The International Fraternity offers loans and grants for life safety equipment and makes available a variety of life safety educational materials to help provide undergraduates with the safest living environment possible.
General Resources:
These safety ideas have been compiled from a variety of sources:
Smoke Detection, Sprinkler, and Fire Alarm Systems
- Manual fire alarm pull boxes in all hallways and next to all exits
- Smoke detector in each room
- Batteries in smoke detectors are changed every six months
- Hard-wired system is tested monthly/serviced bi-annually by licensed contractor
- Fire sprinklers installed
- Sprinklers free from obstruction
- Main control valve is open
- Proper pressure reading of the system gauges
- System inspected annually by licensed contractor
- Fire detection/alarm system sound at central monitoring service station
- Self closing fire doors present to reduce potential of rapid fire
- Fire doors and exits kept clear of stops or obstructions
Fire Extinguishers, Lighting and Exits
- At least one extinguisher on each floor
- Extinguishers in kitchen
- Extinguishers in laundry room
- Extinguisher locations accessible and clearly marked
- Extinguishers are inspected monthly and fully charged
- Extinguishers are inspected annually by a licensed contractor
- Emergency escape ladders available on upper level
- Exits open easily without keys or special device
- Exterior fire escape adequate, accessible and maintained
- Emergency lighting system present
- Emergency lighting tested monthly and inspected regularly
Fire Drills
- Fire Drills practiced every six months
- Written fire emergency evacuation escape plan and exterior rendezvous point established, reviewed by members, and posted
Inspection
- Campus/City fire marshal inspected building within last six months
- All recommendations/updates compliant with relevant codes
Miscellaneous Issues
- Unplug rarely used appliances
- Dryer vents cleared of lent build-up regularly
- Combustible materials stored away from ignition sources and in ventilated areas
- Stairways and hallways free of any obstructions Smoking prohibited in house
- Prohibit candles and other open flames in sleeping rooms
- Cigarette butt disposal receptacles provided in designated exterior smoking area
- Kitchen equipment cleaned regularly
- Major appliances that produce a heat source and HVAC equipment serviced regularly
- Fuel containers and gas-powered lawn equipment stored outside or in a properly designed area for such purpose
Informative Websites
- Willis Insurance – Life Safety Information
- “Fire safe student housing: A guide for campus housing administrators” provided by the U.S. Fire Administration
- U.S. Fire Administration’s page devoted to the safety of college students
- The National Fire Protection Agency’s guide to basic fire escape planning