To spread the word about fire prevention to students living off Grounds, representatives from the University of Virginia and the city of Charlottesville go door to door in the annual “Stop and Knock” fire safety campaign, scheduled from August 30-September 1 from 4-6 p.m. this year. The campaign targets students who live in off Grounds rental housing in neighborhoods close to the University, including Venable, Lewis Mountain, and the JPA/Fontaine corridor.  Officials provide information and answer questions about smoke alarms and fire safety, as well as property maintenance issues and fire pits.  In the past, fire officials have found smoke alarms that needed battery replacement; in several other cases, the Charlottesville Fire Department installed smoke detectors.
The teams distribute the Fire Safety 101 brochure and explain the benefits of smoke alarms, exit planning, property maintenance, and personal safety. The campaign was initiated in 2013 following a fire on Wertland Street ignited by an upholstered sofa on the front porch.  Upholstered furniture on porches increases the risk of fire, and students are advised to remove them immediately.  
The City and UVA offer several fire safety resources for students who live off Grounds:
City Property Maintenance Inspector, (434) 970-3184 – students with a safety or building-related concern should first contact their landlord or property manager.  If issues are not corrected, contact Aaron Fabio, Property Maintenance Inspector, [email protected].
Charlottesville Fire Department, (434) 970-3240 – for questions about City fire/building codes or fire safety procedures.
UVA Fire Safety Program, (434) 982-4914 – for advice about fire safety, evacuation planning, or who to contact with other concerns, [email protected]
UVA Off Grounds Housing Office (434) 924-3736 – for questions or advice about off-Grounds housing and communicating with your landlord.
For more information, contact the University’s Office of Environmental Safety at (434) 982-4911.