Fire Safety

FIRE SAFETY

Fire Detection Systems

All Residence halls and Academic/Administrative buildings at the University are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by the Emergency Operations staff as well as remotely. When a general building alarm is activated it is received by the Emergency Operations staff. The Emergency operations staff then dispatches Fredericksburg Fire Department, as well as the University Police.

Fire Pull Stations

Pull Stations are located throughout the buildings at UMW. They are red and labeled FIRE, normally in white Letters. They are to be used to alert the building of an emergency, whether it is a fire or another kind of emergency that requires the building to evacuate.  Activating a pull station also notifies that Emergency Operations Center, then dispatches Fredericksburg Fire Department, as well as the University Police.

Other Fire and Life Safety Equipment

Exit Signs

Each building at the University is equipped with illuminated Exit Lights that must illuminate at least 5 foot candles. Exit lights are white with red lettering and are also have battery backups in the event of a power failure.

Fire Extinguishers

All buildings at UMW are equipped with multi-purpose ABC type fire extinguishers. They are throughout the buildings and are either hung on a red plate or in a Fire Extinguisher Cabinet. These extinguishers can be used to put out Type A- Trash, Wood, and Paper; Type B- Flammable Liquids; and type C-Electrical Equipment.

Use Fire Extinguishers by applying the PASS Method:

• Start 8 feet back from fire
• “P” Pull the pin
• “A” Aim at the base of the fire , not the smoke or flame
• “S” Squeeze the handle to activate
• “S” Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire. Remember  the extinguisher will only last 8-10 seconds.These are only first aid devices.

Fire Drills

All buildings are subject to Fire Drills. Student residential building fire drills are coordinated and performed by the Student Fire Marshal for that building.  They are to be held during specific time. The times can be found in the student handbook or at the Safety Office in Brent Hall.  There are 3 drills per semester performed in each Residence halls. During these drills, the proper evacuation plans need to be utilized. The evacuation plans are posted on every floor throughout the buildings. There is also a pre-planned Marshaling point where everyone who has exited the building is supposed to meet so they can be accounted for.

Prohibited Appliances

There is a “NO Smoking” policy within all UMW buildings also no smoking within 50 feet of a building.

Appliances within student residential buildings must be UL Listed. Appliances not allowed in residence halls consist of any appliance with a heating element which is not timed to cut off automatically. (George Foreman grills, hot plates, burners, Lava Lamps, etc.) Also prohibited are Halogen-type lamps, candles even for ornamental purposes, and incense/ incense burners.

 Zero Tolerance Policy  The University of Mary Washington has a zero tolerance policy for the intentional abuse or damage of, or tampering with, Fire and Life Safety Equipment.