Campus Safety

Every year college and university students experience a growing number of fire-related emergencies.  There are several causes for these fires, however most are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention.

The on-campus housing at Arizona State University are all equipped with residential sprinkler systems, fire alarms systems and smoke alarms.  All housing on campus comes under the jurisdiction of the Arizona State Fire Marshal's Office, who conduct yearly inspections to make sure that all buildings on campus are up to code and that all safety devices are working properly.  Even with all these precautions fires can and still do happen.  The Tempe Fire Department responds to all fire and emergency medical calls on campus, to assist us in making your stay on campus a safe and enjoyable one please read and follow these safety precautions.

The Cause:  (Many factors contribute to the problem of dormitory housing fires)

• Improper use of 911 notification systems delays emergency response.
• Student apathy is prevalent.  Many are unaware that fire is a risk or threat in the environment.
• Evacuation efforts are hindered since fire alarms are often ignored.
• Building evacuations are delayed due to lack of preparation and preplanning.
• Vandalized and improperly maintained smoke alarms and fire alarm systems inhibit early detection of fires.
• Misuse of cooking appliances, overloading electrical circuits and extension cords increase the risk of fires.
• Using candles in dorms and leaving them unattended.

Safety Precautions:

• Understand how the 911 systems works on campus.  When you dial 911 on campus the call goes directly to the ASU Campus Police who will then notify the Tempe Fire Department.
• When calling 911 please advise the operator what type of emergency you have. 
• Respond to every alarms as if it were a real fire.  Report information on false alarms to authorities.
• Learn the location of all the exits in your building.  You may have to find your way in the dark.  Do not use the elevator, use the stairs only.
• Understand that once a fire has started you only have a few minutes to leave the building, do not stop for anything, get out and stay out. 
• If you hear a fire alarm, leave immediately.  Close doors behind you as you go.  Take your room keys; if you can't escape, you may have to return to your room.
• If you're trapped, call 911 and tell them where you are.  Seal your door with rags and signal from your window. 
• Do not disconnect the smoke alarms in your rooms or remove the batteries. Smoke alarms cut your chances of dying in a fire in half.
• Do not pull the fire alarm unless it is a real emergency.
• Do not hang items from the sprinkler heads in your rooms.  By hanging items on the sprinkler head you might accidentally activate the sprinkler head or hinder the proper activation of the sprinkler.
• If cooking is allowed, then make sure that you watch what you are cooking and turn off the appliance as soon as you are finished.
• If you need more outlets, use power strips with circuit breakers instead of extension cords.
• If you use a candle in your room make sure that you blow it out when you leave your room or go to sleep.
• Do not use candles when the power goes off, use a flash light instead.

For more information on:

            ASU campus fire safety go to http://www.asu.edu/uagc/EHS/firesafety.htm
            Campus Fire Safety go to http://www.campusfire.org/