At NMSU, in accordance with the 2015 International Fire code [Section 405.2 and 405.4], we conduct dorm fire drills twice a year and academic buildings once per year. The code also requires “drills to be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire.”

Even though they are drills, they are very important because through practice students, faculty, visitors and staff will learn what to do and how to behave in an emergency. We always try to be respectful when planning these drills but know that at times you can be inconvenienced. Fire is not a respecter of time!

Here are some steps to follow:

1.  Stop whatever you are doing and calmly proceed to the nearest exit.

2.  Do not run or panic. Joking can cause panic and may cause injuries.

3. Do not gather personal belongings or keepsakes. Take your keys, cell phone and get out!

4.  Meet outside in a pre-designated location and try to account for everyone. If anyone is missing, or thought to be inside, then let the firefighters know when they arrive.

5.  Close the door(s) on the way out. This will prevent the spread of smoke and fire.

6.  If for some reason you cannot exit, then get to a phone and call 9-1-1. Provide the 9-1-1 dispatcher with the appropriate information. State your emergency and physical location.

7.   Do not re-enter a building even if the alarm is no longer active. Emergency personnel may silence the alarm while they investigate. Only re-enter after the building is declared safe by the Fire or Police Department.

False Alarms

Universities have suffered loss of life due to students, faculty and staff becoming complacent and assuming an alarm is false, and not being able to escape when they had the chance. Many fire alarms turn out to be false, but no one can be sure an alarm is false until after the response.

Malicious Alarms

Some less mature individuals find it amusing to activate fire alarms. Malicious false alarms cause the following:

1. Complacency among people, who tire and stop appropriately responding to alarms.

2. Emergency responders are taken away from, or delayed in responding to, other emergency situations where they are needed.

3. Cost of response for both emergency responders and facility personnel.

4. People may sustain injuries while evacuating; other people succumb to medical conditions such as seizures when an alarm is triggered.

5. Everyone is inconvenienced until the firefighters have determined the building is safe to occupy again.

Report A Person For Activating A Malicious False Alarm

Notify the NMSU police or firefighters on scene.

OR

Report the person to the police by calling the non-emergency number at 575-646-3311.

Penalties For Activating a Malicious False Alarm

Penalties include the following: suspension or expulsion from NMSU, eviction from NMSU Housing, probation, fines and/or jail time.