»Fire Safety Student Policies

The following behaviors are prohibited:

• Propping open doors in residence buildings with enclosed corridors (Chapman Court, Chapman Grand, Pralle-Sodaro, Henley, Sandhu Residence Center, The K, and Glass Hall).
• Possessing and/or using candles, incense, oil lamps, helium tanks, fog/smoke machines, butane torches, and other combustible and/or flame-producing items in the residence areas.
• Burning candles in any campus building is prohibited (except for those events specifically scheduled through the Fish Interfaith Center and other approved events).
• Open flames use is limited to University-installed appliances (e.g. gas stoves) only. Items that require an open flame to operate (e.g., Bunsen burner, candles, including decorative, oil burners, lighters, matches) are not allowed in any residential facilities. 
• Artificial trees and potted, live trees are permitted in University residence halls. No cut trees are permitted in the residence halls.
• Extension cords may not be used for holiday lights or other electric lights or items.
• Holiday decorations inside the rooms are permitted only if they are safe and do not present a fire hazard. 
• Possessing and/or using multi-plugs, hoverboards, halogen lamps or extension cords in the residence area. Power strips with surge protectors are permitted but may not be extended by plugging one into another.
• Possessing and/or using barbeques and other outdoor cooking equipment in the residence halls and apartments, except those provided by the University. University-provided outdoor cooking equipment can only be used in designated areas.
• Attaching excessive wall coverings or other items to walls and/or ceilings.
• Cooking is allowed only in kitchens. Community grills are available in select residential communities. Guests may not cook on the grills. The Morlan Kitchen is also available and can be reserved.
• Stove tops should not be used as storage, or a temporary countertop. Placing anything on top of the stove that is not being actively cooked could damage the stovetop or accidentally be set on fire.
• Fire regulations require 3’ (feet) of clearance to all doors of your apartment. Balconies, sidewalks, stairways and walkways are not to be used as storage areas.
• Nothing should be left on the stairways, walkways or balconies at any time, including but not limited to clothing, furniture, or garbage in the area around the residence room or apartment. 

Extension cords are not permitted. UL-approved grounded power strips with circuit breakers should be used for all electrical accessories. No modifications to, or changes in, electrical wiring are permitted.

Approved Appliances in Residence Halls:

• Clothing iron
• Coffee makers
• Electric Kettles
• Refrigerators smaller than 4.0 cubic feet and micro-fridges (microwave/refrigerator combination units).

The following are prohibited in the residence halls:

• Hot plates
• Electric skillets or grills
• Toaster ovens
• Halogen lights
• Sun lamps, hibachis
• Electric heaters
• Rice cookers
• Air Fryers
• Lava Lamps
• Propane or Butane Equipment
• Refrigerators larger than 4.0 cubic feet
• Microwaves (other than the approved combination microwave/refrigerator),
• Any major appliances or devices deemed unsafe by Residence Life or Public Safety staff.

Possession of these items in a residential room, whether in use or not, constitutes a violation of this policy. Prohibited items will be confiscated, and students found in violation of the policy may be subject to fines of up to $100 per item. 

Small kitchen appliances are permitted in the common living areas of our continuing living spaces, including Sandhu Residence Center Suites, Glass Apartments, Davis & Harris Apartments, Chapman Court, Chapman Grand, Panther Village Apartments, and The K.

Specific evacuation procedures are posted in each building. Residents can contact their Resident Director or Area Coordinator for further information about community-specific evacuation procedures.

During an evacuation, residents must follow these guidelines:

1. Exit the building in an orderly fashion.
2. Use the closest exit.
3. Do not use the elevators.
4. Stand away from the building at the designated safe refuge area. Residence Life or Public Safety staff will inform residents when they may return to the building.
5. Immediately report pertinent information such as the location of injured or trapped persons to emergency response or Public Safety personnel.

Residents are prohibited from remaining in the building during an evacuation (this includes fire drills).

For more information look at the Emergency Procedures Page.