Residence Life and Housing
Fire Safety
It is the responsibility of each resident to ensure the safety of the residence halls. Most fires that occur on campus happen in the residence halls. Please take appropriate care in acting in the best interests of your community.
Reporting a Fire
- Pull a fire alarm
- Evacuate the building
- Call Campus Safety at 503-370-6911
If a Fire Alarm Sounds
Always assume the alarm is real and exit the building quickly without running. You must exit the building even if you know the alarm is false.
- Do not use elevators
- Before opening a door, use the back of your hand to feel near the top for heat
- If the door is hot or warm, or smoke is present- do not open the door.
- If the door is cool, open it slowly.
- Close doors behind you to limit spread of fire and smoke.
- Move away from the building and meet your residents at the designated location.
If you cannot exit, please towels or a blanket (wet,if possible) at the base of the door. Open a window, yell for help, wave a towel or shirt. If there is a phone, call 503-370-6911.
Fire Safety Precautions
There are a number of systems in place to prevent a fire or notify others that one is present.
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Fire extinguishers are located throughout each building and in student apartments. These are inspected on a monthly basis for expiration and tampering.
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Fire doors close automatically when an alarm sounds to prevent a fire from spreading. If fire doors do not operate properly, notify your RA or Residence Life Coordinator.
Fire doors, hallways and stairwells must be clear of obstructions at all times. All fire doors equipped with an automatic door closure are not to be tampered with or disabled. According to the Uniform Fire Code it is a violation to prop a door even if it is attended. Fines could be levied by the Fire Marshal.
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Pulling the fire alarm in a nonemergency situation or tampering with fire safety or firefighting equipment is prohibited. This equipment includes fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire alarms, EXIT signs, electrical systems, lighting and automatic door closures.
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Smoke detectors are installed in each student room and throughout each building. All smoke detectors must be operational and have at least 18 inches of clearance (i.e., from shelves, drapes, etc.).
Students cannot tamper with smoke detectors. If a battery is low (beeping) submit an emergency work order. After hours, call Campus Safety (x6911 or 503-370-6911) for assistance. An officer will replace the battery or install a temporary smoke detector for the night. Facilities Management (maintenance) or Campus Safety staff will assist right away. NEVER remove the battery. This compromises the safety and security of the entire community.
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Sprinkler heads must have 18 inches of clearance and cannot be used to hang things. The glass plug on the sprinkler heads cannot be touched. Nothing can be hung on or next to the sprinkler heads or lines. If they are jarred in any way, the sensor will be activated, setting off the sprinkler system and potentially flooding your room/the hallway.