Fire Safety

Lake Superior State University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for its students, employees, and visitors. The University places the highest importance on fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and compliance with all applicable life safety codes and regulations.

In the event of fire, smoke, or suspected fire, all individuals must immediately evacuate the affected area, report the incident to the Public Safety Department (PSD) at 906-635-2100, and call 911 for emergency assistance.

No person may re-enter any building until clearance is given by PSD or the responding fire department.

Departments and work areas must take action in accordance with established University emergency management plans and procedures to ensure timely response, communication, and accountability during such events.

The Risk Management Office has jurisdiction over fire and life safety for all University-owned or controlled properties. Risk Management coordinates prevention, compliance, and response activities in partnership with the Public Safety Department (PSD), Facilities Management, Johnson Controls (JC), and the City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department. This partnership ensures that fire protection systems, alarms, extinguishers, and evacuation procedures are properly designed, installed, maintained, and tested according to recognized standards.

Fire and life safety inspections are conducted regularly by Johnson Controls and PSD to verify system performance and compliance with the Michigan Fire Prevention Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and other applicable regulations. Identified deficiencies or hazards are documented, reported, and corrected in a timely manner through coordination among Risk Management, Facilities Management, and responsible departments.

All members of the University community share responsibility for supporting fire and life safety. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors are expected to:

  • Follow established emergency procedures and respond immediately to alarms or instructions from PSD or fire officials.
  • Participate in fire and evacuation drills as required.
  • Keep corridors, exits, and stairways clear of obstructions.
  • Refrain from tampering with fire protection equipment or alarm systems.
  • Report any unsafe condition, malfunction, or potential hazard to PSD or Risk Management.

The Public Safety Department serves as the University’s first responder to fire alarms and related emergencies, coordinating directly with the City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department for response, investigation, and recovery. PSD also assists with training, drills, and campus education programs that promote awareness and readiness.

Facilities Management supports the program by ensuring that fire alarm systems, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and suppression systems are properly maintained. The department works closely with Johnson Controls and PSD to address inspection findings and sustain ongoing compliance.

Each department shall integrate fire prevention and emergency communication planning into its regular activities and maintain readiness to respond appropriately in the event of an incident.

This policy shall be reviewed periodically by the Risk Management Office, in coordination with PSD and Facilities Management, to ensure continued alignment with applicable codes, standards, and best practices.