Student Self-Inspection Checklist

(For Off-Campus Residences)

 

(Download a PDF—92K)

Smoke Detectors

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1. Are smoke detectors in place? YES NO

Recommended: A minimum of one located adjacent to each sleeping area.
If No, either contact your landlord about installing one or call our office to apply to receive a free smoke detector through our student program in conjunction with the Berkeley Fire Department.

2. Do the smoke detectors work? YES NO

Recommended: Test smoke detectors monthly if a test button is present.  “Chirping” indicates a low battery.
If the smoke detector isn’t working either change the batteries or contact your landlord as soon as possible to repair it.

Exiting

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3. Do you know your second way out? Have you made a plan? YES NO

If a fire blocks your main exit you want to know a second way out, be it a back door or a window.

4. Are hallways and stairways clear and unobstructed? YES NO

If smoke is filling the air you will have a hard time seeing and to avoid tripping hazards slowing your exit you want to keep exit pathways as clear as possible.

5. Do sleeping room windows open completely?

YES NO

Recommended: check this, they may be a method of escape.

6. Do window bars release from the inside? YES NO

Recommended: Test release mechanism
If there is no release for window bars, speak to your landlord and have one installed.

7. Check all doors leading to the outside. YES NO

Recommended: All doors should open fully with little effort.
Little used doors often get stuck overtime, check doors often and have them services if they become difficult to open.

Fire and Life Safety Equipment

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8. If fire extinguishers are present, do you know where they are located? YES NO

If fire extinguishers are available and you are trained how to use one they can be a valuable safety tool for extinguishing small fires before they get out of hand.  But remember, if you don’t know how to use an extinguisher, or if the fire seems to large, don’t try to extinguish it, just get out!

9. Are the fire extinguishers in normal charged condition? YES NO

Recommended: Check gauge.
If the gauge is low or the extinguisher has been used, please call your building manager to have it refilled or replaced.

10. Are the fire alarms visible (in multi-unit apartment buildings)? YES NO

Recommended: Know the location of these fire alarm pulls.

Fire Hazards

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11. Are electrical outlets over-loaded? YES NO

Recommended: One appliance per outlet, or use a surge suppressor-type of multi-receptacle power strip.

12. Are combustibles kept a safe distance from heat sources, such as water heaters? YES NO

13. Does your building have heaters in the floor? They require extra awareness. YES NO

14. Are candles and incense in non-combustible, tight-fitting holders? YES NO

Recommended: Never leave lighted candles or incense unattended.

Behavioral

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15. Use of fireworks is dangerous and is prohibited by State law. YES NO

16. If house parties are planned, have you designated a non-impaired monitor? YES NO

Recommended: See “House Parties and Special Events” for appropriate steps to take. YES NO

Take all fire alarms seriously. GET OUT AND STAY ALIVE.