Finance and Operations

Make smoke alarms work for you for Fire Prevention Week

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The Clemson University Fire & EMS Department (CUFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The campaign works to educate everyone on the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54 percent. Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

CUFD encourages students and employees to consider these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
  • Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.

On-campus fire safety reminders

Fire Prevention Week is also a good time to remind those living and working on campus of our fire safety policies to protect the people and property of Clemson University.

  • E-scooters and other micro-mobility devices are prohibited from being inside any University facilities and are prohibited from being charged on campus. Parking and charging e-scooters inside presents fire, safety and accessibility hazards.
  • Candles and other open flame devices are not allowed in residence halls or apartments. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
  • Smoking and vaping is prohibited in all University facilities. Clemson University is a tobacco-free campus.
  • Do not tamper with or remove any fire detection device. Do not hang anything from a sprinkler head.
  • ALWAYS take fire alarms seriously, and leave the building by assigned routes.

For more information on campus fire safety, visit the CUFD website.