FIRE PROCEDURES:

1. Always exit the building when a fire alarm sounds. 
2. If you come across a fire, dial 911 immediately and follow their instructions. 
3. Before leaving the room, feel the room door. If the door is hot, do not open it. Open the window and signal for help instead. If the door is cool, leave the building by the closest exit. 
4. Once outside, proceed to the designated assembly area (away from the building and leave room for emergency vehicles) then wait for further instructions. 
5. Students may not re-enter their building until notice is given from the Allendale Campus Police or Pew Campus Security. 
6. Fire drills occur once a semester in order to prepare residents for what to do in the event of an actual fire. Residents are expected to follow procedures and evacuate. Failing to do so may result in a sanction.

Please review the Housing & Residence Life Community Living Standards for fire safety expectations and policy.

DESIGNATED SAFETY AREAS:

The safest area is the center of the building as close to the basement or ground floor as possible. Placards have been placed at main entrances to academic buildings alerting the designated shelter location. Placards are also placed at the designated shelter location. Recommended gathering areas in each building can also be located on the GVSU website. In the event the locations do not provide enough space, individuals should be directed to a lower-level room with interior walls and without windows.

FIRE DRILLS:

• Housing will conduct drills in compliance with the new law. Fall semester within the first 21 days and during hours between sunrise and sunset.  Winter semester drills will be conducted during hours between sunset and sunrise (evening). Summer semester drills will be conducted only in those dormitories occupied by students during that semester.

GVSU abides by the State of Michigan Fire Prevention Code, PA 207 of 1941, Public Act 481 of 2014, MCL 29.19a. Section 19a(2)(a-c) and (3) which requires Michigan universities to annually conduct fire drills in dormitories and to annually certify they have trained all instructional staff in fire evacuation procedures. 

The law also calls for a postsecondary educational institution to conduct fire drills in each postsecondary educational institution dormitory as follows:

• One fire drill in the fall semester, held within 21 days after the start of classes in that semester.
• One fire drill in the spring semester.
• At least one of the fire drills described above must be conducted while school is in session and between sunset and sunrise. 
• One fire drill in the summer semester, if the dormitory is occupied by students during that semester.

“Dormitory” under the statute is defined as not having individual cooking facilities for its residents.  Those housing units with individual cooking facilities are considered apartments and are not included in the legislation.

FIRE EMERGENCY:

• Close all windows and doors. Shut off lights.
• Follow emergency evacuation route procedure.
• Do not use elevators during a fire alarm, use the nearest stairway.
• Remain calm and walk. Do not run.
• Go to the designated meeting place. Once outside the building, keep at least 100 feet away from the building and any emergency vehicles.
• Notify emergency personnel (dial 911) of any persons with disabilities requiring assistance. Persons with disabilities should go to the nearest stairwell and wait for emergency personnel.
• Do not enter the building until police or fire personnel have given an "All Clear."

ALL NORTH CAMPUS LIVING CENTERS:

COPELAND
DEVOS
FREY
HILLS
HOLTON-HOOKER
HOOBLER
JOHNSON
KIRKPATRICK
KISTLER
MAPLE
OAK
OTT
PEW
PICKARD
PINE
ROBINSON
SEIDMAN
STAFFORD
SWANSON
WEED

Parking Lots D1, D2, D3, & D4

CALDER ART HOUSING
NIEMEYER EAST
NIEMEYER WEST

Parking Lot M

GRAND VALLEY APARTMENTS

Grand Valley Apartments Community Center

LAKER VILLAGE APARTMENTS

Parking Lot J

MURRAY
VANSTEELAND
SOUTH APARTMENTS C
SOUTH APARTMENTS E

Parking Lot P

SECCHIA/WINTER

Mount Vernon Lot

SOUTH APARTMENTS D
SOUTH APARTMENTS E

Parking lot R

Winter Storm Watch: A forecast of hazardous winter weather due to various elements such as heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. A watch is a long-range prediction. Watches are generally issued by the National Weather Service at least 12 hours before hazardous weather is expected to begin. University operations continue as normal.

Winter Storm Warning: Hazardous winter weather is imminent and there is a good possibility of heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. University operations may be suspended or delayed. Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A forecast of the possibility of severe thunderstorms (rain, hail, or high winds) developing in a large geographic area. University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden changes in weather conditions. If possible, monitor local radio stations or local internet weather sites.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thunderstorm (with rain, hail, or high winds) has been sighted and may be approaching the area. University operations continue as normal. Outdoor athletic and intramural events may be canceled. Remain inside the building and be alert for changes in weather conditions.

Tornado Watch: A forecast of the possibility of tornadoes developing in a large geographic area. University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden severe changes in weather conditions. If possible, monitor local radio stations or local internet weather sites.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted and may be approaching the area. A warning is an emergency situation requiring persons in the affected area to seek immediate shelter. Sirens are activated. All university operations are
suspended until the event has passed. In the event of a tornado warning issued:

• Close doors and windows
• Move away from all windows or glass-enclosed areas
• Go to the nearest emergency shelter area
• Remain calm and walk – do not run
• Faculty/staff should be prepared to account for their students.
• Notify GVSU police of any persons with disabilities requiring assistance.
• Stay in the shelter until an “all clear” is given.

COPELAND
KISTLER
ROBINSON

First and second floor hallways or restrooms, away from windows

DEVOS
FREY
HILLS
HOOBLER
JOHNSON
KIRKPATRICK
OTT
PEW
PICKARD
SEIDMAN
STAFFORD
SWANSON
WEED

First floor bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways, away from windows

HOLTON-HOOKER

First floor classrooms or restrooms, away from windows
Lower level bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways, away from windows

MAPLE
OAK
PINE

Lower level hallways or restrooms.

CALDER ART HOUSING

Main level hallways or restrooms, away from windows

GRAND VALLEY APARTMENTS

Laundry rooms, lower level in hallways, away from windows

LAKER VILLAGE APARTMENTS (TOWNHOUSE)

Main level storage room, located beneath stairs

LAKER VILLAGE APARTMENTS (EFFICIENCY)

Main level hallways

NIEMEYER EAST
NIEMEYER WEST
MURRAY
VANSTEELAND
SOUTH APARTMENTS
WINTER/SECCHIA

First floor apartment restrooms