Fire Safety
Fire Safety Guidelines for Residents
At Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University, the safety of our students is our top priority. To ensure a safe living environment for everyone, it is essential to understand and follow fire safety expectations and procedures within residence halls. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you help prevent emergencies and contribute to the well-being of the entire campus community.
Hazard Prevention and Safety Measures
Starting or falsely reporting a fire, or tampering with, damaging, or covering emergency equipment (such as exit signs, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, or evacuation boards) is strictly prohibited. These actions are federal offenses, and the OUPD will be alerted. Do not hang items on the ceiling or on life safety equipment (such as fire alarms and sprinkler heads), and avoid covering more than 25% of your walls. Never cover or obstruct fire alarm devices. Any interference with or obstruction of these safety devices is prohibited.
Fire Alarm Expectations
If you see or suspect a fire, you should contact 911. When the fire alarm sounds, immediate evacuation is required for your safety. All residents must leave the building without delay and should not re-enter until cleared by authorities. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ law mandates this procedure to ensure everyone’s safety during an emergency. Remember, your quick response could save lives—never ignore the alarm or hesitate to evacuate.
Evacuation Steps
In the event of an emergency, it’s essential to stay calm and follow the evacuation procedures promptly. Be aware of your surroundings and follow these steps to leave the building safely.
STEP 1: Grab Necessary Items
Before leaving the building, make sure to grab your OHIO ID, keys, and clothing suitable for the weather (such as a jacket and shoes). If you have an assistance animal, remember to take them with you and ensure their safety during the evacuation.
Do not leave items in the hallways that may obstruct those evacuating or fire fighters entering the building. Always shut your room door behind you. The doors in OHIO residence halls are fire-rated to help contain fires. If a fire were to start in a room, keeping the door closed slows the spread of flames to the hallway and other rooms, giving more time for evacuations and allowing firefighters to act.
STEP 2: Leave the Building
Follow the building’s evacuation plan and head to the nearest emergency exit. Be familiar with escape routes and emergency exits in advance to ensure a smooth and quick exit. It is important to never use elevators during a fire evacuation. Always take the stairwells, as elevators may become a hazard during a fire or other emergency situations. Stay calm, move quickly, and avoid pushing or shoving as you exit.
STEP 3: Move to Evacuation Site
Once outside the building, move to the designated evacuation site that is away from the building ad call 911. It is essential to maintain a safe distance from the structure, as fires can spread unexpectedly. Do not re-enter the building under any circumstances until you receive an official clearance from Housing staff or fire personnel. Following these instructions ensures your safety and the safety of others.
| Hall | Evacuation Site | Inclement Weather Evacuation Site |
|---|---|---|
| 4 University Terrace | Front yard of Memorial Auditorium | Inside Memorial Auditorium |
| Adams Hall | Courtyard behind Nelson | Hoover House (ground floor) |
| Biddle Hall | Courtyard behind Perkins Hall | Perkins Hall lobby |
| Boyd Hall | Irvine Hall walkway | Treudley Hall lobby |
| Bromley Hall | Outside Haning Hall | Inside Haning Hall |
| Brown Hall | South Beach basketball courts | Crawford Hall lobby |
| Bryan Hall | Front yard of Memorial Auditorium | 4 University Terrace lobby |
| Bush Hall | Front yard of Washington Hall | Washington Hall lobby |
| Carr Hall | Living Learning Center amphitheater | Tanaka Hall multi-purpose room |
| Convocation Center | Side yard of James Hall | James Hall lobby |
| Crawford Hall | Lawn area of South Beach | Pickering Hall lobby |
| Dougan House | Lawn on catwalk side of building | Wray House (ground floor) |
| Ewing House | Lawn on catwalk side of building | Wray House (ground floor) |
| Gamertsfelder Hall | Courtyard behind Bush Hall | Bush Hall lobby |
| Hoover House | Lawn on catwalk side of building | Ewing House (ground floor) |
| James Hall | Courtyard between James and Wilson Halls | Wilson Hall lobby |
| Jefferson Hall | Courtyard behind Johnson Hall | Johnson Hall lobby |
| Johnson Hall | Courtyard behind Read Hall | Jefferson Hall 1st Floor |
| Lincoln Hall | Front yard of Biddle Hall | Biddle Hall lobby |
| Luchs Hall | Living Learning Center amphitheater | Carr Hall multi-purpose room |
| Mackinnon Hall | Lawn area of South Beach | Pickering Hall lobby |
| Perkins Hall | Courtyard behind Biddle Hall | Biddle Hall lobby |
| Pickering Hall | South Beach basketball courts | Crawford Hall lobby |
| Read Hall | Courtyard behind Johnson Hall | Jefferson Hall 1st Floor |
| Ryors Hall | Front yard of Boyd Hall | Treudley Hall lobby |
| Sargent Hall | Courtyard between James and Wilson Halls | James Hall lobby |
| Shively Hall | Courtyard behind Perkins Hall | Perkins Hall lobby |
| Sowle Hall | Living Learning Center amphitheater | Tanaka Hall multi-purpose room |
| Tanaka Hall | Living Learning Center amphitheater | Carr Hall multi-purpose room |
| Tiffin Hall | Courtyard beside Gamertsfelder Hall | Gamertsfelder Hall lobby |
| Treudley Hall | Front yard of Boyd Hall | Ryors Hall lobby |
| True House | Lawn on catwalk side of building | Dougan House (ground floor) |
| Voigt Hall | Howard Hall site | 4 University Terrace lobby |
| Washington Hall | Lawn area in front of Bush Hall | Bush Hall lobby |
| Wilson Hall | Courtyard between James and Wilson Halls | James Hall lobby |
| Wray House | Lawn on catwalk side of building | Dougan House (ground floor) |
Common Causes of Fire Alarms
Understanding and avoiding activities that trigger fire alarms helps prevent unnecessary disruptions and ensures your safety:
Always avoid overloading outlets and ensure that you’re using power strips with built-in surge protectors. Never daisy-chain multiple power strips together.
Always use the bathroom fan when showering and ensure that windows are open to provide ventilation.
Avoid using preset functions like the popcorn button, as they might not be suitable for all food items. Follow food packaging instructions carefully and use microwave-safe containers to reduce the risk of overheating.
Understanding the Dangers and How to Stay Safe
This video highlights the real dangers and potential consequences of fires, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency. Fires can spread quickly, and it’s crucial to understand how to protect yourself and others. Following safety protocols and evacuation steps can make all the difference in staying safe. Watch this video to learn how to prevent fire hazards, recognize the signs of danger, and take immediate action if a fire occurs. Being informed can help save lives—yours and others around you.