During National Fire Prevention Week, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) will host events on the Seattle campus to educate students and staff about fire prevention and the importance of responding quickly to smoke alarms.
Stop by our table on the HUB Lawn to learn about fire prevention and smoke detectors.
SCHEDULE
- Monday, 10/6: 11am-1pm
- Tuesday, 10/7: 11am-1pm
- Wednesday, 10/8: 11am-1pm
- Thursday, 10/9: 11am-1pm
SMOKE DETECTORS
A smoke detector is the first line of defense. The alarm sounds to alert you of smoke detected in an area and the need to evacuate. Evacuate immediately and pull the fire alarm to initiate a building evacuation.
Some common causes of smoke alarm activation include burning food (especially popcorn), smoking or vaping indoors, aerosol spray, steam from a tea kettle or shower, smoke from candles, and smoke from a fire.
- Smaller electronic devices, such as laptops, e-bikes and scooters, tablets, phones, and electric vehicles may contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and cause a fire or explosion. Take steps to help reduce the possibility of a fire or explosion when handling, charging, storing or disposing of lithium-ion batteries.
- Cooking fires have been the most common fires to occur in UW residences over the past decade. Unattended cooking is the leading contributing factor in college cooking fires. Follow safe cooking practices to reduce the risk of fire and injury.
- Overloaded or daisy-chained power strips and electrical cords are another common cause of fires.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND REPORTING
In case of a fire, follow the EH&S Emergency Procedures.
After following emergency procedures, report the fire as soon as possible to EH&S at 206.543.7262 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Outside of business hours, call UW Police at 206-685-8973 (UWPD) to get connected to EH&S staff on call.
UW personnel are required to submit a UW Online Accident Reporting System (OARS) report.
MORE INFORMATION
More information about fire safety and prevention is available on the Fire & Life Safety pages.
Please contact our Building and Fire Safety team with questions.