Off-Campus Housing Fire Safety Checklist, Emerson College

Smoke Alarms/Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

Are there smoke alarms in every bedroom, on every level of the building?

Have the detectors been tested recently and are the batteries changed on a regular basis?

Are carbon monoxide detectors installed near sleeping areas?

Exits:

Are there two ways out of every bedroom? The second way out may be a window.

Is there a second way out of the house or unit? Every apartment must have two ways out.

Do all doors and windows open fully and easily?

Clear exits/hallways/stairs so you can exit quickly in case of a fire.

Evacuations:

Leave quickly when a fire/smoke alarm sounds. Spending time retrieving items increases your chances of being trapped. Leave everything and GO.

Talk with your roommates and determine a safe place to meet outside in case of a fire.

Cooking:

Make sure the stove is in proper working condition.

Pay attention while cooking and keep your stove area clear of things that can catch on fire.

Keep cooking areas clean.

Electricity:

Don’t overload outlets. Use a grounded surge protector. Multi-outlet electrical taps can overload an outlet and cause a fire.

While use of extension cords should be avoided, if they are used, make sure they are in good working condition and the right size for the application. Do not run extension cords under rugs or through doorways.

Space Heaters:

If space heaters are used, make sure areas around the heater(s) are kept clear of any combustible materials (e.g., curtains, bedding, clothing).

Always shut off space heaters when leaving a room and never leave space heaters on overnight.

Candles:

If candles or other potential ignition sources are used, make sure they are kept clear of combustible materials, placed where they won't be accidentally knocked off of their resting place, and extinguished before leaving the apartment.

Dryer:

Clean the dryer lint trap before and after each use.