Fire Safety Requirements for Special Events

Contact the Stanford University Fire Marshal's Office (SUFMO) 14 days in advance to pre-plan your event.

1. Instructions for Indoor Events
   
   1. Assign an on-site person and alternates that will call 9-911 (or 911 from non- SU phones) in the event of an emergency. Provide these names to SUFMO.
   2. Assign an on-site person, and alternates, to supervise evacuation of the building, pulling fire alarms, etc., in the event of a fire. Provide these names to SUFMO.
   3. If required by the SUFMO, provide on-site emergency power for lighting.
   4. Do not exceed the Maximum Allowable Occupant Load numbers that are posted inside the assembly area.
   5. Make sure all exits are maintained clear and unobstructed at all times during the events.
   6. Decorations shall be either non-combustible or treated with a fire-retardant solution. The fire-retardant solution available from SUFMO. Only fresh-cut foliage (cut on the day of the event) may be used in decorations.
   7. Decorations shall not obstruct exits or fire protection equipment; including fire extinguishers, fire sprinklers, fire alarm pull stations, fire hose stations, or emergency lighting and exit signs.
   8. No smoke machines may be used for special effects unless approved by SUFMO in advance.
   9. Extension cords, used in accordance with the fire code, shall be properly taped to the ground to reduce tripping hazards.
2. Instructions for Outdoor Events
   1. Provide site plan to SUFMO indicating locations of tents and canopies, propane heaters, booths, etc., to verify that proper clearances and Fire Dept. access is maintained.
   2. Rented tents and canopies shall have permits, which are obtained by the rental companies from the Santa Clara County Fire Marshal's Office (SCCFMO) if the tent is larger than 200 square feet, or if the canopy is larger than 400 square feet. Duplicate copies of the permit application shall be forwarded to SUFMO.
   3. Assign an on-site person, and alternates, to call 9-911 (or 911 from non-SU phones) in the event of an emergency. Provide names to SUFMO.
   4. Provide fire extinguishers throughout the site. Consult with SUFMO for the number and locations of these fire extinguishers
   5. Portable Cooking Booths:
      1. shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from any permanent structure.
      2. maintain a minimum of 10 feet of separation between cooking booths and non-cooking booths.
      3. cooking booth vendors shall provide a portable fire extinguisher for each cooking booth.
      4. charcoal barbecue cooking shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any booth and a minimum of 15 feet from any permanent structure.
      5. charcoal barbecue cooking is prohibited inside of any booths.