Fire Alarm Safety and Evacuation Procedures

Campus Community,
When a fire alarm sounds, every second counts. To ensure the safety of every student, faculty, and staff member, we are sharing a critical reminder regarding our evacuation protocols.

Treat Every Alarm as Real

Never assume an alarm is a drill or a false trigger. You must treat every activation as a real emergency. Delayed response times can be the difference between safety and tragedy.

Mandatory Evacuation & State Law

Vacating the building immediately is not just a campus policy—it is a violation of state law to remain in a structure during a fire alarm. Failure to exit or attempting to re-enter the building puts your life at risk and can result in legal consequences.

Maintain a Safe Distance
Once outside, move away from the building to allow emergency vehicles clear access. Do not congregate near entrances or fire hydrants.

Re-Entry Protocol

The building must remain vacant until it is officially cleared for re-entry. You are not permitted to return to the building—even to retrieve personal items—until you receive an explicit "All Clear" from:

The Oberlin Fire Department OR Campus Safety Officers

The silencing of an alarm does not mean the building is safe to enter; only a verbal or electronic "all clear" from the authorities listed above signifies safety.

Your safety is our absolute priority. By following these procedures, you protect yourself and the first responders working to keep our campus secure.
Thank you for your immediate cooperation and commitment to a safe campus environment.