Fire Protection

Check Smoke Alarms

  • FEMA has a great resource for making sure your smoke alarm is functioning correctly
  • In Residence Halls, smoke alarms connect to the electrical system and UPD Dispatch.
  • In off-campus housing, make sure landlord has installed smoke detectors. Install new batteries at the beginning of each year.

Take Fire Alarms Seriously

  • NEVER ignore fire alarms
  • NEVER wait to see fire or smoke
  • Do NOT worry about grabbing your stuff
  • Close the door behind you
  • Crawl on the floor if smoke is thick
  • If you can't get out, go to a window and call for help
  • Tampering with smoke alarms, pulling false alarms or misusing fire protection equipment is a crime

Plan Escape Routes

  • Know where all exits are located in your building
  • Know TWO exits from anywhere you sleep
  • Practice your escape plan

Using a Portable Fire Extinguisher

Remember to P.A.S.S

  • Pull the pin
  • Aim at the base of the fire
  • Squeeze the lever
  • Sweep side to side
P.A.S.S.

Only attempt to fight a fire if:

  • Everyone has left or is leaving the building;
  • The fire department has been called;
  • The fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket size;
  • You can keep an exit to your back; and
  • Your extinguisher is the proper size and type for the fire at hand and you know how to use it.

Otherwise

Depart immediately, and leave the fire for the fire department.