Fire Safety Tips for On-Campus Residents
Have an Evacuation Plan!
The first time that you start thinking about fire safety shouldn't be the first time that you hear the alarm ring!
Read the "Fire Safety Plan" that was distributed to building residents. If you can't find yours, ask your Hall Manager for another copy.
Know where the closest stairwell to your room/suite is located and have a back-up plan in case that stairwell is blocked.
Have a designated place where you and your roommates or suitemates can meet in case you have to evacuate.
Never assume that the alarm is a false one. Get out of the building when you hear the alarm sound!
Prevent Fires. Read the following information to learn more about what you can to do avoid a dangerous situation.
Common Hazards in the Residence Hall
| Hazard |
Description |
| Corridor Obstructions |
Local fire safety codes dictate that corridors must be kept clear of obstacles. Never put excess furniture in the corridors, study areas, stairwells, or lounges. |
| Decorations |
Because some decorations ignite easily and allow fire to spread quickly, they are prohibited. Holiday decorations and material tacked to ceilings are examples of potentially dangerous decorations. |
| Electrical |
Electrical "octopuses" or cube tapes can overheat receptacles and cords which can result in fire. Extension cords and power strips are for limited use only and should not be used with any heat generating device. They should not exceed six feet in length, should be UL listed, three-pronged, and at least as load bearing as the cord of the appliance being fed. Signs of abuse are flickering lights, dimming lights and exceptionally warm cords. |
| Halogen Lamps |
Because these lamps burn very hot, they have been responsible for causing a number of fires. They are not permitted in University residence hall and may be confiscated if you don't comply with requests to remove them from your room/suite. |
| Hazardous Storage |
Keep your residence hall suite/room clean and dispose of your trash daily. Be careful about what you throw down the trash chute...never place flammable liquids in the garbage or store them in the residence hall. |
| Heaters |
Any sort of electric or other heaters are absolutely prohibited in the residence halls at NYU! These devices are incredibly dangerous and have caused numerous fires. |
| Kitchen Appliances |
Heating and cooking devices are a major cause of accidental fires and their misuse is a serious concern at the University. If you live in a residence hall suite which has a kitchen, you should never leave the apartment while something is cooking on the stove or in the oven. It is surprising how often that happens! And be careful not to leave a burner on. |
| Obstacles |
Keep your suite or room entrance-way clear. You should never place bicycles, chairs, desks, or other items in exit ways. Blocked exits have caused "chain reaction pileups" of fallen people during fires. |
| Open Flames |
Any use of open flames is forbidden in the residence halls. Burning items such as candles or incense is another leading cause of residence hall fires. In fact, candles are so dangerous that they are strictly prohibited in housing and will be confiscated! |
| Smoking |
Careless smoking is one of the leading causes of fatal fires. Therefore, if you smoke, you have a special duty to be cautious. Smoke only where permitted and remember that only certain rooms are designated as "smoking rooms". And if you do smoke, always use large, stable ashtrays. Never throw a cigarette down the trash chute! Finally, remember that smoking in bed is particuarly dangerous. |
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