{"id":23,"date":"2009-02-23T17:10:39","date_gmt":"2009-02-23T22:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/fire-safety\/"},"modified":"2013-10-16T09:23:02","modified_gmt":"2013-10-16T13:23:02","slug":"fire-safety","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/resources\/be-safe\/fire-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Fire Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"page-nav-container\">\n<ul class=\"page-nav\">\n<li><a href=\"#\">Jump to section<\/a>\n<div>\n<ul class=\"column1\">\n<li><a href=\"#fire\">If Fire Occurs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#prevention\">General Fire Prevention<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cooking\">Cooking Safety<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#oncampus\">On-Campus Policies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#offcampus\">Off-Campus Prevention<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#grills\">Gas and Charcoal Grills<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"column2\">\n<li><a href=\"#candles\">Candles<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#smoking\">Smoking<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#heaters\">Space Heaters<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#housing\">Fire-Safe Housing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#elevators\">Elevators<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fire prevention and preparedness are important ways we keep BU&#8217;s campus and your residences safe. Fires on campus are rare\u2014because our strict precautions and policies prevent them from occurring. Here you&#8217;ll find what to do if a fire breaks out, and how you can prevent fires on and off campus.<\/p>\n<p><a name=\"fire\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>If Fire Occurs<\/h2>\n<p>While we hope that you&#8217;ll never have to experience a fire in your residence or building, it&#8217;s vital that you know what to do if one occurs. It could save your life and the lives of others.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Activate the building alarm system, evacuate the building, and call <strong>911<\/strong>. Do <strong>not<\/strong> use elevators when evacuating the building.<\/li>\n<li>Feel the doorknob, door frame, and the top of the door. If they are hot, don&#8217;t open the door\u2014use 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.<\/li>\n<li>Knock on apartment or room doors as you leave and yell, &#8220;FIRE!&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>If thick smoke is present, cover your mouth and crawl low to the floor.<\/li>\n<li>If you&#8217;re trapped, yell and hang a sheet from the window.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure that everyone has gotten out safely.<\/li>\n<li>If you suspect someone is still inside, do <strong>not<\/strong> go back in search of the individual. Instead, alert the responding fire officials.<\/li>\n<li>After you are out of danger and have called 911, call BUPD at <strong>617-353-2121<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"callout\">For more information on what you should do if a fire breaks out, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/safety\/fire-safety\/\">BU&#8217;s Fire Safety website<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.usfa.dhs.gov\/citizens\/college\">Fire Safety for College Students<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"prevention\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>General Fire Prevention<\/h2>\n<p>Many of the things you can do to prevent fires are part of good common sense. Paying attention to your appliances and cords is easy\u2014and can help you stay safe.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Approved appliances (irons, hair dryers, hot-air popcorn makers) should never be left unattended.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t overload electrical outlets.<\/li>\n<li>Observe &#8220;No Smoking&#8221; regulations.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that all electrical cords are in good repair.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t run electrical cords across doorways or under carpets or mats.<\/li>\n<li>Fire doors should not be propped open.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t block windows, emergency exits, doors, or hallways.<\/li>\n<li>Roofs and fire escapes should be used only for intended purposes.<\/li>\n<li>Do not tamper with smoke detectors.<\/li>\n<li>Have an evacuation plan and a secondary route out in case of a fire or other emergency.<\/li>\n<li>When a fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"cooking\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Cooking Safety<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Never leave cooking food unattended.<\/li>\n<li>Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles.<\/li>\n<li>If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.<\/li>\n<li>In the event of a microwave fire, keep the microwave door closed.<\/li>\n<li>For a grease fire, cover the pan. <strong>Never pour water on a grease fire.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>If you have an electrical fire (such as a toaster, coffee pot, etc.), unplug the appliance if you safely can and use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. <strong>Never pour water on an electrical fire.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"oncampus\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>On-Campus Policies<\/h2>\n<p>Every building at BU has evacuation maps on each floor. Familiarize yourself with the evacuation and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/safety\/fire-safety\/\">R.A.C.E.<\/a> (Rescue\/Remove, Alert\/Activate, Confine, Extinguish\/Evacuate) plans for your building\/floor. Identify two escape routes and practice your evacuation plan.<\/p>\n<p>Certain items are not allowed in on-campus residences\u2014for the safety of all inhabitants. <strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/safety\/fire-safety\/\">Prohibited items<\/a> include, but are not limited to<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open flames, candles, and incense<\/li>\n<li>Smoking (applies to all campus buildings)<\/li>\n<li>Space heaters, hotplates, hotpots, halogen lamps, and cooking appliances<\/li>\n<li>Gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"callout\">See BU&#8217;s <a href=\"policies\/lifebook\/\">Lifebook<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/safety\/fire-safety\/\">Safety on Campus<\/a> websites for more information regarding on-campus fire policies.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"offcampus\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Off-Campus Fire Prevention<\/h2>\n<p>Off-campus fire safety is equally important to the precautions we take on campus. We can&#8217;t regulate non-BU buildings to make sure the highest standards in fire prevention are met. It&#8217;s up to you to be vigilant and prepared.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Observe &#8220;No Smoking&#8221; regulations.<\/li>\n<li>Store flammable liquids in approved containers away from combustibles.<\/li>\n<li>Remove trash on a regular basis.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that all electrical plugs, switches, and cords are in good repair.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t overload electrical outlets or run electrical cords across doorways or under carpets or mats.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that heat-producing appliances are well-ventilated and report any malfunctioning appliances to your landlord.<\/li>\n<li>Turn off electrical equipment when not in use.<\/li>\n<li>Never disconnect or tamper with smoke alarms.<\/li>\n<li>Test smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button.<\/li>\n<li>Replace all nonfunctioning smoke alarms immediately.<\/li>\n<li>Know where all exits are located in the building.<\/li>\n<li>Take fire alarms seriously and have an evacuation plan that ensures you have a secondary route out if the primary route is blocked.<\/li>\n<li>Select a good meeting location away from the building for you and your roommates during an alarm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"grills\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Gas or Charcoal Outdoor Grills<\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"alertbox\">Charcoal and gas-operated\/liquid propane grills are not permitted inside or above the first floor of any building used for habitation. This includes balconies, fire escapes, porches, and roofs.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Never use gas or charcoal grills inside a house, garage, or enclosed area.<\/li>\n<li>Always locate a barbecue grill away from any combustible wall.<\/li>\n<li>Set up grill on a level surface in a well-ventilated space away from low-hanging branches, porch railings, siding, or any combustible materials.<\/li>\n<li>Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher within reach.<\/li>\n<li>Never store a spare propane cylinder under or near a grill, heat source, or open flame.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure there are no blowing embers.<\/li>\n<li>Turn off the grill burners and propane cylinders when not in use.<\/li>\n<li>If you are using charcoal, be sure to douse the flames thoroughly afterward.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"candles\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Candles<\/h4>\n<p>Candles are prohibited for on-campus students. If you are off campus, remember:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Never leave candles unattended.<\/li>\n<li>Keep candles away from combustibles.<\/li>\n<li>Use sturdy candle holders.<\/li>\n<li>Use flashlights during power outages.<\/li>\n<li>Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"smoking\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Smoking<\/h4>\n<p>Smoking is prohibited in on-campus buildings. If you are off campus, remember:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Don&#8217;t smoke in bed or near flammable materials.<\/li>\n<li>Thoroughly extinguish all cigarettes and smoking materials.<\/li>\n<li>Check under furniture cushions for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight.<\/li>\n<li>Properly dispose of all cigarettes and other smoking materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"heaters\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Space Heaters<\/h4>\n<p>Space heaters are fire hazards and not recommended. They&#8217;re not permitted at all in on-campus housing. If you are off campus and must use a space heater, use an Underwriters Laboratories-approved electrical heater and select one that automatically shuts off when knocked over. Remember:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep the heater clear of all flammables.<\/li>\n<li>Plug your electric space heater directly into an outlet with sufficient capacity and never use an extension cord.<\/li>\n<li>Never leave space heaters unattended.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a name=\"housing\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Choosing Fire-Safe Housing<\/h4>\n<p>Before signing an apartment rental agreement, thoroughly inspect the condition of the building and assess the fire protection systems using the following checklist:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are smoke alarms installed and working?<\/li>\n<li>Are there at least two ways to exit your living space?<\/li>\n<li>Do the upper floors have a fire escape or ladder for each bedroom?<\/li>\n<li>Are the fire alarms and extinguishers inspected regularly?<\/li>\n<li>Is there a sprinkler system installed?<\/li>\n<li>Is the building regularly inspected by the fire department?<\/li>\n<li>Where is the nearest fire hydrant on the street?<\/li>\n<li>Did the University recommend the unit for student housing?<\/li>\n<li>Has the city and\/or University received any safety complaints regarding this building?<\/li>\n<li>Do windows in your room and apartment open easily? Are security bars properly maintained?<\/li>\n<li>Are exit signs illuminated?<\/li>\n<li>Are fire doors kept closed?<\/li>\n<li>Are stairwells and exits unobstructed and well lit?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"callout\">Report in writing any violations or maintenance issues to your landlord. For more information, please contact either the <a class=\"external\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cityofboston.gov\/isd\">City of Boston Inspectional Services Department<\/a> at 617-635-5322 or the <a class=\"external\" href=\"http:\/\/www.townofbrooklinemass.com\/building\">Town of Brookline Building Department<\/a> at 617-730-2100.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jump to section If Fire Occurs General Fire Prevention Cooking Safety On-Campus Policies Off-Campus Prevention Gas and Charcoal Grills Candles Smoking Space Heaters Fire-Safe Housing Elevators Fire prevention and preparedness are important ways we keep BU&#8217;s campus and your residences safe. Fires on campus are rare\u2014because our strict precautions and policies prevent them from occurring. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1350,"featured_media":0,"parent":22,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1350"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4263,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23\/revisions\/4263"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dos\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}