Fire

Detection Of Fire In The Building

If you discover a fire, make sure that all other persons are out of the room. Leave the area and close the door behind you. Pull the nearest fire alarm station and then call the Police at 9-1-1.

Equipment

Each room is equipped with a smoke detector that is designed to detect the presence of smoke and activate the fire alarm system. These detectors are very sensitive to smoke. The smoke detectors are connected to a central alarm system. Tampering with your smoke detector will automatically set off the fire alarm system. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR—IT IS NOT LIKE YOUR HOME UNIT. Fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and fire hoses are located in the hallways and general areas. It is a misdemeanor offense to tamper with smoke detectors, fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, fire hoses and "EXIT" signs and lights. Violators are subject to both legal prosecution and eviction.

When a fire alarm is sounded or you suspect an actual fire or smell smoke:

1) Be sure your roommate is awake.

2) Check your door. If it is hot, do not enter hallway—call 9-1-1 to report your location, and hang a sheet or towel from your window to attract attention. If cool, proceed to hallway.

3) Close your windows.

4) Open your drapes.

5) Put on clothes appropriate for the weather. Wear closed toed shoes. Always assume that you may not be able to reenter your room for a while.

6) Take all your keys and UCR Card (room, entry, car, etc.).

7) Take a towel with you in case of smoke.

8) Walk, do not run, to the emergency exit.

9) Proceed single file down the stairwell and through the exit. Do not use elevators.

10) Move to your staging area, as indicated by the map on your hallway, keeping away from the building and driveway. Watch for emergency vehicles.

Do not return to the building before being instructed to do so by UCR Housing Staff. Every alarm must be treated as a genuine emergency. It is your responsibility to leave the building whenever the fire alarm is sounded. Intentional failure to respond to a fire alarm will result in disciplinary action. There are evacuation directions posted on the inside of your room’s door. These signs are not to be removed. Follow the posted instructions during an evacuation.

Prevention

Fire can cause significant damage and threaten human life. You must realize the important role you play in fire safety. Listed below are suggestions to help prevent fires in the halls.

  • Turn off and unplug all appliances immediately after use, including such items as curling irons, hot pots, irons, and popcorn poppers.
  • Remain in your room when any electrical appliance is in use.
  • The use of objects with open flames (includes candles, potpourri, sternos, and incense), combustible decorations and chemicals are prohibited in the Residence Halls at all times.
  • Open element appliances (hot plates, indoor grills, immersion heating coils, and heaters) are also prohibited.
  • Multiple outlet connections are prohibited unless they contain a circuit breaker and carry an "Underwriter’s Laboratory" (UL) approval.
  • Check for frayed cords and do not locate electrical cords under rugs or other items that permit heat build-up in the cord.
  • Do not block any exits.
  • Report any fire safety hazards immediately to your RA or the RSO.
  • The use of Halogen lamps is prohibited.
  • When using microwaves, be sure to check cooking instructions for microwave cooking, not conventional cooking.