Author: Scott Murray

It may still feel like summer outside, but cooler temperatures will be here before we know it. Remember WSU’s policies regarding space heaters and HVAC systems:

• WSU Policy 11.20 – Space Heaters generally prohibits the use of portable space heaters in campus buildings. There are good reasons for that policy: space heaters can create fire hazards, place additional loads on electrical systems and consume significant amounts of energy.
• WSU Policy 11.27 – HVAC Systems Standards also establishes temperature standards for campus buildings. During the heating season, occupied spaces are maintained at above 67 degrees, with a maximum set point of 68 degrees. During the cooling season, the standard is 76 degrees, plus or minus one.

It’s about more than just one office

Everyone’s comfort level is a little different. One person may be perfectly comfortable while someone else is reaching for a sweater. However, using a space heater in one part of a building can affect the comfort of people elsewhere.

Most of WSU’s HVAC systems are designed to work together as a building-wide system. A space heater can warm the area around a thermostat and cause that part of the HVAC system to reduce or stop heating, while another area of the building may still be cold. In other words, trying to make one office warmer can sometimes make another area colder.

There is also a financial reason to leave the space heater at home. Portable heaters use a significant amount of electricity, and avoiding unnecessary energy consumption helps reduce WSU’s utility costs and supports the university’s energy-conservation and sustainability efforts.

If your office is too cold

If your workspace doesn’t seem to be within the university’s temperature standards, contact Facilities Services and submit a work order. Facilities Services can check the temperature and determine whether an HVAC issue needs to be addressed.

Thank you for helping keep Wichita State safe, comfortable and energy conscious. Facilities Services appreciates everyone doing their part to protect the campus and Shocker community.

Campus Fire Safety Month is a reminder that fire safety doesn’t end at the campus boundary. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety encourages students living in residence halls, apartments, houses or Greek housing to take simple steps to protect themselves and their roommates.

Key fire-safety reminders:

• Make sure smoke alarms work. Test alarms regularly and report any missing or damaged units.
• Know two ways out. Identify multiple exits and make sure everyone in the household knows the escape plan.
• Consider fire safety when choosing housing. Look for working smoke alarms, fire sprinklers and accessible exits.
• Keep escape routes clear. Hallways, stairways and exits should be free of clutter and obstructions.
• Close doors behind you. Closed doors can help slow the spread of fire and smoke.
• Practice cooking safety. Stay in the kitchen while cooking and never use water on a grease fire.
• Use electricity safely. Avoid overloading outlets, using damaged cords or connecting power strips together.
• Charge batteries responsibly. Follow manufacturer instructions and avoid charging damaged devices.
• Know your landlord’s responsibilities. Ask about smoke alarms, fire protection systems and emergency exits before signing a lease.

Take a few minutes to inspect your living space, test smoke alarms and identify two ways out.

During Campus Fire Safety Month, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety reminds the campus community that fire alarms, sprinklers, fire doors and extinguishers are all designed to help protect lives during an emergency. Understanding how these systems work and keeping them unobstructed can make a difference when they are needed most.

Key fire-safety reminders:

• Take every fire alarm seriously. Evacuate when an alarm sounds and never tamper with alarm devices.
• Leave sprinklers alone. Sprinkler heads activate individually and should never be blocked or used to hang items.
• Keep fire doors closed. Fire doors help slow the spread of fire and smoke and should never be propped open.
• Keep exits clear. Hallways, stairwells and doorways must remain free of obstructions.
• Know where fire extinguishers are located. Use them only on small fires when it is safe to do so.
• Never tamper with fire-safety equipment. Alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers and other safety devices are critical life-safety systems and should never be disabled or obstructed.

Take a few minutes to identify fire-safety equipment in the buildings you use most and report any damaged, blocked or improperly used systems.

Beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, Wichita State Fire Safety and Pinnacle Fire and Automation will begin conducting the required annual inspections and testing of fire alarm systems throughout campus.

Testing of all campus buildings is expected to take up to two weeks to complete.

They will make every effort to conduct testing in a way that minimizes disruption to classes and normal campus activities. However, because testing schedules may change, there will be no scheduled day or time for individual building inspections, and there will be no advance notice.

During testing, you may hear fire alarm notification appliances activate, including audible alarms and visual strobes. When a fire alarm sounds, occupants should follow their building’s established fire alarm evacuation procedures and evacuate the building as required.

Wichita State Fire Safety and Pinnacle Fire and Automation appreciate your cooperation and patience as they complete this required annual testing to help ensure the fire alarm systems across campus are operating properly.

Direct questions or concerns about the inspection and testing process to Scott Murray at scott.murray@wichita.edu.

Campus Fire Safety Month is a reminder that preventing fires starts with everyday habits. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety encourages students, faculty and staff to take simple steps to reduce fire risks at home, in residence halls and on campus.

Key fire prevention tips:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Never leave cooking unattended, and never use water on a grease fire.
• Use electrical devices safely. Avoid overloading outlets, daisy-chaining power strips or using damaged cords.
• Use extension cords properly. Extension cords are for temporary use only and should never be used as permanent wiring.
• Turn off appliances when not in use. A quick check before leaving a room or going to bed can prevent a fire.
• Skip candles and open flames. Candles and other open flames are prohibited in WSU facilities.
• Leave space heaters at home. Portable space heaters are prohibited in campus buildings.
• Charge e-bikes and scooters responsibly. Battery-powered mobility devices should not be charged inside WSU facilities.
• Keep combustibles away from heat sources. Paper, clothing and other flammable materials should be kept away from appliances and equipment that produce heat.

Take a few minutes to identify and correct potential fire hazards in your room, office or apartment. Small actions can help prevent a fire before it starts.

The Center for Campus Fire Safety is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the loss of life from fire on college and university campuses. CCFS provides educational programs and resources for students, educators and the greater campus community.

For more student fire safety information and tips, visit Campus Fire and Life Safety for Students.

Campus Fire Safety Month is a reminder to plan ahead before an emergency happens. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety encourages students, faculty and staff to know what to do before a fire alarm sounds and be ready to evacuate immediately.

Five things to remember:

• Treat every fire alarm as an emergency: Evacuate immediately unless emergency personnel provide other instructions.
• Know two ways out: Identify at least two exits and the nearest stairwell in buildings you use regularly.
• Use the stairs, never the elevator: If smoke or fire blocks your usual route, use an alternate exit.
• Leave your belongings behind: Personal items can be replaced. Delaying evacuation can put lives at risk.
• Get at least 100 feet away and keep emergency access routes clear: Stay clear of entrances and emergency access routes, and do not reenter until the all-clear is given.

Take five minutes today to locate two exits and review your evacuation route. Being prepared can save valuable time in an emergency.

The Center for Campus Fire Safety is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the loss of life from fire on college and university campuses. CCFS provides educational programs and resources for students, educators and the greater campus community.

For more student fire safety information and tips, visit Campus Fire and Life Safety for Students.

WSU Fire Safety and Myers Automatic Fire Protection LLC will conduct the required annual fire sprinkler inspection and testing throughout campus starting Monday, March 16.

Housing will not be included in these tests. Testing will last approximately two weeks, but could be longer. Every attempt will be made to keep testing as quiet as possible; however, sounding the fire alarm system will be required in some buildings. The alarm will only sound momentarily, but it may sound more than once. No evacuation is necessary during this testing.

There is no set day or time for when a particular building will be tested, and due to the number of buildings and unforeseen complications, a testing schedule is impossible. If you have any special concerns or requests about these tests, email Scott Murray at scott.murray@wichita.edu. Remember, these are required tests that must be conducted.

As the weather cools and everyone seeks ways to stay warm, it’s crucial to remember that space heaters are prohibited on the Wichita State’s campus. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors.

WSU Policy and your safety

The prohibition of space heaters is outlined in WSU Policy 11.20, “Space Heaters.” This policy specifies that the use of personal, electrical, portable heating devices is not permitted in any campus building. This is due to the significant fire hazard they pose, as well as the potential to overload electrical circuits. Space heaters are one of the leading causes of home fires and can be particularly dangerous in an academic setting with many people and valuable equipment.

Additionally, WSU Policy 11.27, “HVAC Systems Standards,” dictates that the campus’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. The use of personal space heaters can disrupt the balance of these systems, leading to inefficient heating for the entire building. The Facilities Services team works diligently to ensure that the campus climate is well-regulated for everyone’s comfort and safety.

Dress for success and warmth

Some areas may feel cooler than others so it’s encouraged that everyone dress in layers to stay comfortable. A sweater, a jacket or a cozy scarf can make all the difference. Remember to bring a warm layer with you, especially if you have an early morning class or a late-night study session.

If you believe a room’s temperature is a consistent issue, do not hesitate to report it. You can submit a service request to Facilities Services through its online portal. By working together, we can ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone at WSU.

WSU Fire Safety and its vendor will conduct required annual fire alarm inspections and testing starting at 5 p.m. each evening. Testing will continue through the remainder of September or until all the fire alarm systems have been tested. Testing for most buildings will be done during the evening and overnight hours. There is no schedule for when a building will be tested. Only state-owned buildings will be tested.

Every effort will be made not to disrupt any business or classes; however, the fire alarm system could go off. Unless told otherwise by Fire Safety, follow your evacuation procedures and do not re-enter the building until you are told you can do so.

During the inspection, personnel will be entering all rooms, including labs and offices. Please secure any valuables and sensitive documentation.

Any questions can be emailed to Scott Murray at scott.murray@wichita.edu and Dennis Moore at dennis.moore@wichita.edu.

WSU Fire Safety and its vendor will conduct required annual fire alarm inspections and testing starting at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Testing will continue through the remainder of September or until all the fire alarm systems have been tested. Testing for most buildings will be done during the evening and overnight hours. There is no schedule for when a building will be tested. Only state-owned buildings will be tested.

Every effort will be made not to disrupt any business or classes; however, the fire alarm system could go off. Unless told otherwise by Fire Safety, follow your evacuation procedures and do not re-enter the building until you are told you can do so.

During the inspection, personnel will be entering all rooms, including labs and offices. Please secure any valuables and sensitive documentation.

Any questions can be emailed to Scott Murray at scott.murray@wichita.edu and Dennis Moore at dennis.moore@wichita.edu.