Building Safety

Fire drills are conducted within the first two weeks of the academic year to familiarize residents with emergency alert signals, evacuation procedures and the locations of building exits and evacuation areas. Building occupants are required by law to evacuate when the fire alarm sounds or when directed to do so by emergency responders. When directed to do so by an alarm or instruction, residents must immediately leave the building and proceed to posted evacuation zone locations. You are only allowed to return to the building after it has been declared safe by emergency responders. When evacuating your residence or work area:

• Stay calm. Don’t rush or panic.
• Safely stop your work and gather your personal belongings if it is safe to do so. Take prescription medications, keys, purse, glasses, etc. with you if possible, since you won’t know when you will be able to return into the building.
• If safe, close doors and windows, but do not loc them.
• Exit by the nearest safe stairway. Do not use the elevator.
• Proceed to the designated evacuation meeting place and wait for instructions from emergency responders.
• Do not re-enter the building or work area until emergency responders give permission to do so.

At least one week before the inspection, residents will receive notice via UCI email of the scheduled inspection date. You may request that they wear a face covering or shoe covers during the inspection by posting a note on your door on the day of the inspection.

During the inspection, any animals present will need to be safely secured for the duration of the inspection. Testing will produce sounds and flashing lights around the building and in your apartment Those with sensitivities to strobes or loud noises should take actions to mitigate any issues.

While conducting inspections, EH&S staff will:

Knock on your door and announce their presence. They will wear identifiable uniforms and/or hats. All inspectors Upon entry, a team of at least two inspectors will inspect and test/activate devices as outlined below.

Examine the following:
• Fire sprinklers (where applicable)—visually inspecting sprinkler heads for damage, corrosion, or obstruction;
• Fire alarms—confirming function of heat detectors, smoke detectors, horns, and strobes; Alarms will sound when being tested;
• Building inspections—Identifying fire hazards that may include damage to fire-rated doors and exit signs as well as any impediments to exit routes.

Mold does not affect everyone but can cause irritation and allergic reactions for individuals sensitive to mold. Most symptoms are temporary and eliminated by controlling mold growth. Mold is not regulated by the State of California. However, Student Housing makes every possible attempt to reduce the presence of naturally occurring mold in residential communities. And we encourage residents to take action to minimize the presence of mold in their living environments.

• Keep your living space clean and dry. Remove dirt and dust from carpets, windowsills, and HVAC vents. Keep the kitchen surfaces free of spills and wipe down daily to keep clean.
• Keep living spaces well-ventilated by opening windows and using fans to prevent moisture buildup. But do not open the windows and operate the AC/heater at the same time.
• Dispose of trash daily, especially food waste. Containers with moisture (or meal remnants) can provide a nutrient source for mold growth.
• If using a dehumidifier, empty contents daily.
• Do not place storage containers right up against walls, as this may lead to condensation.

For more information regarding response procedures, view the mold response protocol.