- Report to Campus Safety – whether you can activate the alarm or not, inform Campus Safety of what is happening.
- Close doors and windows – this will help to eliminate the spread of smoke and fire by containing it.
- Exit the building – use the closest accessible exit. Avoid using elevators and be mindful of others while using stairwells.
- Help where you can – if you have time, assist others that may have functional needs or alert others of danger.
- Move to exterior assembly points – Evacuate to designated rally areas that are marked with a sign.
- Wait for the “all clear” – do not re-enter the building until it has been deemed safe to do so.
- Roles & Responsibilities
Students:
- The use of candles, incense, and space heaters are strictly prohibited in residence halls.
- Cooking is only permitted is designated areas in residence halls – use of grills inside
or air fryers is prohibited. - Marymount is a smoke free campus.
- Do not tamper with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler heads or pull stations.
- Participate in fire drills and take that time seriously.
- Refer to floor evacuation plans for fire extinguisher locations, AEDs, Narcan, and emergency exits.
- Always report any faulty electrical appliances or smoke detectors.
Employees:
- During drills, make sure your students and staff are accounted for.
- Be mindful of space heaters and do not leave them unattended.
- Be vigilant and report any maintenance issues, accessibility requests, or any other concerns to Campus Safety.
Campus Safety & Physical Plant:
- Responsible for coordination, oversight and evaluation of required fire drills (sometimes in conjunction with Office of Student Living for residential drills.
- Campus Safety provides on call for assistance during drills and emergency procedures.
- Responsible for recording and report keeping of all drills and incidents on campus.
- Report any fire protection equipment issues to Physical Plant – in the event fire alerting systems have been activated or tampered with, immediately contact Andrew Messer and Bill Wickes
- Responsible for monitoring and addressing fire panel alarms in collaboration with Physical Plant.
- Physical Plant organizes routine inspections and maintenance for fire safety equipment on campus.
- Campus Safety and Physical Plant are responsible for managing contractors or other outside parties that may have temporary access to fire protection equipment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In accordance with the Clery Act, Marymount University publishes an Annual Fire Safety Report that combines security and fire related reports. This report can be accessed on the school website for your review.
