Call 911
from any Campus phone

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Fire alarm tests this month

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Links to more information on fire safety

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EHS Site Map

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EHS Contact Information

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Updated November 2009

Campus Fire Alarm Systems

Fire alarm tests are scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance, with notices sent to key occupants in affected buildings. These persons are responsible for informing the rest of the building occupants of the date and time of the test, and that it is not necessary to evacuate.

On a regularly scheduled basis, EHS checks and tests fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and fire hoses. In accordance with State Law, fire alarms are tested at least once a year to make sure they are working properly in case of a real fire. No one is required to evacuate a building during a fire alarm test.

During a fire alarm test, all bells and/or horns are sounded first to make sure they are operating properly. This takes approximately three to five minutes. Then the bells are silenced and the rest of the system is tested. If a bell or horn does not work, it is turned over to the maintenance section of EHS for repair. If you notice that a nearby bell or horn made no sound, bring it to the attention of EHS personnel conducting the test or call the EHS office at 744-7241.

For the safety of students, fire alarm systems in all campus apartments and residence halls are tested twice a year (usually during August and December) in accordance with State law. The battery-powered smoke detectors in older residence halls are inspected twice a year to make sure they are functioning properly. These inspections are conducted on an un-announced basis.

Fire drills are conducted twice a year to further ensure the safety of students who live in University housing.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinklers are an important part of the fire protection system in all OSU residence halls and many other campus buildings. All older residence halls have now been retrofitted with up-to-date fire alarms and sprinkler systems (a project that began in 1980).  Like fire alarms, these systems are checked on a regular basis. Their purpose is to suppress a fire and keep it from spreading. Water flowing in the system triggers the fire alarm.   Please report any leaking sprinkler equipment to the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 744-7241.

A popular activity in some buildings, "hall sports" (throwing objects like balls and Frisbees in hallways) can damage fire sprinkler system equipment. Designed to be sensitive to rising temperatures, sprinkler heads can easily be damaged when they are bumped. Likewise, hanging any clothing, decorations, or other objects from sprinkler heads and pipes can also cause damage.

Water from a sprinkler can leave oily stains on carpet and other furnishings. All repair costs due to negligence are charged to the department that sustained the damage. Residential Life is charged with any damage in residence halls--and will attempt to bill the person responsible in order to keep down costs.