Fire
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are installed in every apartment. For the protection of all residents, smoke detectors are not to be disconnected or disabled in any way unless a malfunction occurs during the night hours in which case the battery may be removed only from the malfunctioning device. A maintenance request must be placed the next day so the smoke detector battery can be replaced.
Fire Alarms
In the event of a Smoke Alarm (isolated to an individual apartment):
In the event too much smoke is produced while cooking in the resident’s apartment, the smoke alarm that is isolated to the individual apartment will sound.
DO NOT open the apartment door to let smoke out. This will trigger the fire alarm for the entire floor. Instead, open up windows to let smoke clear the apartment.
Breaching this protocol will result in a fine. Habitual offenders of the above policies may receive a Letter of Eviction due to violation concerning the rights of others.
In the event of a Hallway/Building Fire Alarm:
Exit the building using the nearest stairwell. Do not use the elevators.
Once outside the building, residents should go the DTS lawn across the street from Washington Apartments or Swindoll Tower.
All residents should organize by floor in an orderly fashion (1st floor through 7th/10th floor, left to right).
Remain on DTS lawn until instructed by DTS Campus Police or the Dallas Fire Department that it is safe for residents to return to the building. Residents must wait for instruction even if the alarm has turned off.
During inclement weather, residents should proceed to the awning of Turpin Library.
Treat every alarm seriously.
How Fire Alarms Work in High Rise Buildings:
When the public area smoke detectors are triggered by smoke, the alarm will sound on the floor where the smoke is detected along with the floor above and below that floor.
No other floors will sound the alarm unless smoke spreads to a floor above or below.
Residents are not required to evacuate if the alarms on floor do not sound.
It is possible for all floors to go into alarm.
Pulling a Fire Alarm in a Non-Emergency is a Tier 5 violation (see Lease Section 5.1) and will incur fees.
Adhering to the Dallas Fire Code
Annual apartment inspections are conducted by the City of Dallas Fire Marshal. Tenants are liable for violations to the City of Dallas Fire Code and should especially note the following:
Candles may be used only in shared apartment common areas, not bedrooms or community spaces. They should be kept on solid surfaces and away from drapes or other flammable materials. Birthday candles are permitted for celebratory occasions.
All personal items must be at least 18 inches from sprinkler heads. Lofts or bunk beds must be placed on the opposite side of the bedroom from the sprinkler head.
Common areas, hallways, stairways, and laundry areas should be kept clear of debris and clutter. Do not use these areas for personal storage at any time. Items found in common spaces may be confiscated or disposed of by the Landlord or the Landlord’s agent(s). Landlord will record violations of this policy by adding a fee to the Tenant’s online portal with a photo and a description of the prohibited item.
Therefore, decorations outside of a resident’s apartment are limited to the “porch” of the resident’s apartment.
In Washington Apartments, the porch is the grey carpeted area directly outside the entry door to the apartment
In Swindoll Tower, the porch is the inlet directly outside the entry door. Two-bedroom apartments do not have a porch, but may hang décor on the wall adjacent to their entry door up to two feet on either side.
Tornados
In the event of a tornado sighting, or when tornado sirens within the DTS neighborhood sound, follow these procedures:
Remain indoors. Do not go outside in an effort to see the tornado.
Where to shelter in place:
Swindoll Tower: the hallway of one of the four bottom floors
Washington Apartments: the 3rd floor clubhouse, or the 4th floor gym
Leave all apartment entry doors closed.
If the storm hits before residents can get to the hallway, close the door of the bathroom, get into the bathtub, and cover residents with a mattress or other heavy cushion.
Stay completely away from windows and glass.
Lay on the floor, covering head with arms and hands.
If a tornado hits, do not leave the building until word is given by the proper officials.
Active Shooter
In the event of an active shooter on-campus, residents are encouraged to run, hide and/or fight. If it is possible to evacuate a building safely, do so. Leave all belongings behind and call 911 when it is safe to do so. If it is not possible to evacuate safely, shelter in place by hiding in an apartment, office, classroom, or restroom and locking the doors. If there is no door lock, try to barricade the door and hide behind large objects. Turn off all lights, silence all phones and remain quiet.
If a resident finds their life is at risk, the resident must use all necessary force to try and incapacitate the shooter. Commit to all actions and use improvised weapons.
Residents should plan ahead by imagining what they would do if there was an active shooter on campus. Consider the following:
Check the locks on doors used every day and know how they work.
Know all of the stairwells and exit points in frequented buildings.
Discuss the issue with others in the office or classroom.
Download the seminary’s Crisis Manager App for these and other safety procedures. Watch the “Run. Hide. Fight. Surviving an Active Shooter Event” video.
