Fire Safety
At Carleton University we take great pride in being leaders in fire and life safety: ensuring that you can leave the building in a safe and effective manner. You can do your part too.
- Make sure the hallways are free from obstructions (i.e., bicycles, boxes, furniture). Ensure all exits are free from obstructions allowing easy travel and preventing delays or injuries during an emergency.
- Keep all doors closed. They are designed to stop or delay the spread of smoke, toxic gases and fire. Your escape route could be blocked by fire or smoke if these doors are propped open.
- Ensure all trash and recyclable materials are placed in the appropriate containers. They can catch fire easily and emit toxic smoke.
- If you notice any missing exit signs, notify the Housing and Conference Services staff so appropriate action may be taken.
- Use only Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) approved power bars and do not overload outlet or power bars.
- Power bars should be used according to specifications; don’t staple/nail or run cords under carpet or rugs.
- Ensure paper and other flammable materials do not accumulate next to outlets/power bars (i.e., next to printers).
- Unplug electrical equipment such as irons, curling irons, and kettles when they are not in use. Never leave them unattended and do no store them until they are cooled. Keep them away from bed linens.
- Cooking appliances are only permitted in kitchen prep areas of suite style residences.
- Candles or incense are not permitted in Residence.
- Smoking is not permitted in the residence buildings.
False Fire Alarms
False fire alarms endanger other people and property by needlessly calling emergency services to locations where they are not needed. In addition, complacency among residents due to false alarms can place occupants in danger should the alarm be signaling a real fire.
The intentional sounding of a false alarm is a criminal offence and a breach of the Residence Contract.
Should a fire alarm be activated that is later determined to be false, caused by a careless act, or by the use of appliances and/or substances that are prohibited by the Residence Contract, the residents of the appropriate living unit may be penalized in an amount not exceeding $500 per person, per occasion and may also have their Residence Contract terminated.
If you know or suspect a given individual is responsible for the activation of a fire alarm (i.e.,burnt popcorn, accidental damage to a device, etc.), please follow the fire alarm evacuation guidelines and advise Housing and Conference Services or University Safety Staff upon exiting the building.
When A Fire Alarm Sounds
- Never assume it is a false alarm and immediately exit at your nearest stairwell.
- Take all medications with you when you leave.
- If you cannot exit the building use Carleton University’s ‘Stay in Place’ procedure.
- Do not attempt to use the elevators.
- Get away from the building and go to your ‘Safe Destination’ site. Once outside, take direction from Department of University Safety or Department of Housing and Conference Services Staff.
- Do not re-enter the building until you hear the “All Clear” (60 seconds continuous tone) and receive instructions from Housing and Conference Services and Department of University Safety Staff.
Stay In Place Locations
Stay in Place’ locations are places of safety that you may go to if you cannot exit the building (i.e., presence of smoke, heat, fire and/or mobility restrictions). Examples of these locations are: bedrooms, floor lounges, and corridors. If you cannot leave your room or once you get into the hallway, room or stairwell and you can’t go any further:
- Stay in your room or return to your room. If you cannot return to your room, stay in your current safe place.
- Call the Department of University Safety at 4444 or (613) 520-4444 (if using a non-residence phone) and provide them with the following information:
- Indicate that you cannot leave.
- Provide your name and location.
- Provide information on what smoke, heat, and/or flames you have noticed.
- Indicate if you have mobility restrictions or other conditions.
- Indicate if there are other people with you and how many.
- Seal up the cracks around the door(s) by using tape, sheets or clothing dampened with water (if possible).
- Hang brightly coloured objects in the window. Do not break the window as it may be needed to stop smoke from entering your room from the outside.