On Wednesday, March 9 around 9 p.m., a fire alarm in the Elizabethtown College Masters Center for Science, Mathematics and Engineering was set off, prompting the evacuation of the few employees and students occupying the building. The Elizabethtown Borough Fire Department and other officials swiftly arrived to investigate the incident.

In a statement released by the College, it confirmed that “a light haze was found…but officials found no evidence of a fire.”

Students were instructed to avoid the area until the reopening of the Masters Center the next morning.

To ensure safety and locate possible damage, Campus Facilities surveilled the building throughout the night via walk-throughs.

However, on Thursday, March 10, an employee discovered batteries within a small device utilized in science classes that had exploded in their Masters Center office. There was no fire, and the device was safely discarded, allowing for the full reopening of the building.

In the event that a similar incident occurs on campus, here are some fire safety tips:

• Be aware of evacuation routes. It is important to take note of multiple escape options, as, during a fire, one may be blocked.
• Locate the fire alarms. In the case of a fire, it is crucial to know where the fire alarms are in order to provide a warning.
• Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. The application of this tool can prevent the spread of a deadly fire and potentially save lives.
• During a fire, crawl low under smoke. Keep your head one to two feet above the ground, where the air is cleaner.
• Never prop open doors when there is a fire. This fuels the flames with oxygen, causing them to rapidly spread.