Introduction

• This site has been designed as a quick reference guide for fire safety regulations that apply to all fraternity and sorority houses that are chartered by Southern Methodist University, whether they are owned and operated by SMU or operated by a house property management organization.
• These regulations are a minimum standard established to protect the lives of the students who use these facilities. By issuing a charter, SMU reserves the right to insure the safety of the students who join these organizations as a part of their attendance at SMU.
• Safety begins with you. Chapter members and their guests are responsible for knowing, understanding, and upholding University regulations regarding fire safety, in addition to all of the Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. A breach of any policy can result in disciplinary action against the individual or the chapter.

Non Smoking Environment

• SMU is a smoke-free campus. In accordance with University Policy, all fraternity and sorority houses are non smoking buildings. Residents, members, and guests who wish to smoke, must do so outside of the building. Smoking is not allowed on porches, stairs, ramps, or building entrances.

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Weapons/Firearms/Explosives

• The use and possession of dangerous weapons or facsimiles of dangerous weapons on University property is prohibited. These items include but are not limited to: firearms, handguns, explosives, fireworks, incendiary devices, cross bows. Pellet guns, stun guns, swords or other sharp blades, nun chucks, throwing stars or other types of martial arts weapons, tear gas (except commercial personal defense units), and look-a-like facsimiles or toys. Weapons can be stored at DPS. Students found
  with the items will be referred to judiciary action.
• Fireworks are not permitted on campus and are illegal within Dallas County limits. All flammable paints, solvents, fuels, and cleaning agents cannot be stored in the house. Oil base paint, automobile or motorcycle batteries cannot be stored in the house.
• Equipment with combustible engines that use gasoline diesel, or other combustible fuels cannot under any circumstances be stored in the house or any campus resident building. This includes automobiles, motorcycles, mopeds, motor bikes, lawn-mowers, or other gasoline powered devices. Repairing of any of these devices must be done at least 25 feet from the house of in a specially designated area which has appropriate protection.

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Liability and Renter’s Insurance

• All residents are strongly urged to obtain a “renter’s” insurance policy for their belongings. The University is not liable for any losses of or damage to an individual’s personal property for any reason, including fire, smoke, vandalism water, theft, or other causes. Residents should check with their family’s insurance provider to see how their homeowner’s policy might cover property while attending college.

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Emergency Fire Procedures

• Officers and other designated individuals within each chapter shall establish a written house emergency fire evacuation plan. This information should be made available to and discussed by all house residents and chapter members at the beginning of each semester. Such fire emergency pre-planning should include the following information:

1. Written emergency fire procedures distributed to every house member

2. A house evacuation plan:

1. what exits to use from each area of the house, always stress alternate exits if the closest one is blocked.
2. where residents shall assemble after exiting from the house and what persons shall be responsible for roster check-in to see that everyone is safely out of the house.

3. Assistance for handicapped residents:

1. Residents in wheelchairs or otherwise handicapped should be housed where they can be quickly evacuated in an emergency.
2. If possible, other residents in the area should be alerted or assigned to assist handicapped students in emergencies.
3. Be alert to students who are temporarily handicapped by broken bones, sprains. etc., requiring the use of crutches or other aids which might slow them down in emergencies.
4. Residents with hearing handicaps may not wake up to alarm bells; residents with visual handicaps may encounter exit difficulties which require Special assistance.

4. When to try to extinguish a fire by yourself:

• In many cases even very small fires may quickly burn out of control unless immediate steps are taken to extinguish the flames. While the fire extinguishers required and maintained in all houses are excellent tools for extinguishing many small fires, all extinguishers are limited in their capacity and must be used properly to obtain maximum results.
  
  
• Before using a fire extinguisher consider the following guidelines:

Have you been trained?
Do you feel comfortable fighting the fire?
Is the proper extinguisher available?
Has the house and fire department been alerted?
Always keep the exit door to your back and the fire in front of you.
Never fight an electrical or grease fires with a water fire extinguisher.

• Different types of fire extinguishers may be used to fight various types of fires
  (electrical-paper-flammable liquid) and each resident must know the purpose and limitations of each extinguisher type in the house, as well as how each type should be operated. Each chapter should instruct the membership on the proper and safe use of each house fire extinguisher and the limitations of each extinguisher so that they may better understand when to fight fires and when to evacuate immediately.
• The SMU Fire Safety Division of the Environmental Health & Safety Department will assist as possible in providing proper information and training in fire extinguisher use, at the request of the individual Greek chapters.
  
  
• Use limitations of fire extinguishers should be labeled on the canister body of the extinguishers as follows:

Extinguisher Type Used For:

A --- Paper, wood, and other ordinary combustible fires.

B --- Flammable liquid fires.

C --- Electrical Fires

BC --- Electrical & Flammable Liquid Fires.

ABC --- All Fires

K --- Kitchen Fires - Cooking oils & grease

• Generally speaking, fire extinguishers maintained in fraternity and sorority houses are properly operated as follows:
  
  
• Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. --

PULL the pin
AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire
SQUEEZE the handle
SWEEP the base of the fire with the stream of the extinguishing agent

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Use and Maintenance of Fire Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

• All fire alarm and fire suppression systems must be in good operating condition at all times that the house is occupied.
• All fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly to insure that they are in the proper location, in good condition, and are fully charged. This is a visual check. All fire extinguishers must be inspected yearly by a licensed fire extinguisher service company and tagged that the unit is in good condition.
• All other fire suppression equipment (water sprinkler systems, dry or wet kitchen suppression systems, etc.) must be inspected in accordance with University Park Fire Codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, and manufacturer’ specifications.
• All fire alarm systems must be inspected, cleaned and tested in accordance with fire codes.

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Vandalizing or Tampering with Fire Protection Equipment

• It is against University Park Fire Code, State law, and University Policy to:
  • Discharge a fire extinguisher,
  • Activate a notification device (pull station, etc.), or
  • Make a false report that results in the dispatch of fire equipment and personnel when no fireor emergency exists.
• Individuals who reckless use fire equipment or vandalize any fire protection devices (this includes the discharge of fire extinguishers) is subject to formal charges, and fines by the City of University Park and/or disciplinary action and penalty fees by the University.

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Fire Drills

• The purposes of fire drills are to insure the efficient and safe use of all available exit facilities, to familiarize occupants with sound and audibility of alarms, and to provide an opportunity to test the alarm system. Proper drills insure orderly exit and prevent panic--the greatest cause of loss of life in the major fire disasters of history. Order and control are the primary purposes of the drill. Speed in emptying houses, while desirable, is not in itself a goal, and should be made secondary to the maintenance of proper order and discipline.
• Fire drills should be held with sufficient frequency (at least once each semester) to familiarize all occupants with the drill procedure and to make the procedure a matter of established routine. Fire drills in fraternity and sorority houses are required within thirty days of the beginning of classes each semester.
  
  
• Procedure for Scheduling and Conducting Fire Drills
• When a fire drill is to be scheduled, the following steps should be followed:

1. Members should have been familiarized with drill procedures prior to the scheduling of the drill. Drills should be scheduled as early as practical at the beginning of each semester to insure that new residents are familiar with the house emergency plans. Drill scheduling should be known only to the officers conducting the drill so that the drill will have as much spontaneity as possible to assist in the simulation of an actual emergency evacuation. The date and time should be selected to insure
   maximum participation.

2. Each fire drill must be performed with a DPS officer in attendance. To schedule a fire drill contact the Support Services Division of DPS (768-2487 or 768-2490).

3. If the house’s fire alarm system is monitored by an off-campus alarm company, notify the alarm company and the University Park fire Department of the fire drill.

4. The fire drill will be initiated and monitored by the DPS officer. An official report will be made of the event and a copy forwarded to Greek Affairs.

5. Designate chapter officers to be observers at each exit during the drill to observe problems which may develop and to record the times required to completely evacuate the building. (Time begins when the alarm is sounded and ends when the last person leaves the building). All occupants shall take part in the drill.

6. Before allowing residents to re-enter the structure, have the observers check all bells to assure proper working order and adequate sound level in all areas of the house. If no one in the house is completely familiar with the alarm system in order to utilize the alarm system, the house alarm system vendor should be contacted prior to the drill.

7. All fire drills should attempt to simulate actual emergency procedures in the evacuation process, however, no fire, smoke bombs, or other simulated smoke shall ever be used at such a drill to enhance the realism of the situation. No running or horseplay of any kind should be permitted.

8. After the drill is completed, all observers and participants should meet briefly to critique the drill. Criticisms or comments and the date and time of the drill should be recorded for entry in a house fire/safety file. This information will be required by the inspectors at fire/safety inspections.

• All members of the house should receive a written copy of the Emergency Evacuation Procedures at the beginning of the semester prior to the drill, this insures that all members are aware of proper emergency fire evacuation procedures. Additionally, any pre-fire evacuation planning resulting in a house emergency evacuation plan should be disseminated and discussed with the entire
  membership. If any chapter requires assistance pertaining to the conducting of semesterly fire drills or chapter pre-fire emergency planning, contact the Fire Safety Division of the Environmental Health & Safety Department (214-768-4203).
• For proper procedures involving residents with permanent or temporary physical handicaps, refer to the subsection, "EMERGENCY FIRE PROCEDURES" of these regulations.

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Routine Fire/Safety Inspections

• A fire/safety inspection will be conducted in each fraternity and sorority house at least once each year. Inspection can be conducted by the Fire Safety Division of the SMU Environmental Health & Safety and/or the City of University Park Fire Marshal's office. The inspectors will evaluate all areas of the house, including the Chapter Room and at least a random sampling of individual residence
  rooms.
• Arrangements will be made in advance for inspection times and dates. At the time scheduled for the inspection it will be necessary for a house officer to escort the inspector and unlock any secured areas. This house representative shall have in possession a master key or keys necessary to unlock all secured doors and the documentation or knowledge of date and circumstances of the most recent
  house fire drill.
• Inspections are not intended as an invasion of privacy but are conducted to promote a safe living environment. It is the intent of the routine fire/safety inspection to locate any fire hazards or fire code violations and bring them to the attention of the house residents and individual or corporate owners so that corrective action may be initiated. The inspectors will endeavor to fully explain each requirement and suggestion and any deadlines or priorities that may be established to the house
  representative present at the inspection. Generally speaking, the inspector will not issue a violation notice if the house is making progress toward correcting deficient conditions and has demonstrated good faith in intent to fully comply with all requirements; however, houses may be cited to Municipal Court for violations which are not corrected.
  
  
• The following is a list of common violations found during fire/safety inspections and the preset court fines which apply:
  • Voids or holes in ceilings or walls
  • Overloaded electrical outlets
  • Exit light out
  • Blocked exits
  • Fire extinguisher missing
  • Fire extinguisher discharged
  • Fire extinguisher needing inspection
  • Damaged or inoperable smoke detectors
  • Smoke detectors missing
  • Trash in hallway/stairs
  • Trash near heat source
  • Fire alarm not working
  • Iron plugged in

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Fire Prevention Procedures

• Listed below is a general checklist of items which should be periodically checked by house personnel and maintained in proper order as necessary. This represents a majority of the routine items that inspectors will be evaluating during each fire/safety inspection of the house. In any event, these items should he properly maintained at all times during the year when the house is occupied.

A. General

1. All exit signs must be in place, lighted, have all legend plates in place, with the directional arrows correctly positioned.

2. Stairway and corridor lights shall be lighted and emergency lights operational, charged, and ready for use. Lights must not be covered or otherwise obstructed in any way which will unduly reduce the light at floor level.

3. The function of all exterior doors must allow egress from inside without the use of a key. Panic bars must be operational and in good condition.

4. Fire extinguishers shall be in their proper locations, easily accessible, fully charged (pressure in "operable/green" range on gauge) , free from dents, hoses free from cracks, and bearing current inspection and service card(s). Monthly inspection is required by house officers and an annual inspection and maintenance by a certified outside agent is required on all fire extinguishers.

5. Fire extinguisher cabinets are to remain closed, yet open easily. Extinguishers must be visible and accessible. Glass and all hardware in good condition.

6. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems must be in good working condition. Bell gongs are in place, fire alarm boxes are accessible and items are not stacked within 24 inches of fire detectors. The fire alarm system will be tested at the time of each fire drill. If alarm system is found to be inoperable it must be repaired by a qualified vendor. The fire alarm must be inspected, cleaned , and tested in accordance with NFPA guidelines.

7. Interior and exterior exits, all corridors, and other exit pathways shall be kept free of any obstructions, including such temporary obstacles as litter, furniture, electrical cords or other items which might hinder egress from the house in emergency situations.

8. Flammable liquids of any type shall not be stored within the house.

9. Combustible materials such as rough cedar shingles are highly combustible and should not be used for construction or decoration of residents rooms or other house interior areas. House governing groups should set strict limitations on the use of this and other combustible materials for decorations of any type.

10. Other items prohibited in the Greek houses include, but are not limited to:

    • candles and incense
    • open flame and open coil devices, space heaters, ceiling fans (unless commercially installed by a licensed electrician at the request of house management)
    • halogen lamps
    • decorations that project away from the wall or hang from the ceiling (for example: fish nets, parachutes, hanging beads over the doors, etc.)
    • confetti, rice, or glitter for decorations

B. Electrical

1. All appliances should bear the label of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

2. All electrical appliances and cords should be inspected periodically to insure proper and safe condition (cords not cracked, spliced, or frayed).

3. Be sure that all electrical equipment factory-equipped with grounding (3-prong) cord and plug sets are in working condition to insure a proper grounding path at all times. Use as directed by the manufacturer.

4. All heating appliances such as irons, coffee pots, etc. , should be placed on a non-combustible surface away from combustible materials. They should be disconnected when not in use.

5. Fuse panels and electrical wiring should not be modified in any way except by licensed electricians. Fuse size should never be increased above the design rating of the circuit.

6. Extension cords should be approved by a recognized national testing center (UL, FM). Extension cords should not be used in place of needed additional permanent outlets. Extension strip with built in 15 amp circuit breaker is permitted.

7. All switches, receptacles, junction and other electrical distribution boxes shall have proper covers and cover plates at all times. Missing or damaged covers and cover plates shall be replaced immediately with approved replacement parts.

8. Appliance power supply receptacles in the house should never be overloaded. Appliances plugged into duplex outlets may not exceed 750 watts combined. Two high voltage appliances should not be connected to the same outlet at the same time. Avoiding the use of cube taps and multiple-tap extension sets. A refrigerator should not share an outlet with any other appliance.

9. Do not run electrical wiring under carpet, between mattresses and box springs, across the ceiling, or out of windows or doorways.

10. All lighting fixtures shall be equipped with proper covers. Exposed light bulbs should have safety guards.

11. Hot pots, coffee makers, and/or hot air popcorn poppers are permitted in the resident’s rooms. However, all other cooking appliances are prohibited, including hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, and microwaves are prohibited. Only one refrigerator is permitted per room and may not exceed 2.9 cubic feet in size. Refrigerators must be directly connected to an electrical outlet and should be
    the only appliance plugged into a double outlet.

C. Kitchen

1. Check for grease accumulation in vents or ducts, on fans, filters, walls and oven burners. Establish a regular maintenance routine as necessary to assure that there is no grease accumulation.

2. All kitchen automatic fire extinguishing systems shall receive routine annual maintenance and inspection by a qualified vendor.

D. Laundry Area

1. Check washer(s) for electrical cord in good condition.

2. Check dryer(s) for proper exhaust installation, electrical cord in good condition, proper venting and lint accumulation.

E. Mechanical Rooms

1. Check hot water heater for condition of venting connections and pipe, draft diverter and pressure relief valve.

2. Clear aisles and adequate working space shall be maintained within mechanical. No storage should be allowed in these areas and absolutely no combustible storage shall be permitted at any time. Keep area clear of paper, rubbish and rags.

3. Central heating systems shall be annually inspected by qualified personnel.

• Pertinent information regarding house utilities and the maintenance and inspection of all major utility appliances (ovens, water heaters, air-conditioning and heating systems) should be kept in permanent file. Included should be the business and emergency numbers for all vendor for this equipment, plus the fire alarm and extinguisher vendors and gas and electric company emergency numbers.
  Additionally a copy of those regulations and a checklist developed for all inspections should be included. This file shall be checked and inspected for appropriate documentation and information at a fire/safety inspection of the house.
• A common hazard found in many houses involved the accumulation of
  large trash items which may not be conveniently disposed of through use of a dumpster (i.e., unwanted mattresses, old or broken furniture items, large scrap lumber). Inspectors routinely find these items stored or discarded in storage rooms, mechanical and boiler areas, or other convenient spaces in the house. As this type of storage may represent fire code violations, we strongly suggest all refuse items, large and small, be discarded expediently.

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House Remodeling and Repair

• The Municipal Code of the City of University Park requires that a building permit be obtained from the Building Department under certain circumstances involving changes or renovation to a house or its equipment. All additions shall be approved by the house manager, SMU Physical Plant, and the City of University Park (if applicable).

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Inspection of House Decorations

• Any event at any fraternity or sorority house utilizing decorations shall be inspected prior to the event by an SMU Fire Inspector. A chapter representative shall contact the SMU Fire Safety Division at (214) 768-4203 or (214) 768-3790 to discuss all decorating plans and make arrangements for the inspection not less than 72 hours in advance of the event to permit scheduling. This inspection shall be conducted before 3:00 PM on the day of the event. Should the date of the event be on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday) the inspection shall be scheduled prior to 3:00 PM on the Friday immediately preceding the event. With regard to the approval of all house decorations for events, the requirements of the University Fire Inspector are final. Social Chairpersons or other persons responsible for events should contact
  the SMU Fire Safety Division before putting up any decorations if there is any question to pertaining to the type of material or the manner of display.
• The most common fire regulation violations in social event decorations are the obstruction of paths of egress, improper use of electrical lighting, equipment and associated wiring, and excessive amounts of flammable or combustible materials. Each of the aforementioned is strictly prohibited. General guidelines for house decorations may be found in following sections of this document.
• The Inspector from the University will consult with the chapter representative at the time of the inspection to insure that the activity and its decorations are in compliance with minimal life safety requirements and established University Park Fire and Building Code, and that potential fire and safety hazards are eliminated to protect the members and their guests. In any case, the Safety Inspector’s requirements and recommendations will be upheld.

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Reports of violations of these regulations shall be investigated by Fire Inspectors from the SMU Division of Fire Safety in the Office of Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety.