If a fire is discovered:
Sound the alarm, which will notify the Department of Security. Students should know where alarms are located.

If in a burning building, students should: 

1. Go to the nearest exit or stairs. Do not use the elevator.
2. Feel door handles. If they are hot, do not open doors. Try another exit or a window.
3. If exit is blocked, return to their rooms; close the door, open the window, and call for help.
4. If in a smoke-filled area, keep low to the floor to escape smoke.
5. Know all the exits and evacuation plans to their buildings.

(Remember: Do not tamper with fire alarms or equipment. At some point they may save your life!)

Fire Drills
The Department of Security conducts fire drills in each residence hall each semester. 

1. At the sound of an alarm, all occupants should walk to the nearest exit in a rapid, orderly fashion.
2. Members of the residence hall staff and security officers will check all rooms to see that all occupants have vacated.
3. After being notified by security staff, members of the residence hall staff will give the signal to re-enter the building.

Sanctions 

1. Anyone pulling a false alarm will face disciplinary action and will be fined $500 with $50 of that fine going to the person who reports the individual. When the perpetrator cannot be identified, the hall will receive a $300 fine, which would be pro-rated amongst the residents.
2. Tampering with extinguishers, smoke alarms, automatic door closures, or other safety devices is a serious offense. Violations are punishable by a mandatory $500 fine and possible disciplinary action. Flagrant violations or repeated offenses will mean suspension. Potentially endangering the safety of others through negligent or careless behavior will result in similar action. Under no circumstances should appliances be used without a resident present.
3. Students who fail to vacate or otherwise cooperate during an alarm will be subject to disciplinary action and a $100 fine.
4. Except as otherwise noted, violations of the various safety regulations carry a $150 fine for each offense. Repeated offenses could mean suspension.
5. Maine law forbids possession of firecrackers or other explosive devices including air rifles. Fines of $150 or more will result for the use of fireworks. Other sanctions also may be imposed.
6. Lamps using bulbs not exceeding 250 watts, are permitted. Candles (decorative or otherwise), oil lamps, incense, and similar devices are prohibited at Colby. Those seeking an exception to this policy for religious or other reasons should contact the Office of the Dean of Students. Violations of either the candle, lamp, or incense policy will result in a fine of $150 and possible disciplinary action.
7. Arson is a most serious offense. Any student found guilty of committing arson or endangering others by fire will be subject to suspension or expulsion as well as criminal prosecution.
8. Personal items such as bicycles, clothing, and sports equipment cannot be left in hallways or stairwells. Additionally, furniture assigned to rooms cannot be placed in hallways or stairwells. A fine of $50 per item found in such areas will be assessed, and repeat offenses will mean more serious disciplinary action.
9. Lofts are prohibited without the consent of the director of housing. They cannot impede the effectiveness of the sprinkler heads in residence hall rooms.