Fire Safety & Fire Alarms

How you will be warned of a fire

In the event of a fire alarm activation, a continuous alarm will sound in both the area of activation and within the Lodge. A signal is also sent to Oxford University Security Services (OUSS).

Upon hearing the alarm everyone in the activation area is required to assemble at the designated fire assembly point. For the main site (Staircases A to L, Lodge, Library and Mews) the assembly point is at the water feature in the Upper Quad. This is with the exception of the kitchen and Fellows’ Garden where the assembly point is in the Fellows’ car park, and for rooms C12, C13, C14 and C21 where the assembly point is on George Street Mews.

If you are a resident at 50 Walton Street, a continuous alarm will sound in the building and a signal will go back to Oxford Security Services (OSS) but it will not sound in the Lodge. The evacuation route (if safe) is out the front door and assembly on the pavement.

What to do if you discover a fire on the premises

If a College member, guest or visitor discovers a fire on the premises they should do the following if they are able to and it is safe to do so:

• Activate the nearest ‘Break glass call point’.
• Turn off electric equipment but leave lights on. In the event of a power outage, the emergency lighting will come on and last for three hours.
• Shut the door to the room containing the fire. Shout 'Fire, Fire, Fire' to alert others.
• Inform the Lodge (01865 278 500), OUSS (01865 289 999) or OSS (01865 751 605) immediately so they can call 999.
• Only trained Fire Marshals should attempt to fight the fire if practicable and safe, though they are under no obligation to do so.
• Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
• Do not use lifts.
• Report to the nearest fire assembly point by following emergency signage and waiting for instructions from the person in charge. If your route of escape is blocked stay in your room with the door closed, open windows if you can and put clothes or bedding along the bottom of the door. The door will give enough protection until the Fire and Rescue Service gets to you.

Who will manage a fire alarm activation?

Main site (including 3 and 5 George Street Mews)

Between the hours of 7am and 11.30pm, the Lodge staff will manage a fire alarm activation, with support from Oxford University Security Services (OUSS) if required.

Between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am and during all College closures, OUSS will manage a fire alarm activation with the support of the Fire and Rescue Service.

50 Walton Street

Oxford Security Services (OSS) manage fire alarm activations at 50 Walton Street 24/7, with support from the Fire and Rescue Service if required.

Both OUSS and OSS hold a list of Nuffield emergency contacts.

Further information

For more information on fire safety, see page 62 of the Student Handbook. If you haven’t already done so please arrange a fire induction with the Senior Lodge Receptionist / Porter and please watch the short University Fire Safety Video below.

The fire alarms are usually tested on Thursday mornings between 8.45 and 10.30 am. The alarm should only sound for a few seconds during testing, however, if it sounds for longer, please evacuate to your nearest fire assembly point. Fire drills will also take place sporadically throughout the year.