Current Fire Alarm Safety Procedure

CURRENT FIRE ALARM SAFETY PROCEDURES AT ALDER SPRINGS

July 22 2022

One fire drill is conducted each year (between July 15-31) at Alder Springs. It is not mandatory and will be announced ahead of time. It occurs in July when the annual testing is performed on the fire alert and sprinkler systems. The fire alarm is activated during this annual test.

Any other time the fire alarm system is activated, every resident (and guest) and every person (including service providers) must leave the building immediately. Every activation of the fire alarm system will be fully conducted until an “all clear” message is given to re-enter the building. Pay no attention to any person who states that it is a “false alarm” or any other such statement.

Never use or try to use the elevator when the fire alarm system is activated. The elevator stops working when the fire alarm is activated.

Every resident (and guest) must proceed to the designated gathering area in the far corner of the parking lot nearest to College Street. DO NOT GATHER AT THE DUMPSTER OR ANY OTHER PLACE. Proceed promptly to the clearly marked gathering area; within a few minutes chairs will be provided. Do not leave this area until every person is accounted for by responders and the “all clear” message has been given by the responders.

Those who need assistance in descending the stairs or exiting the building should proceed to the nearest stairway door and wait until responders come to assist.

Responders will enter every apartment and require every person in the apartment to leave immediately. No exceptions. Any person sleeping will be awakened. Any person refusing to leave will be evacuated by the responders.

Do not step into the parking lot facing the front door of the building. This entire area is a fire lane that Public Safety will use. Any resident or resident in this lot could be a safety risk for all concerned and therefore disrupt the responders.

Exit the building by the three available doors and follow the sidewalks to the

gathering area in the College Street parking lot. If you exit the building at the end nearest the recycle bins, do not go down the steps. Turn right on the sidewalk and follow it around to the gathering area.

When the fire alarm system is activated, NO PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL STAY ON THE FRONT PORCH OR STEPS OF THE BUILDING. Follow the sidewalks around the building to the new gathering area in the College St parking lot.

Every resident is advised to have an emergency kit prepared at all times. It should be located near their apartment door. It should include shoes (not slippers), warm coat, umbrella or protective gear for inclement weather. EXCEPT FOR THE ANNUAL TESTING OF THE FIRE ALERT SYSTEM IN JULY, EVERY TIME THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS EVERY RESIDENT MUST GO THE GATHERING AREA IN THE COLLEGE ST PARKING LOT….THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS.

All deaf residents are encouraged to have an operating bed shaker.

Note: The Customer Service Team will periodically host a group education session about Fire Alarm Procedures. These sessions will be announced in advance. New residents who have moved in since the last session are required to attend. Other residents are welcomed.