Safety

Safety Services

• The best possible security in the residence halls takes the cooperation of all who live there. Students should lock room doors at all times and, for their own security, should not prop any exterior doors that are closed and locked.
  
  
• Each residence hall is locked 24 hours a day, except for the main entrance into the main lobby. From there, locked doors separate each wing from the lobby.
  
  
• Students have 24 hour access into their own hall using Calvin's card access system and their ID cards. Between midnight and 7:00am students can only enter through the main lobby for safety reasons.
  
  
• Calvin employs its own Campus Safety staff who patrol the campus, assist students, and help provide a secure environment.
  
  
• Safety Escorts - Students who desire escort service to and from various areas on the campus may contact the Campus Safety office. A telephone is available near all parking areas. Students are encouraged to make use of the escort service to avoid walking alone on campus after dark.
• Loss or Thefts- Missing items which you believe have been stolen should be reported to the Campus Safety Department. Students should be aware that theft does occur on Calvin’s campus. Although the incidents of theft and property destruction are low, it is always a good idea to exercise caution by locking apartment doors and car doors, by keeping valuables in a secure place, by not leaving clothes unattended in laundry rooms for long periods of time, etc.
  
  Although the college will use all reasonable efforts to protect the students’ property, it is understood that the college is not liable for any loss. Students should determine whether their property is covered by their parents’ homeowner insurance policy. If a student’s property is not covered, s/he may wish to purchase a minimum contents coverage policy.
• Fire Procedures- If a fire alarm has been activated in a campus building, always assume there is a fire. Know the locations of fire extinguishers, posted evacuation routes, exits and fire alarm systems in your area.
  If you discover a fire
  • Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
  • Alert people in the immediate area of the danger and that they need to evacuate.
  • Immediately exit the building, closing doors between you and the fire.
  • When you are in a place of safety, dial 3-3333 and inform the Campus Safety of the location and nature of the fire.

If the Fire Alarm sounds

• Walk to the nearest exit, closing doors between you and the fire.
• Do not use elevators.
• Assist people with disabilities with getting to the closest area of rescue assistance, which is in the stairwell area, past the fire doors.
• Notify Campus Safety or Fire Personnel if you suspect someone is trapped in the building.
• Gather outside the building at your designated assembly area and attempt to make certain all persons are accounted for. Stay at least 300 feet from the building.
• Remain outside until notified by the emergency personnel or Campus Safety.

If trapped in a room

• Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
• Place cloth material (wet if possible) around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
• Be prepared to signal to someone outside at a window or by shouting at regular intervals.

If caught in smoke

• Drop and crawl toward an exit.
• Hold your breath as much as possible.
• Breathe slowly through nose using a towel or shirt as a filter.

If forced to advance through flames

• Hold your breath
• Move quickly
• Cover your head and hair
• Keep your head down and your eyes closed as much as possible

When to use a Fire Extinguisher

• Only use an extinguisher to attempt to extinguish a small fire and only if you have been trained
• An extinguisher can be used to suppress a fire that blocks your exit from the building
• Remember PASS, the four basic steps to operating a fire extinguisher
  P: Pull the pin
  A: Aim the extinguisher hose at the base of the fire
  S: Squeeze the lever
  S: Sweep from side to side