Fire Safety

An unannounced fire drill will be conducted by the fire marshal once a semester. This is in compliance with state law as well as for your own protection and safety. The purpose of the fire drill is to acquaint you with the exit routes from your buildings as well as familiarize you with the sound of the fire alarm. The fire drill allows the staff to test the alarm system to ensure that it is properly functioning. The alarm signal is the same for a drill as for an actual emergency. During the drill, university officials will inspect all areas of the building, including residents’ rooms.

Fire extinguishers for putting out small fires have been installed on each landing and under each unit's sink in OU Traditions Square apartments, one on each residence hall floor, and in each kitchen area of Kraettli Apartments. Residents will be charged for any that are removed, vandalized or improperly used. A citation also will be issued to those involved parties. If you use a fire extinguisher, notify your OU Traditions Square clubhouse or Kraettli Apartments office for assistance.

To decrease the chance of fire in an apartment:

1. Never smoke inside
2. Do not let grease accumulate on or around the stove
3. Do not leave cooking food unattended
4. Do not run extension cords under rugs or tack them to walls
5. Do not allow trash to accumulate (i.e. newspapers, rags, etc)
6. Do not store flammable liquids such as gasoline in or around apartments
7. Do not store items near heater closet or hot water tanks

If you use combustibles in decorating your room, such as fabrics, cardboard or similar materials, please ensure that the items are flame-proofed. Purchase only UL- or FM-approved material marked “flameproof” or “flame retardant." Only 15-20% of your room or apartment door may be decorated.

• Dial 911
  
• Pull the fire alarm if it is not already sounding
  
• Notify other persons on your way out. Move quickly and quietly to the nearest exit for your area.
  
• In an orderly fashion, go to the designated assembly area for further instructions.

Before opening a door, see if it is hot by placing the palm of your hand against it.

If it is hot, remain in room.

• If you are on ground floor level, carefully exit through window if possible. If on an upper floor, call 911 and notify dispatcher of room number.
• Block entrance of smoke and heat into room by stuffing towels or blankets around door.
• Stay low near floor to avoid smoke and heat. Open window if possible. Do not exit onto ledges.
• Remain calm. Firefighters will get to you as soon as possible.

If the door is cool, open slightly and check for smoke in corridor.

• Stay low near floor to avoid smoke and heat.
• Close doors on your way out.

If corridor is too smoky to reach stairway or exit, remain in room, following safety suggestions listed here:

• If you are on ground floor level, carefully exit through window if possible. If on an upper floor, call 911 and notify dispatcher of room number.
• Block entrance of smoke and heat into room by stuffing towels or blankets around door.
• Stay low near floor to avoid smoke and heat. Open window if possible. Do not exit onto ledges.
• Remain calm. Firefighters will get to you as soon as possible.

When leaving a building, get well clear of entire area.

• Proceed to the designated gather place and report to a resident adviser or supervisor for roster check.
• Follow all instructions as they are given to you.
• Wear a coat and shoes. Carry a towel in case of smoke. Keep these items easily accessible for emergency use. Bring along your keys and ID. If you are away from your room or apartment when the alarm sounds, proceed to the nearest exit without returning to your room or apartment.
• Do not use elevators. Use stairways only.

Students demonstrating any of the following behavior will be subject to disciplinary action and prosecution:

1. Falsely reporting a fire, serious injury or any other emergency
2. Pulling a fire alarm when no fire is evident
3. Setting a fire or possessing or using flammable or highly combustible materials
4. Tampering with or misusing (accidentally or intentionally) public area fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, sprinklers, smoke detectors, exit signs, alarm pull stations, alarm horns, and hoses
5. Possessing, using or manufacturing fireworks or explosives
6. Using unauthorized appliances, candles or incendiary devices
7. Failing to leave a building at the sound of the alarm or when so directed by residence hall staff
8. Hanging fliers, decorations or other adornments on room doors and/or in any public area
9. Smoking in the residence halls is prohibited