As students look to find off campus housing for the next year there are a few questions they should ask potential landlords.
1. Does the house/apartment have a working smoke alarm?
2. Is there a fire escape ladder for upper floor units that don’t have two stairwells?
3. Is there a fire extinguisher suitable for use in the kitchen?
4. Is the furnace inspected and serviced every year?
5. Does the house/apartment have a working CO detector?
6. Is the house or apartment a licensed rental unit?
In addition, students should know how to perform monthly checks on CO and smoke detectors in their housing units. They should also verify egress windows are operable and that if located below ground, they are free of obstructions. Fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accesible locations near kitchens and garages. Extinguishers should be checked monthly to verify the are charged, in place and ready for use.
If students have questions about fire and life safety they should know who to contact from the property management company as well as the local fire department.
Mike Halligan – Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety – University of Utah
image: apartmentwiz.com
