Fire Hazards
An alert and educated student and staff member is SUNY Potsdam's most valuable resource for fire protection. Fire hazards often arise from unsafe conditions and practices. Every person has a responsibility and vested interest in making a concerted effort to correct and improve their living/working conditions and practices.
Fire hazards include, but are not limited to:
- Smoking - This activity is permitted only outside in specifically designated areas.
- Stairways - Never block stairway entrances, even temporarily. No obstructions should be left on steps or landings. Fire doors should always remain closed.
- Corridors: Corridors, hallways and aisles must be kept clear of all obstructions (e.g., office furniture, bicycles, compressed gas cylinders, etc.) which might present a fire hazard and impede escape routes.
- Storage Areas - Areas used for storage should be kept clean and orderly. Accumulation of trash, rags or debris of any type is a hazard and an unsafe condition.
- Fire Protection Devices - Fire extinguishers, pull stations, audio visual strobes, sprinkler and smoke detectors should be accessible at all times and not blocked by any storage of items.
- Equipment Hazards:
- Electrical cords should be placed away from aisles or other pedestrian walkways.
- Never use electrical cords that are frayed or have exposed wiring.
- Do not overload electrical outlets by using multiple extension cords, etc.
- Perform regular maintenance on all equipment. Promptly remove/repair defective equipment.
- Understand and use all pertinent safety precautions when using electrical appliances and equipment.
- Never use portable electric space heaters in any building on campus.
- Only connect portable power taps and extension cords directly into wall receptacles.
- The use of candles is prohibited in any Campus building.
- Never install replacement bulbs in lamps that exceed the maximum rated wattage.
- The use of Halogen lamps is prohibited in any Campus building.
- Loading Docks, Loading Areas - In Campus facilities, various exits are located near loading docks and/or loading areas. These areas must be kept clear of all obstructions (e.g., pallets, trash, debris, etc.) that may present a fire hazard and impede escape routes.
Alarms
The majority of College facilities are equipped with sprinkler systems and automated alarm devices.While extremely efficient, these systems do not ensure all emergency/fire situations will be suppressed.
To ensure the safety of all building occupants, the Physical Plant Office requires the complete evacuation of a facility during an alarm situation.
Failure to see fire or smell smoke does not mean a threat to your safety is not present.
Emergency situations could be the result of:
- Fire
- Gas Leaks
- Natural Disasters
- Hazardous Materials Incidents
- Threats of Violence
- Explosion
In the event of a fire emergency, students and staff should practice the procedures associated with the acronym "RACE".
R - Remain calm, do not panic. Rescue persons in immediate danger.
A - Alarm: Activate the nearest MANUAL PULL STATION and Call it in! See section below on how to report a fire.
C - Contain fire at point of origin by closing all doors and windows.
E - Evacuate the facility using established procedures.
To Report a Fire
From a Campus phone, dial 2222 to connect to the University Police Department. Advise University Police that there is a fire/emergency of approximate size and location (building, floor, room #, etc.).
From a cell phone, dial (315) 267-2222 to connect to the University Police Department.
Elevators: When the fire alarm sounds, Do Not use the elevators. The elevators will become inoperable to all persons and will be only for fire department use. When the fire alarm sounds in an emergency situation, occupants should use the stairways to evacuate from the floors above and below the building exits. Students or visitors with disabilities should proceed to the nearest stairwell and wait for assistance to evacuate.