Fire and Life Safety Division

Duties | Mission

Duties (to top)

Prior to December of 1996, Law Enforcement and Fire and Life Safety were two separate departments within the university. Today, Fire and Life Safety, a division of the Department of Public Safety, takes a proactive approach to the University’s safety. The responsibilities of this division are numerous, but all end with the common goal of protecting students, faculty, staff, guests, and University property.

The Fire Safety Program is responsible for planning and administering the University’s fire prevention and life safety inspection programs. This includes review of all new building construction and renovations to insure compliance with University fire protection standards and applicable state, local, and national fire and life safety standards. In addition, this function is responsible for investigating the causes of fires, explosions, chemical hazards, accidents and related emergencies. Based on the investigations, personnel of this function recommend changes to effect better safety standards and to reduce reoccurrence of such accidents.

Fire inspections are conducted every week. Each building gets walked through looking for fire and other safety hazards. Also, fire exit drills are conducted in University buildings. The purpose of these drills is to assure that the University is as safe as possible, and, if an emergency does occur, everyone is familiar with what actions to take. The first week of October is National Fire Prevention week and observed at the University.

The Department of Public Safety also handles Industrial Hygiene by evaluating hazards in the workplace. Disposal and storage of Hazardous Materials falls under the Fire and Life Safety realm. Material Safety Data Sheets are kept by the University and are accessible to all employees, every day, for review. The Division of Fire and Life Safety also has all of the University Health and Safety policies and maintains the emergency call boxes located throughout the University grounds.

Mission Statement (to top)

The Division of Fire and Life Safety is committed to the preservation, as well as the improvement of the quality of life of the University. The Division will exceed professional standards and expectations, and take the necessary actions to provide a safer University. This is done through a proactive safety plan coupled with the understanding that the students, faculty and staff are our greatest customers and deserve nothing less than the highest in protection and service. The Division is committed to providing the utmost in service excellence through the talents and commitment of our people, who we recognize as our most important resource.