EQUIPMENT
All apartments are equipped with smoke detectors that are designed to detect the presence of smoke and activate the fire alarm system, which automatically notifies the Campus Police. Tampering with your smoke detector will automatically set off the fire alarm system. Fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and fire hoses are located in building corridors and general areas. It is a misdemeanor offense to tamper with smoke detectors, fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and fire hoses. Violators are subject to both legal prosecution and eviction.
Residents are required to notify International Village staff or the Campus Police immediately if a detector in their apartment has been activated. If you ever suspect that a smoke detector or other fire equipment is compromised in any way, please notify the RSO immediately.
EVACUATION
All residents of International Village are required to evacuate the premises immediately during a fire alarm. Residents should exit buildings, proceed to the parking lots, and stand at least 100 feet from the nearest buildings. Further instructions will be given by International Village staff, including permission to re-enter the buildings.
Every fire alarm must be treated as a genuine emergency. Residents who fail to respond to a fire alarm or to follow directions of International Village staff are subject to one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
• First Offense Written Warning
• Second Offense $50.00 fine and possible eviction
• Third Offense Immediate eviction
Here are some additional guidelines for evacuations due to fire:
• Be sure your roommate is awake.
• Close your windows.
• Open your blinds.
• Dress quickly in appropriate clothes for the weather. Wear shoes. Always assume that you may not be able to reenter your apartment for an extended period.
• Take all of your keys (e.g. apartment, car, etc.).
• Take a towel with you in case of smoke.
• Check your door when preparing to exit. If it is hot, do not open the door. Call 911 immediately and hang a sheet or towel in your window to attract attention. If your apartment fills with smoke, stay low to the ground. Fill sinks with water. Stuff wet towels at the base of doors. Block vents with wet towels. If your door is cool, exit the building.
• Walk away from the buildings. Do not run.
PREVENTION
Listed below are some suggestions for preventing fire hazards:
• Turn off or unplug all appliances after use, including such items as curling irons, hot pots, irons, and popcorn poppers.
• Remain in your apartment when appliances are in use.
• The use of objects with open flames, combustible decorations, and chemicals are prohibited in International Village. The use of candles, potpourri, and incense may be used with extreme caution and common sense.
• Barbecues and starter fluids are not permitted in apartments or on patios and landings.
• Ensure that multiple outlet connections contain a built-in circuit breaker and are labeled as “UL Approved.”
• Check for frayed electrical cords and never locate electrical cords under rugs or other items that permit heat build-up in the cord.
• Use of halogen torchiere-style lamps is strictly prohibited.
FALSE ALARMS
We treat every fire alarm as a genuine emergency. Therefore, in addition to our staff, riverside fire department and the police department also responds to every fire alarm. Following are the charges to the residents for false alarms:
• First Incident no charge
• Second Incident $25.00 fine
• Third Incident & each incident after $50.00 fine
FIRE DRILLS
Annually, in conjunction with the Campus Emergency Health & Safety Department, International Village conducts fire drills. These drills are performed in order to verify that residents are familiar with the evacuation process and can safely and quickly execute the emergency plans.
Residents who fail to evacuate during such drills will be subject to disciplinary actions. International Village staff will enter apartments during fire drills to confirm that all persons have evacuated.