Fire Safety

 

Fire Drills

For the protection and safety of our community, announced and unannounced fire drills will be held at the direction of the OSU fire marshal during the academic year. To become familiar with evacuation routes, cooperation is mandatory. Anytime the alarm sounds, residents have to leave the building. Participation in fire evacuations is required by state law. Engaging in misuse or unauthorized use of firefighting equipment, fire sprinkling systems, and other safety equipment or warning devices, engaging in behavior that creates a fire hazard, or failure to evacuate when a fire alarm is activated.

 

Smoke Detectors in the halls

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Fire Alarm Instructions

1. In inclement weather, wear a coat and shoes and carry a towel.
2. Close windows and leave lights on in the room. Take the room key.
3. Leave the door closed and walk to the exit. If smoke is encountered, stay low for air.
4. Do not use an elevator.
5. Physical assistance for evacuation, call OSU Police at (405)744-6523 or 911.
6. If unable to leave the room, place a towel under the door if smoke is either seen or smelled.
7. Await assistance in the room or area of refuge. 

 

Cooking Can Trigger Fire Alarms

The number one cause of fire alarms within the residence halls is for cooking. Be sure to stay with your food while you cook it, even if you are cooking in a microwave.

• Pay attention to the timer. Are you sure you entered 3:00 minutes and not 30:00 minutes?
• Be sure that your microwave, stove, or oven is clean and free of food debris. This can easily catch fire.
• Follow the cooking instructions provided on food containers/cartons.

 

Steam Can Trigger Fire Alarms 

• When taking a shower, be sure to turn on the exhaust fan in your bathroom. This helps disperse the steam.
• If you live in an apartment with a range hood, be sure to operate it while you are cooking to take away the steam.
• Use caution when using a hairdryer, curling iron, hair straightener or other similar grooming appliance. They can set off the alarms.
• Other items such as humidifiers, coffee pots, teapots, can also expel steam that can set off an alarm.

 

Aerosols Can Trigger Fire Alarms

We want everyone and their living space to smell good, but spray away from the smoke detectors. 

• Aerosols (hair/body sprays, odor-fighting products, perfumes and deodorants) can set off fire alarms if the spray mist is in the alarm's direct path.