Fire Safety TipsThese tips are intended as a guide. For more information, contact the Tuscaloosa Fire Department at 205-349-0164 or the Northport Fire Department at 205-333-3020.
- Call 911 for fire emergencies. Post emergency response numbers by all phones.
- Make sure you have a fire escape plan and keep exit routes clear.
- You should have two escape routes from each room, usually a window and a door.
- Windows and doors should open easily. Ask the Landlord to fix them if they don’t.
- You should leave the building immediately if you suspect a fire.
- If caught in a fire, stay low to the ground to avoid asphyxiation.
- Use a damp cloth to cover your nose and mouth.
- Feel the door, if it is hot, do not open it. Look for another exit from the room. If the door is not hot, open it slowly.
- Get yourself out first, then use a cell phone or neighbors phone to call for help.
- Don’t try to put the fire out yourself. Call for help.
- Remember - STOP, DROP and ROLL if you catch fire.
- Never go back inside a burning building.
Smoke Detectors
- Test smoke detectors once a month.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year. You can remember to do this by changing them when you the time changes in the fall and spring.
- Smoke detectors should be located in or near each bedroom and in the living area.
Smoking
- It is a good idea to never smoke inside and never smoke in bed.
- Run cigarettes and cigar butts under water before putting in the trash.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Cooking
- Don’t leave the kitchen with food cooking in the oven or on the stove.
- Make sure loose clothing that could touch a burner and catch fire is tucked away.
- Keep things that could burn such as potholders, plastic, containers, paper products and dish towels away from the cook top and elements.
- Turn the oven and/or stove off when you finish cooking.
- Turn off and unplug small appliances after using them (toasters, coffee makers).
- Don’t leave a grill unattended while grilling and never use a grill in an unventilated area.
- Make sure the grill is located at least three feet away from anything combustible.
- Only use lighter fluid designated for use with charcoal grills.
- Make sure coals are completely out before discarding them.
- If using a gas grill, make sure the lines are securely attached and turn off the gas when you finish grilling.
Candles
- Never leave burning candles or incense unattended.
- Use candle holders that are stable and made of glass or metal.
- Make sure candles are out completely before you leave the room.
- Place candles where they won’t be knocked over.
Heating
- If you use space heaters, keep them at least three feet from anything that could catch on fire.
- Turn the space heater off when you leave the room, go to bed, leave the house,etc..
- Have central heating systems inspected and cleaned annually before using.
- Have chimneys inspected annually and cleaned if needed before using.
- Keep things that could catch on fire away from the fireplace.
- Use a metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace.
Electrical
- Make sure extension cords are in good condition.
- Never run extension cords under rugs or over a doorway.
- Never let furniture sit on top of an extension cord.
- Never hook an extension cord to a nail or tie a knot in a cord.
- Always use the proper size extension cord.
- If breaker is tripped, find out why and remove appliances that are causing the breaker to trip.
- Make sure the correct size fuse is used in each socket in the fuse box.
- Make sure the computer, TV, stereo, refrigerator, etc. are well ventilated and plugged into a surge protector.
- Use the correct wattage light bulbs in lamps and light fixtures.
- All outlets should be covered by faceplates.
Miscellaneous
- Store flammable materials in safety cans, outside, away from heat sources.
- Never fill a hot lawn mower with gasoline. Allow the motor to cool first.
- Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near bedrooms.
- Keep the garage, attic, closets and yard free of clutter (papers, empty boxes, etc.)
Current News:
Considering moving off-campus? HRC-Off Campus Resources will present several programs that can help you get informed about your options. Programs are open to all students and you do not have to live in the building where the program is being held to be able to attend.
Times, dates and locations for programs include:
November 16th, 6:30pm, Burke West
November 16th, 8:20pm, Tutwiler Hall
November 17th, 6:30pm, Rose Towers
November 17th, 8:30pm, Paty Hall