Fire Safety

Fire Alarms

Every fire alarm is a real alarm. There is no such thing as a “false alarm.” Should the fire alarm activate:

Leave the area immediately
Walk quietly and efficiently to the nearest exit (use the stairs, do not use the elevators)
Remain outside in the designated area until the “all clear” is given

If you are in need of special assistance during an emergency, call 622-1111 (EKU Police) or 911 and let the operator know your location and your need.

Kentucky law mandates that everyone evacuate a building if the fire alarm is activated.

General Fire Safety Tips

If you see fire or smoke in a building, activate the fire alarm by using the fire alarm pull station (generally located near each stairwell) and immediately leave the structure.
Know at least two ways out of every structure.
Choose the closest exit (may not be the way you entered the structure).
Take time to become familiar with the fire evacuation and tornado shelter area plans posted in each building.

Holiday Decorating Fire Safety Tips

Many campus offices are decorated each holiday season. Because decorations combine highly combustible materials with additional sources of heat, the potential for fire increases. EH&S would like to remind faculty, staff and students of the following points which will help ensure a safe and happy holiday season:

Trees and greenery should be artificial. KY fire code does not allow natural trees inside State buildings. The trees and greenery should have the U.L. label stating flame retardant material.
Live trees, wreaths, branches, hay bales, etc. are not to be placed in any University buildings because they are a fire hazard.

Be sure all electrical items are in good condition and have U.L. labels. Use low heat output indoor electrical bulbs and make sure they do not make contact with combustible materials.
Ground fault interrupters (GFI) are required for exterior light displays.
No extension cords indoors.
No electrical cords may be routed through doorways of any type. The opening and closing of the door will cause damage to the cord and also facilitate a tripping hazard. Additionally, no electrical cords can be placed under a rug or carpet. Walking over rugs or carpets will damage the cord and become a fire hazard.
No use of smoke generating machines.

Decorations and trees must not cover fire alarm devices (pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, etc.), fire extinguishers, exit signs, exit doors, etc., or negate the purpose of these devices. Be sure all corridors and exits are clear and available for routine use.
Candles and other open flames are not allowed. Decorative candles, etc. are a huge fire risk and violate fire safety codes.
No items may be attached to or hung from sprinkler heads or sprinkler system piping. This is a particularly important requirement because of the potential for breaking the heads, pipes or pipe hangers.
Paper and/or flammable decorations should not cover more than 20% of the surface area of any wall or door.
Please exercise caution with the use of spray applied artificial snow. This type of decoration may irritate lungs and will set off smoke detectors faster than you can say “Ho Ho Ho!”
Take decorations down after the holidays and dispose of them properly or store them in a safe place.

Quick Links

Egress Fire Safety Video