Fire | Missing Student | Tornado | Simpson Alert for Emergencies (SAFE Alert)
Prohibited Possessions
The following items are prohibited in or next to student housing for health and safety reasons:
- Candles, incense, oil lamps, lawn torches, halogen torchiere lamps and open flames
- Illegal drug paraphernalia
- Flammable substances such as gasoline, cleaning fluids, lighter fluid and mineral spirits
- Personal charcoal or gas grills
- Motorized vehicles such as motor cycles and mopeds
- Live Christmas trees, other live holiday greenery, large decorative bulbs
- Fireworks and other explosives
- Firearms, ammunitions, bows and arrows, slingshots, large knives, switchblades, dangerous martial arts equipment, and other potentially hazardous items. These items should be checked in and stored at the Indianola Police Department.
- Electrical appliances; toasters, toaster ovens, space heaters, and any appliances with an open hotplate or heat coils
- Extension cords, multi-plug outlets, overloaded circuits
Emergency Practice Sessions
In accordance with the requirements of the State Fire Marshal, each residence hall will schedule emergency vacating practice sessions each year. In order to simulate a real emergency, the times will not be announced. All students who are present in a residence hall at the time of the practice are expected to cooperate promptly.
Fire and evacuation information is posted on the inside of each residence hall, apartment, theme house and College-owned Greek house room door. Residents should be familiar with this information. Simpson College considers fire safety extremely important, and students have an obligation to adhere to College regulations as well as city and state statutes. Simpson College residence halls, apartments, theme houses and Greek houses are required to conduct periodic fire drills each semester. Failure to respond appropriately to fire alarms will necessitate the scheduling of additional drills and disciplinary action against the resident(s) involved.
Instructions in Case of Fire and Fire Drills
- If the fire is small and can be contained, use the nearest fire extinguisher.
- Sound the fire alarm.
- Evacuate the building
- Call Security (x1711) or 911
Evacuation Procedures:
- Feel the door from top to bottom with your hands. If it is hot, do not open it!
- If the door is cool, crouch low, and open it slowly. If there is heavy smoke, close the door quickly.
- If the hallway is clear, exit via the nearest stairwell.
- If you encounter heavy smoke in the stairwell, do not proceed–go to a different stairwell.
When Trapped In A Room:
- Stuff towels or clothing under the door.
- Open windows–attract someone’s attention.
- Stay near the window for fresh air.
Warning
Persons activating false alarms, tampering with or interfering with the operation of fire alarms or fire equipment, or interfering with efforts of firefighting personnel are subject to prosecution under the laws of the State of Iowa. These acts may result in immediate dismissal from the residence halls or apartments.
Evacuation is required for your safety and also for the safety of the Fire Department, Police, Campus Security, and Residence Life Staff who provide aid during such circumstances. Failure to evacuate is perceived as an obstruction of these person’s attempts to provide such aid. It is considered a very serious offense, and will result in severe disciplinary consequences. Pranks or malicious use of fire alarm systems will not be tolerated. Activating a false alarm or removing or damaging an alarm is a misdemeanor. Offenders may be referred to the appropriate judicial official.
Use and Care of Room Smoke Detectors
For your safety smoke detectors have been installed in all residence hall rooms. Under Iowa law, the occupants of a residence hall room are jointly responsible with the owner for the condition of the smoke detectors. Tampering with the detectors or removal of the battery is a misdemeanor punishable by law. Damage to, loss of, removal of battery, or other tampering with smoke detector may result in a disciplinary sanction and fine of $50.
Medical and Psychological Emergencies
If a student is suffering from extreme physical illness or from an emotional disturbance, Student Development staff, residence hall staff, counseling services staff, or the campus chaplain may be called for assistance. If an emergency exists dial 911 and also Campus Security at 515-961-1711 or x1711. Campus Security will reach out to appropriate resources on campus to assist with situations that necessitate a broader response.