Physical Plant

LIFE SAFETY FOR FRATERNITIES

1. Never prop or block open fire doors. If it has an automatic door closer, then it should be closed. In the event of a fire these doors will help control the spread of smoke and fire. Corridors and exits must be kept clear; exits can never be blocked or locked.
2. Never store flammable liquids inside the house. Examples include gasoline, kerosene, flammable paints, paint thinner, mineral spirits, charcoal lighter fluid, or any other liquid that has flammable on the label. Tiki lamps are prohibited. All paper towels or cleaning cloths that have been used with oils or flammable liquids must be promptly disposed of outside the building, as they are capable of spontaneous combustion.
3. Please limit the amount of combustibles you keep in your room. Examples include excess amounts of boxes, books, papers, or an excess of clothing. Limit the amount of posters on walls, as they would allow a fire to quickly spread. All cut or dried vegetation is a fire hazard and is prohibited from use in or around the fraternity houses. Natural Christmas trees are not allowed.
4. Do not use unapproved outlet multipliers or outlet cubes. If you need more outlets than you have, then use a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker. Power cords should never be ran under rugs or carpet causing a fire hazard.
5. All electrical extension cords must be heavy duty, single receptacle and should never extend through walls, ceilings, or doorways. All extension cords used outside must be protected by a GFCI.
6. A minimum of 36 inches of clear space shall be maintained in front of electrical control panels.
7. Exit signs and emergency lighting should never be covered or blocked from view.
8. Always keep halls and stairwells clear. Bicycles should never be left in stairwells or hallways.
9. Smoke machines are prohibited, as they decrease visibility causing a hazard and they may cause a false fire alarm.
10. Never have a fire ignition source in the house. Examples include candles, incense, fireworks, or space heaters. Hot plates and toaster ovens must be kept and used in the kitchen.
11. Always exit the building during a fire alarm. This is a state law and university policy.
12. Always know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher and two ways out of the building. All discharged fire extinguishers must be reported to the Safety Department.
13. Smoking is not allowed inside the fraternity houses.
14. All alterations (construction or excavation/holes or trenches) must be preapproved by the Office of Greek Life and must meet the Building and Safety Codes.
15. All slip or trip hazards in public areas must be promptly corrected.
16. Wading pools and temporary swimming pools are prohibited. Reflecting pools will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
17. Electrical and mechanical rooms should be kept locked and must never be used for storage. The Southern Miss police officers have the right to seize prohibited materials and shut down any party found to be in violation of the Life Safety Rules.