Safety
Fire Safety
Fire safety is something most of us do not think enough
about. Living off-campus means being more responsible for your own safety
and the safety of those around you. Fire safety is one of the most important
responsibilities you will assume. Make sure you know what your responsibilities
are as a tenant, and what your landlord must do regarding fire protection.
Required Fire Protection Devices
The NYS Fire Code and City of Syracuse Property Code
requires that smoke detectors (certified by a nationally recognized fire
testing laboratory) must be installed in all common areas, including basements,
in combination with other required alarm systems. They must also be installed
both inside and outside each sleeping area. It is the landlord's responsibility
to install these devices, but the tenant must make sure that the devices
are in place, and that they are tested monthly. Make sure you know how
to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors! A smoke detector's early
warning can provide you with the extra time essential to a successful
escape.
Tips for Preventing Fires in Your Home or Apartment
- Be sure smoke detectors are in proper working condition. Install new batteries at the beginning of each semester.
- Never ignore a fire alarm; fires can spread quickly. Evacuate immediately event when there is no smoke present.
- Have an escape plan. Know where the fire exits are, and have two escape routes from each room.
- Do not overload electrical outlets. If you need to plug multiple appliances into an outlet, use a power strip.
- Extinguish candles and incense when unattended. Never place a candle near curtains, poster, or anything flammable. Keep candles away from fans, open windows or anywhere they can be knocked over.
- Don't leave food unattended on the stove or in the microwave. Be sure to turn off all burners and your stove whenever you leave your apartment.
- Extinguish all smoking materials thoroughly. When smoking, usa a sturdy "non-tipping" ashtray.
- Clean up immediately after parties and take all trash outside.
- Keep flammable materials at least 3 feet away from water heaters, furnaces and other sources of flames.
- City of Syracuse fire ordinances prohibit the use of any open-flame device, including grills on porches or overhangs. Grills must be placed at least 12 feet from a structure.
- Do not store gasoline, lighter fluid, etc. inside your house or apartment.
- Make sure beds, couches, curtains or anything flammable are at least 2 feet away from heat sources.
- Portable heaters can be dangerous if used improperly. Read instructions carefully.
- Do not run your clothes dryer without a lint filter; clean the filter between every use.
- Always check the wattage in light bulbs to make sure you are using the correct bulbs in light fixtures to prevent overheating.
- Do not hang items from fire sprinklers.
In Case Fire Does Strike
- If you hear an alarm, leave at once - do not delay. And close all doors behind you! Call 911. Say "I want to report a fire" and give a complete name and address. Stay on the phone until the dispatcher releases you.
- Don't try to fight the fire or round up valuables.
- Avoid elevators. Use the stairs.
- Feel all doors before opening, if a door feels hot, or if smoke is seeping out, DO NOT OPEN IT.
- If you wake in a smoke-filled room, avoid breathing deeply, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth if possible, drop to the floor and crawl to an exit.
- If you become trapped in your apartment and cannot reach a fire exit, do not panic. Close your door and seal off any cracks with wet towels. If you can, call the Fire Department, give them your name, address and location in the building. Open a window for air and signal for help. Do not jump! WAIT for help.
- If in smoke or heat, stay low, where the air is better. Take short, quick breaths through the nose until you reach safety.
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