Fire Safety

Description of Fire Safety Systems

Prospector Hall and Centennial Hall are each equipped with a building-wide fire alarm system which is activated by smoke detectors in each room. Alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers are located throughout each building in addition to a heat-activated fire sprinkler system.

Each unit in Apartment Housing is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

Supervised Fire Drills

Fire/evacuation drills in on-campus housing facilities are scheduled a minimum of once a semester by the Environmental Health and Safety and Residence Life Directors with the cooperation of the BSB Fire Department.

Fire Safety Policies

1. Fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, and other fire prevention equipment are provided in each residence hall as a safeguard for students and their property. Tampering or horseplay with fire safety equipment is prohibited and false fire alarms will result in disciplinary action.
2. Overloaded electrical circuits are hazardous. Montana Tech does not permit the use of halogen lamps, space heaters, or cooking devices with an exposed heating element. The use of extension cords is also prohibited.
3. Montana Tech is a tobacco-free campus, and smoking is prohibited on all campus property.
4. Candles and incense or anything producing an open flame is not allowed in the residence halls.
5. Residents will be given detailed instructions on regulations and procedures for fire drills in their living areas. Failure to respond to, or in any way inhibit, a fire drill will result in severe disciplinary action.

Procedures for Student Housing Evacuation in the Case of a Fire

In the event of a fire, Montana Tech expects that all residents will evacuate by the nearest exit, closing doors and activating the fire alarm system as they leave. Residents should then proceed to the gathering area at Leonard field or the basement of the Student Union Building at night and during inclement weather to check in with Residence Life staff so they are accounted for. Students must not remain in the building as they might be placing themselves and others in a potentially dangerous situation. Residence Life staff will notify students when it is safe to re-enter the building after receiving permission from the Fire Department.

Fire Safety Education and Training Programs

Fire safety information and procedures are reviewed with all residents during residence-hall orientation meetings at the beginning of each semester. All resident rooms and hallways contain placards showing fire exit routes. The Residence Hall Handbook provided to each resident contains a description of the available fire-safety equipment and fire evacuation procedures along with a list of prohibited items.

Future Plans

There are no current plans for upgrades in fire-safety facilities.