In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Officer Darryn Chenault and Public Information Officer Kelly Cantwell sit down with UC Fire Inspectors Rob Schrand and Mike Walker to talk about what it really takes to keep the University of Cincinnati safe from fire.

Listeners will learn:

• What UC’s Fire Prevention Unit does across all campuses, including inspecting more than 140 properties, coordinating with Facilities, Emergency Management, and alarm technicians, and working with outside fire departments.
• The difference between a fire alarm and a fire drill – how UC’s alarm systems work, why drills are required, and what happens behind the scenes when an alarm goes off.
• Why you should never ignore a fire alarm, even if you think it’s “just a drill” or “probably burnt popcorn,” and how staying in your room puts first responders at risk.
• Common ways fire alarms and sprinklers are set off in residence halls – from macaroni without water and burnt popcorn to real Christmas trees and hanging clothes (or boom boxes) on sprinkler heads – and how to prevent costly and dangerous flooding.
• Key safety tips for students and employees, including knowing two exits, recognizing stairwells and exits, locating fire extinguishers, and accessing UC’s online fire extinguisher training and building-specific evacuation procedures.

Whether you live in a residence hall, work in an office or lab, or just pass through campus buildings every day, this episode will help you understand your role in fire safety—and why responding to alarms the right way protects not just you, but the entire UC community.