Fire Safety
Fire Safety
Preventing fires requires vigilance and care for all occupants, building and facilities managers, trades personnel, and contractors. Learning about the importance of day-to-day fire safety and fire prevention measures is critical for students, staff, and facility managers.
Department Contact
Mark Collins
617-447-0601
mark_collins@harvard.edu
Department Update
BBQ grilling is fun, but there are fire code restrictions to consider: propane gas grills are not permitted inside or on first floor porches, decks, or balconies that are enclosed by a roof, ceiling, or other confining material of any building or structure used for habitation. Charcoal and propane grills are limited to the ground level only.
It is a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher handy and within reach!
Did You Know?
Candle fires are the fourth leading cause of campus fires behind cooking, arson, and smoking. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that 20 percent of university housing fires in bedrooms are started by candles.
Candles remain a key ignition source for campus fires despite the fact that candles are now banned at most colleges. More than half of all candle fires occur when a combustible material is too close to the candle, with the most common materials being bedding and curtains. Falling asleep is a factor in a quarter of candle fire fatalities — extinguish all candles before going to sleep.