Steps taken to increase fire safety for students
Smoke detectors available free of charge

29 August 2001 | The campus and city of Berkeley have launched several new initiatives designed to limit the potential for residential fires and increase student safety.

The campus’s Student Safe Housing Task Force has produced a new “Fire Safety Sense” brochure, being distributed to thousands of returning students. The document provides tips on preventing fires and protecting oneself in the event of a fire, along with a list of resources and statistical information.

Similar information is available in a number of student-related publications, including the Resource guide, the “Guide to Student Living” and the UC Police Department’s “Safety Counts” brochure.

A Web site — www.ehs.berkeley.edu/offcampusfiresafety.html — provides students with additional information about fire safety. From this site, students may print out a self-inspection checklist, used to evaluate the safety of a new or current residence.

Parents of students received fire safety information in the most recent edition of Cal Parents’ Letter Home publication; many will hear a similar message at Homecoming and Parents Weekend in late September. During their visit to the campus, say organizers, parents will be encouraged to walk through their son’s or daughter’s residence for a safety assessment.

The city of Berkeley will provide and install free smoke detectors for all residents who request them. Those interested may call the Berkeley Fire Department at 981-5585. The Berkeley Residential Safety Program, 981-5444, will also assist renters with safety-related questions.

In July, the city passed an ordinance requiring landlords to certify that their rental property meets safety rules. Tenants who do not agree with the property owner’s self-assessment may request an inspection by the city. The campus is contributing funds to help pay for these inspections.