Fire Safety Tips

Fire Safety On Campus

Fire Safety Off Campus

Fire Safety On Campus

• Open flames, candles, and incense are prohibited.

• Space heaters, hotplates, hotpots, halogen lamps, and cooking appliances are prohibited.

• Gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids are prohibited.

• Approved appliances (irons, hair dryers, hot-air popcorn makers) should never be left unattended.

• Do not overload electrical outlets.

• Observe “No Smoking” regulations.

• Ensure that all electrical cords are in good repair.

• Do not run electrical cords across doorways or under carpets or mats.

• Fire doors should not be propped open.

• Do not block windows, emergency exits, doors, or hallways.

• Roofs and fire escapes should be used only for intended purposes.

• Do not tamper with smoke detectors.

• Have an evacuation plan and a secondary route out in case of a fire or other emergency.

• When a fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately.

• In the event of a fire, activate the building alarm system, evacuate the building, and call BUPD.  Do not use elevators when evacuating the building.

• Evacuation maps are located in each building on each floor. Familiarize yourself with the evacuation plan and the ACES (Alert, Confine, Evacuate, Special Assistance) plan for your building/floor. Identify two escape routes and practice your evacuation plan.

See the Boston University Lifebook at http://www.bu.edu/lifebook/ for more information regarding on-campus fire policies.

In the Event of a Fire

• Feel the doorknob, door frame, and the top of the door. If they are hot, don’t open the door, use an alternate escape route. If they are normal temperature, open the door cautiously, check for smoke or flames before exiting, and close the door securely behind you as you leave.

• Knock on apartment or room doors as you leave and yell, “FIRE!”

• If there is thick smoke, cover your mouth and crawl low to the floor.

• If you’re trapped, yell and hang a sheet from the window.

For more information visit the “Fire Safety for College Students” webpage at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/college/

Fire Safety Off-Campus

Fire Safety Concerns to Consider When Searching for Off-Campus Housing

Before signing an apartment rental agreement, thoroughly inspect the condition of the building and check the fire protection systems using the following checklist:

• Are smoke alarms installed and working?

• Are there at least two ways to exit your living space?

• Do the upper floors have a fire escape or ladder for each bedroom?

• Are the fire alarms and extinguishers inspected regularly?

• Is there a sprinkler system installed?

• Is the building regularly inspected by the fire department?

• Where is the nearest fire hydrant on the street?

• Did the University recommend the unit for student housing?

• Has the city and/or University received any safety complaints regarding this building?

• Do windows in your room and apartment open easily? Are security bars properly maintained?

• Are exit signs illuminated?

• Are fire doors kept closed?

• Are stairwells and exits unobstructed and well lit?

Report in writing any violations or maintenance issues to your landlord. For more information, please contact either the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department (http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/ or 617-635-5322) or the Town of Brookline Building Department (http://www.townofbrooklinemass.com/building/ or 617-730-2100).

Fire Safety Tips

• Observe “No Smoking” regulations.

• Store flammable liquids in approved containers away from combustibles.

• Remove trash on a regular basis.

• Ensure that all electrical plugs, switches, and cords are in good repair.

• Don’t overload electrical outlets or run electrical cords across doorways or under carpets or mats.

• Ensure that heat-producing appliances are well ventilated and report any malfunctioning appliances to your landlord.

• Turn off electrical equipment when not in use.

• Never disconnect or tamper with smoke alarms.

• Test smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button.

• Replace all nonfunctioning smoke alarms immediately.

• Know where all exits are located in the building.

• Take fire alarms seriously and have an evacuation plan that ensures you have a secondary route out if the primary route is blocked.

• Select a good meeting location away from the building for you and your roommates during an alarm.

• Make sure that everyone has gotten out safely.

If you suspect someone is still inside, do not go back in search of the individual. Instead, alert the responding fire officials.

Outdoor Grills

Charcoal and gas-operated/liquid propane grills are not permitted inside or above the first floor of any building or structure used for habitation. This includes balconies, fire escapes, porches, and roofs.

• Never use gas or charcoal grills inside a house, garage, or enclosed area.

• Always locate a barbecue grill away from any combustible wall.

• Set up grill on a level surface in a well-ventilated space away from low hanging trees, porch railings, siding, or any combustible materials.

• Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher within reach.

• Never store a spare propane cylinder under or near a barbecue, heat source, or open flame.

• Take care to ensure that there are no blowing embers.

• Turn off the barbecue burners and the propane cylinder when not in use.

• If you are using charcoal, be sure to douse the flames thoroughly afterward.

Candle Safety Tips

Remember, candles are prohibited for on-campus students.

• Never leave candles unattended.

• Keep candles away from combustibles.

• Use sturdy candle holders.

• During power outages use flashlights.

• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.

Cooking Safety Tips

• Never leave cooking food unattended.

• Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles.

• If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

• In the event of a microwave fire, keep the door closed.

• In the event of a grease fire, cover the pan. Do not pour water on a grease fire.

• In the event of an electrical fire (such as a toaster, coffee pot, etc.) unplug the appliance if you are able to and use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.  Do not pour water on an electrical fire.

Smoking Safety Tips

Smoking is prohibited in on-campus buildings.

• Don’t smoke in bed or near flammable materials.

• Thoroughly extinguish all cigarettes and smoking materials.

• Check under furniture cushions for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight.

• Properly dispose of all cigarettes and other smoking materials.

Space Heater Safety Tips

Space heaters are fire hazards and not recommended. If you must use a space heater, use an Underwriters Laboratories (UL)–approved electrical heater and select one with an automatic shut off when knocked over.

• Keep the heater clear of all flammables.

• Plug your electric space heater directly into an outlet with sufficient capacity. Never use an extension cord.

• Never leave space heaters unattended.

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