51°µÍø

Because fire is a risk in every building — whether you sleep, study, or work there — you should always have an escape plan. You may need to escape within a few minutes of a fire’s start, so your safe exit depends on immediate warning from smoke alarms and advance planning of escape routes.

Evacuation Tips

• Include two ways out of every room or space in all escape plans
• Identify the pre-designated Evacuation Assembly Point (EAP) on the 51°µÍø Interactive Map under the Safety and Security section
• Verify that doors located in your path of travel do not require a key to open from the inside
• Notes occupants who are non-ambulatory, disabled, elderly, and/or may require evacuation assistance. Report this information to Building Emergency Coordinator(s) or first responders
• Remain outside until given an “all-clear” from University officials or first responders
• Practice your plan, then practice it some more

• Do not block marked fire lanes 
• Keep a distance of 3 feet circumference around fire hydrants and fire department connection(s) (FDCs)
• Do not cover or tamper smoke detectors or fire alarm speaker/strobes
• Do not inhibit access of fire department personnel from accessing buildings
• Do not impair or tamper with any fire department equipment

Cooking is leading cause of home fires and household fire injuries. The main contributor to these incidents is unattended cooking. Most ignition sources in the kitchen begin with grease, paper, cabinets and curtains.

Cooking Safety Tips

• Never leave food unattended while cooking, and closely monitor the oven when it is being used 
• Maintain a clean and tidy cooking area that is free of items that catch on fire easily, such as: cloth, paper, and plastics
• Never plug microwaves or other heating appliances into extension cords
• Never microwave metal containers or tinfoil

The University is dedicated to providing a healthy, safe, comfortable, and productive work/study/social environment for faculty, staff, and students. This goal can be achieved through ongoing efforts to protect nonsmokers by helping employees and students adjust to established smoking restrictions. All university buildings, including residence halls and Greek houses, will be smoke and vape free.

• Never smoke inside a building
• Never smoke in an area where oxygen tanks, fuel powered machinery, or vehicles are located
• Smoke only in designated areas
• Smoking must be a minimum of  25’ away from buildings
  *The following regulations also apply to the use of vaping and electronic cigarettes

Electrical distribution equipment poses a serious fire safety threat that can be fatal when used incorrectly.

• Never operate electrical appliances around bathtubs, showers, or standing water
• Replace or repair frayed, loose, or damaged cords on all electronics
• Shut off the circuit breakers that are overheating and have it checked by an electrician
• Take note of any discolored switch plates, which is indicative of an overheated electrical system
• Remember: symptoms of potential wiring problems include household lights that dim or flicker, a TV picture that shrinks in size, frequent blown fuses, or circuit breakers that trip frequently
• Place lamps on level surfaces, away from flammable items, and use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage

• Never use an extension cord as a replacement for permanent wiring
• Never run extension cords across doorways or under carpets
• Never “daisy chain” extension cords (daisy chaining means plugging one extension cord into another)
• Make sure power strips and surge suppressors are designed for the electrical current 
• Connect power strips and surge protectors directly into a wall outlet. Do not connect multiple power strips or surge protectors together
• Avoid overloading circuits by plugging too many items into the same outlet
• Avoid the use of "cube taps" and other devices that allow multiple appliances into a single receptacle. Only plug one high-wattage item into an outlet

Halogen and incandescent bulbs should not be used on-campus and are prohibited in residential facilities.

Heating equipment is the leading cause of fires during the winter months, and the second leading cause of fires annually. Nearly half of all deaths attributed to heating equipment fires involve portable space heaters.

• Only use University approved space heaters
• Only plug space heaters directly into wall receptacles 
• Never use space heaters with visible heating coils
• Maintain a 36-inch clearance between space heaters and combustible items
• Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep

Laundry Machine Basics

• Keep area around laundry machines clear of boxes, clothing, and other combustibles
• Never overfill laundry machines
• Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter
• Clean lint filter before or after each use, and remove any lint from around the dryer