Publications and Policies > Fire Safety > Fire Safety in Off-Campus Housing > Fire Safety Tips

Please note: The information presented here does not constitute legal advice.

Fire Safety Tips

Smoke Detectors

• All rental properties shall be equipped with a smoke detector in every room used for sleeping (OCO Section PM-308.1).
  
  
• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area.
  
  
• Test detectors every month, following the manufacturer's directions, and replace batteries once a year, or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power.
  
  
• Never "borrow" a smoke detector's battery for another use - a disabled detector can't save your life.
  
  
• Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old.
  
  

Smoking and Safety

• Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America.
  
  
• Smoking in bed or when you are drowsy could be deadly.
  
  
• Provide smokers with large, deep non-tip ashtrays and soak butts with water before discarding them.
  
  
• Before going to bed or leaving home after someone has been smoking, check under and around cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
  
  

Cooking Safety

• Never leave cooking unattended.
  
  
• Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear clothes with short, rolled-up or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
  
  
• Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump them.
  
  
• If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until cool.
  
  
• NEVER throw water on steaming or burning grease.
  
  

Cool A Burn

• Run cool water over a burn for 10 to 15 minutes.
  
  
• Never put butter or any grease on a burn.
  
  
• Never use ice.
  
  
• If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.
  
  

Space Heaters

• Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) from anything that can burn.
  
  
• Keep children and pets away from heaters, and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.
  
  

Use Electricity Safely

• Do not overload extension cords or run them under rugs.
  
  
• If an electrical appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again.
  
  
• Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed.
  
  
• Don't tamper with your fuse box or use improper-size fuses.
  
  

When Not to Fight a Fire

• If the fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started.
  
  
• If you can't fight the fire with your back to an escape exit.
  
  
• If the fire can block your only escape.
  
  
• If you don't have adequate fire-fighting equipment.
  
  

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

• All rental units shall be supplied with a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen. (OCO Section PM-705.4.1)
  
  
• Pull the pin.
  
  
• Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.
  
  
• Squeeze the trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
  
  
• Sweep the extinguisher from side to side to cover the area of the fire.