Fire Safety and Education

Every semester, University Student Housing staff (trained by the Fire Marshal and TTPD) cover fire safety with residents of housing during the floor meetings. Staff discuss the emergency procedures and what students are to do in the various types of emergencies (fire, tornado, earthquake, etc.). Emergency evacuation maps are displayed throughout the buildings to direct occupants to the appropriate exit. Semesterly fire drills are conducted in coordination with University Student Housing, the Texas Tech Fire Marshal's Office, the Texas Tech Police Department, and Lubbock Fire Rescue. Participation in fire drills is mandatory, and failure to evacuate the building during a fire alarm could result in disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct.

Fire Safety Equipment

Tampering with a fire alarm system or fire extinguishers, misuse or tampering with sprinkler systems and other fire safety equipment is a violation of Texas law and the Texas Tech University Code of Student Conduct. Anyone unnecessarily setting off or tampering with Fire Safety Equipment, cameras, or any other fire/life safety equipment will be subject to judicial action, financial responsibility for damage and referral to the civil authorities for prosecution under state and federal law. Removal from the residence hall community may be considered for those responsible.

Smoke Detectors

There are active smoke detectors hardwired to the building alarm system in every room and in common areas of the residence halls. Smoke detectors should never be unplugged, removed, covered or tampered with, and residents may be charged for fixing or replacing non-operational detectors.

Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems

The residence halls are all equipped with automatic sprinkler systems which will activate in the event of a fire. Intentional or unintentional activation of an automatic fire sprinkler will result in referral to the university Conduct process and possible restitution for damages to student belongings and residence hall facilities and belongings.

Fire Alarm Pull Stations

In the event of a fire, the fire alarm pull stations can also be pulled to activate the building's fire alarm systems.

Kitchen Fires

There are kitchens in several of the residence halls. Fires may occur because of faulty appliances, or by something being left on a stove unattended. Another common cause of fire is grease buildup on a stove. If cooking in the kitchen, remember:

• Never leave the stove unattended.
• Keep the stove, kitchen walls and all areas near the stove free of grease.
• In the event of a stove fire, turn the stove OFF.
• DO NOT remove any appliance (such as a microwave) if it is on fire. Close the door, find a fire extinguisher, and put the fire out. If this is not possible, pull the closest fire alarm, exit the building, and call 911.
• DO NOT use water to extinguish a grease fire as it will scatter the flames.
  • Empty a container of salt or baking soda on the flames, or use a fire extinguisher

The tables under Texas Tech University On-campus Residential Facilities Annual Fire Report/Fire Statistics contain detailed information about the fire statistics within each of the residence halls.