It’s that time of year again! Beginning September 9, 2024, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control will soon begin annual fire inspections in residential spaces. Please review your living spaces and ensure that you are maintaining a safe and compliant environment for you and others in the building. Your help will also support the University’s goal of no violations.
Please take a moment to review the Residential Fire Safety Checklist: https://intranet.clarkson.edu/administrative/dehs/fire-safety/annual-fire-inspection/
Specific items to look out for:
1. Decorations – Ensure you do not have any open flame-producing devices such as wick candles (even if unburned) and incense. Ensure you do not have curtains, draperies or other decorative materials hanging from your ceiling.
2. Doors – If your door is equipped with an automatic door closure, it must be kept on and remain in proper function.
3. Refrigerators/microwaves – All refrigerators and microwaves must be plugged directly into a wall outlet, they cannot be plugged into a power strip or extension cord.
4. Power strips – If you are using a power strip or multi-plug outlet extender, ensure that it has surge protection and that it is plugged directly into an electrical outlet. It cannot be combined with any other power strips, extension cords or other multi-plug adapters.
5. Storage – Ensure that combustible material is not stored closer than 18” from the ceiling if the room has sprinkers, or 24” from the ceiling if the room does not have sprinklers.
6. Egress – Always ensure that you have a clear egress path out of your spaces and ensure that your door can fully open. You should not have items stored behind it preventing it from opening.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming inspection or items on these checklists, please reach out to Erica Arnold (earnold@clarkson.edu) or Brian Moulton (blmoulto@clarkson.edu) in the Environmental Health & Safety Department.