"Only YOU can prevent Campus Fires!"

Did you know ?

  • Fire is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

  • A residential fire occurs every 82 seconds in this country.

  • The size of a fire doubles every 30 seconds.

  • Half of all deaths in domestic fires happen between 10pm and 2am.

News Alert!

A fire that occurred at Knox Hall on 3/18/05. It occurred at approximately 5pm in the basement of Knox Hall in the laundry room. An overloaded dryer was the unofficial cause of the fire. No injuries were reported. The residents were evacuated and the fire was contained by the Orono Fire Department. Safety and Environmental Management determined it was OK to re-enter about 3 hours later. The picture shows the 2 stacked dryers, after being removed from the laundry room, lying on their side at the UM stump dump.

 

Arsons at the University of Maine in 2004

Gannett Hall – 6
Cumberland Hall – 6
Androscoggin Hall – 10
York Hall – 4
Kennebec Hall – 6
Arroostook – 2
Estabrooke Hall – 2
Stodder Hall – 1
Penobscot Hall – 4
Somerset Hall – 2
Edith Patch Hall – 1

Total reported Arsons:
44 reported to UMPD


Hancock Hall, May 7, 2000



Laws:

A person is guilty of Arson if that person starts, causes or maintains a fire or explosion; on the property of another with the intent to damage or destroy property thereon: or their own property or the property of another, with the intent to enable any person to collect insurance proceeds for the loss caused by the fire, which recklessly endangers any person or property of another.

False Public Alarm:

The actor knowingly gives or causes to be given false information concerning an emergency to any ambulance service or utility that deals with an emergency involving danger to life or property, with the intent to induce such services, knowing the information is false.

PULLING A FALSE ALARM is a Class D crime.

Reckless conduct:

A person is guilty of reckless conduct if he/she creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person Criminal Mischief; Damages, destroys property of another having no reasonable ground to believe that the person has a right to do so. What you need to know to stay safe in your residence Don’t block roads for emergency access. Never ignore a fire alarm, always assume it is real. Make sure your exit path is clear of obstruction. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher Never tamper with a smoke detector.

Smoke Detectors:

Never, disable, tamper or remove a detector under any circumstances!!

You can be charged with the crime of Criminal Mischief if you tamper with a smoke detector. If you tamper with a fire alarm pull station, you can be charged with Aggravated Criminal Mischief.

Have an evacuation Plan:

  • Make sure you door and windows work properly.

  • Create a plan with several escape routes.

  • Select a location to meet after an evacuation.

  • Practice fire escape and evacuation plans.

  • Once outside a building do not go back inside.

  • Try to plan at least two exits from your room.

  • Preventing fires caused by electricity

  • Do not overload electrical outlets.

  • Never use a cord in a wet area.

  • Do not leave small appliances plugged in.

  • Do not use extension cords.

  • Have defective outlets checked by an electrician.

  • Never cut the ground prong off any cord.

Preventing Kitchen Fires:

  • Do not leave kitchen area while you are cooking

  • Keep flammable materials away from the stove area.

  • Make sure there is a working smoke detector in the kitchen.

  • If grease catches fire carefully slide a lid over the pan to extinguish the fire.

  • Keep stove and oven clean of grease.

How to prevent a fire:

  • Never smoke in bed or a comfortable chair that you may fall asleep in.

  • Smoking is the number one cause of fires.

  • Avoid overloading outlets.

  • Never leave candles or open flames unattended. At the University of Maine, candles are against the policy. ANY open flame is considered against the policy of UMaine.

  • Keep drapes and flammables at least 3 feet away from heat.

  • If a fire breaks out:

  1. React and evacuate immediately.

  2. Do not stop to gather personal belongings.

  3. Feel doors before you open them, if they are hot use another exit.

  4. Stay low to the floor to avoid smoke.

  5. People whom do not exit a building when fire alarm is activate will be sent to judicial affairs.

 

Please report fire play, arson, and/or scorching behavior to:
An RA or RD; Public Safety (581.4040 or 911)
or through Campus Eyes