Fires and Earthquakes

FIRES
EQUIPMENT
All apartments are equipped with smoke detectors and fire sprinklers that are designed to detect the presence of smoke or fire and activate the fire alarm system, which automatically notifies the UCR Police. Tampering with your smoke detector will automatically set off the fire alarm system. Fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and fire hoses are located in building corridors and general areas. It is a misdemeanor offense to tamper with smoke detectors, fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and fire hoses. Violators are subject to both legal prosecution and eviction.

Residents are required to notify Housing staff or the UCR Police immediately if a detector in their apartment has been activated. If you ever suspect that a smoke detector, fire sprinkler or other fire equipment is compromised in any way, please notify the Resident Services Office or RA on-duty immediately.


EVACUATION
All residents of Glen Mor are required to evacuate the premises immediately during a fire alarm. Residents should exit buildings, proceed to the designated evacuation location, and stand at least 100 feet from the nearest buildings. Further instructions will be given by Housing staff, including permission to re-enter the buildings.

Every fire alarm must be treated as a genuine emergency. Residents who fail to respond to a fire alarm or to follow directions of Housing staff are subject to one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
• First Offense Written Warning
• Second Offense $50.00 fine and possible eviction
• Third Offense Immediate eviction

Here are some additional guidelines for evacuations due to fire:
• Be sure your roommate is awake.
• Close your windows.
• Open your blinds.
• Dress quickly in appropriate clothes for the weather. Do not wear open toed shoes. Always assume that you may not be able to reenter your apartment for an extended period.
• Take all of your keys (e.g. apartment, car, etc.).
• Take a towel with you in case of smoke.
• Check your door when preparing to exit. If it is hot, do not open the door.

Call 9-1-1 immediately and hang a sheet or towel in your window to attract attention. If your apartment fills with smoke, stay low to the ground. Fill sinks with water. Stuff wet towels at the base of doors. Block vents with wet towels. If your door is cool, exit the building.
• Walk away from the buildings. Do not run.


PREVENTION
Listed below are some suggestions for preventing fire hazards:
• Turn off or unplug all appliances after use, including such items as curling irons, hot pots, irons, and popcorn poppers.
• Remain in your apartment when appliances are in use.
• The use of objects with open flames, combustible decorations, and chemicals are prohibited in Glen Mor. The use of candles, hookahs, potpourri, and incense are prohibited.
• Barbecues and starter fluids are not permitted in apartments or exterior areas.
• Ensure that multiple outlet connections contain a built-in circuit breaker and are labeled as “UL Approved.”
• Check for frayed electrical cords and never locate electrical cords under rugs or other items that permit heat build-up in the cord.
• DO NOT USE halogen torchiere-style lamps.

FIRE DRILLS
Annually, in conjunction with the Environmental Health & Safety Department, Housing staff conducts fire drills. These drills are performed in order to verify that residents are familiar with the evacuation process and can safely and quickly execute the emergency plans.

Residents who fail to evacuate during such drills will be subject to disciplinary actions. Housing staff will enter apartments during fire drills to confirm that all persons have evacuated.

EARTHQUAKES

Earthquakes are a reality in California. The more prepared you are to deal with earthquakes, the better you will be able to help yourself and others in the event of an earthquake-related emergency.

BEFORE THE QUAKE

Check to be sure that nothing heavy or breakable is hanging over your bed. If at all possible, keep all breakable items stored low. Keep exits clear. Be familiar with the floor plan of the building and the exterior property. Keep a first-aid kit or earthquake preparedness kit in your room, along with a flashlight, shoes and eyeglasses. The more self-reliant you are, the better. Although there is a campus wide emergency plan that will be enacted after a large earthquake, your own self-reliance will help to ease the demands on emergency personnel.

DURING THE QUAKE

Remain calm—do not run or panic. Remain where you are: indoors, outdoors, or in a car.

If you are indoors:

  • Do not run outside.
  • Take cover under desks, tables, beds, or in doorways until the shaking stops.
  • Do not stand near windows, shelves, or heavy objects, which may topple.
  • Wait a few moments after the shaking stops before leaving your cover.

If you are outdoors:

  • Move to an open area away from high buildings and power lines.
  • Do not attempt to enter apartment buildings, any other buildings, or seek shelter beside building walls.

AFTER THE QUAKE

  • Take time to think. Do not run down stairs. Do not run inside or outside.
  • Wait until all motion has stopped.
  • Do not light a match or turn on a light switch. There may be leaking gas or electrical shorts. At night, use a flashlight.
  • Wear shoes for protection from debris and broken glass.
  • Check the immediate area for injured persons. However, do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in danger of further injury.
  • Check for fires, spills, or other hazards. Turn off all appliances.
  • Evacuate if there is an immediate danger (“See Evacuation”).
  • Follow staff instructions. Again, in the event of a severe earthquake, the campus emergency plan will go into effect. This plan is designed to provide medical attention, food, and shelter to the campus community.