Fire Prevention

Policy Summary

Every member of the university community is responsible for assisting in the prevention and proper handling of fire hazards and for being familiar with the university’s Fire Prevention Plan. The Fire Prevention Plan outlines the university’s plan to promote fire safety and reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and injuries. 

The purpose of this policy is to promote the safety of the university community, prevent damage to university property, and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices. 

Who is Governed by this Policy 

• Students
• Staff
• Faculty

Policy

Every member of the campus community has the responsibility to help prevent fires. Faculty, staff, and students should be aware of potential fire hazards and know proper emergency procedures and phone numbers. 

The university has developed the Fire Prevention Plan to promote fire safety and awareness to reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and injuries. The plan provides information relating to proper handling and storage procedures for potential fire hazards, procedures for regular maintenance of heat-producing equipment, contact information for employees responsible for fire prevention and protection, prohibited items in residence halls, and employee training information. All members of the university community are responsible for being familiar with the Fire Prevention Plan. A copy of the Fire Prevention Plan is available from Environmental Health & Safety for review.

Prevention is the most effective tool against fires on campus. The university community should be aware of common fire hazards in their respective places of work and residences. The leading fire hazards in university buildings include improper or unattended cooking, smoking materials, open flames, combustible decorations, flammable liquids, furniture, and trash. 

In order to prevent accidental ignition of these combustible materials, regular maintenance of heat-producing equipment must be performed. Heat-producing equipment such as burners, heat exchangers, boilers, ovens, stoves, and fryers must be properly maintained and kept clean of flammable residues. In addition, flammables must be stored in accordance with the Fire Prevention Plan and applicable regulations. 

Fire alarm and detection systems (such as smoke and heat detectors, manually-activated pull stations, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, and fire extinguishers) are used in university buildings to facilitate evacuation and for effective fire protection. Most buildings are equipped with fire alarm detection and notification systems that are continuously monitored for smoke or fire. 

Fire safety training is provided to employees charged with fire prevention and protection. This knowledge is necessary to help protect employees in the event of a fire emergency.

Environmental Health & Safety conducts residence hall inspections three to four times a year and periodically inspects all other buildings on campus. Inspectors have the authority to confiscate prohibited items and order repairs when necessary for the safety of the university community in accordance with applicable university policies. 

Related Information

• Fire Prevention Plan
• Residence Halls Fire Evacuation Drills
• OSHA “Fire Prevention Plans” (29 C.F.R. § 1910.39) 
• Appendix A: Prohibited Items List

Contacts