Fire Safety Policy

Fire Safety Policy 

All campus buildings are equipped with fire safety and life safety equipment (e.g. smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire alarm signaling devices, fire extinguishers, illuminated exit signs, emergency escape lighting, and automated external defibrillators). This equipment has been placed in campus buildings for the safety of the community.

Falsely activating a fire alarm, or tampering with a security, fire, or life safety system is a class 4 felony under the Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/17-11.5 & 5/26-1). Students who violate these laws will face disciplinary actions that may range from a minimum $300 fine to expulsion, depending on the nature of the situation. Legal action, and City of Wheaton could implement additional fines separate from the College and the incident may be additionally pursued by the City of Wheaton Police.

All students share the responsibility for maintaining fire safety on campus by:

• Keeping fire escape routes clear of obstructions (e.g. not storing personal items in hallways or stairwells);

• Keeping fire doors closed (e.g. not propping doors that are intended to be closed);

• Minimizing the storage of empty boxes;

• Refraining from using combustible decorative materials including straw, corn stalks, live Christmas trees, or decorations made of paper, cloth, or organic materials; and

• Keeping furniture and stored items at least 18” below any sprinkler head.

Playing sports indoors is prohibited. Indoor sporting activities can easily set off a fire alarm and may cause the sprinkler system to activate. Students who activate the fire alarm as a result of sporting activities will face a minimum $100 fine, possible City of Wheaton fines, and will be held liable for any damage caused to the building (e.g. water damage from a sprinkler head discharge).

Combustible and flammable liquids are not permitted in student dwellings, including storage areas. Due to the risk of fire, students are additionally prohibited from burning candles or incense or using any device that produces an ember or open flame.

To ensure a high standard of quality for our indoor environment, Wheaton College maintains a smoke-free campus and complies with State and City smoking ordinances.

In the event of an activated fire alarm, all occupants of the affected building shall immediately evacuate by way of the route provided on the placards posted in the building. Once outside the affected building, evacuees shall move away from the building to a safe distance (minimum of 50 feet), making room for emergency vehicles and personnel. In case of inclement weather, evacuees may choose to seek shelter in nearby college-owned buildings, if they are open for public occupation. Once the alarm has been investigated and the building is cleared for re-entry, occupants will be advised by Public Safety Officers that they may return. Students who do not cooperate in evacuating a building when a fire alarm is sounded (including fire drills) will be subject to disciplinary action and a $75 fine.

If any student or employee becomes aware of a fire in a building, he/she shall immediately advise everyone around the fire while following the prescribed evacuation route out of the building, closing all doors and activating the nearest fire alarm on the way out. If possible, once evacuated to a safe distance from the building, look for responding Public Safety Officers, police, or firefighters and advise them of the location and source of the fire.

Students who notice any fire hazard or life safety hazard (a missing fire extinguisher, a fire system or life safety system that has been tampered with, etc.) are asked to report this to Public Safety immediately at 630.752.5911.