Where There's Fire, There's Smoke

wertland fire

Because a properly installed and working smoke alarm can save your life, the University of Virginia and Charlottesville Fire Department took to the streets in the annual neighborhood "Stop and Knock" fire safety campaign. Staff from UVA's Office of Environmental Health and Safety joined members of Charlottesville's Fire Department and Neighborhood Development Services to ensure residents have working smoke alarms and fire safety plan. They offered to install free smoke alarms on the spot, or schedule a time to come back. The campaign also targets the danger of upholstered furniture outdoors.

The "Stop and Knock" campaign was initiated in 2013 following a fire on Wertland Street, ignited by an upholstered sofa on the front porch, which left 13 students homeless. The Fire Safety 101 brochure explains the benefits of smoke alarms, exit planning, property maintenance, and personal safety. Upholstered furniture on porches increases the risk of fire, and students are advised to remove it immediately.

The City of Charlottesville 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.