Fire Safety in Housing
Reason
Fire safety is about more than just your individual apartment; it involves the well-being of everyone in the residence hall. Because items like open flames, certain electronics, and cluttered exits can turn a small mistake into a major emergency, these rules are in place to prevent fire spread and ensure that both residents and emergency responders can move safely through the building.
Code
There are numerous Fire and Life Safety Codes that are applicable to the items listed, If you need code citations for a specific item, contact your campus fire safety inspector/Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Procedures
Prohibited Items
- [ ] Remove all open-flame devices, including candles (lit or unlit), incense, and hookah.
- [ ] Eliminate high-heat lamps and hazardous electronics, such as halogen (torchiere) lamps, lava lamps, and tanning beds.
- [ ] Store all flammable liquids—including paints, solvents, gasoline, and gas-powered engines—outside of the building.
- [ ] Keep hoverboards, mopeds, and motorcycles out of residential facilities.
- [ ] Use only UL-listed electrical appliances that feature thermostatic controls and are rated at 700 watts (6 amps) or less.
Electrical & Extension Cord Safety
- [ ] Connect high-wattage items like space heaters directly to a wall socket; never use an extension cord for them.
- [ ] Replace any plain extension cords used for permanent or semi-permanent setups (like computers or microwaves).
- [ ] Ensure all power strips have built-in circuit breakers.
- [ ] Avoid "daisy-chaining" by never plugging one power strip into another.
Safe Decorating & Maintenance
- [ ] Clear all items hanging from the ceiling, sprinkler heads, or fire strobes.
- [ ] Remove any banners, posters, or decorations that block visibility or exit paths through windows and doorframes.
- [ ] Keep fire-rated doors closed and never prop them open.
- [ ] Ensure apartment doors are not covered with wrapping paper or other flammable materials.
Emergency Evacuation
- [ ] Familiarize yourself with the emergency evacuation signs and exit routes posted in your building.
- [ ] In an emergency, activate the nearest fire pull station, call 911, and exit immediately.
- [ ] Gather weather-appropriate clothing and your room key, then feel the door for heat before opening it.
- [ ] Use the stairs to exit; never use an elevator during a fire alarm.
- [ ] Meet at your designated assembly area and stay there until cleared by emergency personnel.
Procedures for Student Evacuation
- Call 911.
- Get dressed.
- Take room key.
- Feel door.
- Check for smoke.
- Alert others while exiting and walk to your predetermined “safe location”.