Off-Campus Housing Fire Prevention and Life Safety

Exits

• It is important to have more than one exit from the building. Map out a second exit from the building that can be used in case the main door is made impassible. Check all of the doors leading to outside the building to make sure that they open fully.


• All hallways and stairways should be clear of any material that might cause obstructions to evacuation. In case of a fire, bikes, flower planters, and any other items stored in halls and on stairs will create barriers.Hallways and stairways are not the place for storage.


• In many cases windows may be the only way out of the building in the event of a fire. This is especially true of sleeping rooms. Be sure to check that all windows open fully and easily.


• If your dwelling has theft-deterrent window bars, they should be equipped with a release mechanism from the inside, usually a foot or hand pull/push. Test this device to be sure it opens the window fully. The Berkeley Fire Department offers free testing of these release mechanisms.