The purpose of this section is to ensure each Residential Building is aware of safety policies that have been developed by the office of the University Fire Marshal and approved by the Director of Residence Life. These policies are mandatory and must be implemented. Furthermore, any unsafe conditions that are encountered in the residence hall must be removed or corrected immediately.

1. Fire Drills
   1. Fall semester: Two (2) fire drills are required. The first drill should be an announced walk-through drill. The second drill must be an unannounced drill.
   2. Spring semester: One (1) unannounced drill is required.
   3. The fire alarm system is only permitted to be reset by a representative of the Housing Maintenance Department.
   4. All fire drills must be recorded on Form 2 (refer to attached copy). A copy of the report must be forwarded to the University Fire Marshal and the Office of Residence Life.
   5. The fire alarm system must be utilized for each drill.
   6. The Office of Residence Life schedules fire drills.
2. Fires
   All fires and threats of fires, regardless of how minor, must be reported to the University Police and to the Office of Residence Life.
3. Fire Alarm Tests
   PPD Electronic Shop maintains individual alarm systems, conducts monthly tests and provides reports to the University Fire Marshal.
4. Fire Alarms or False Fire Alarms
   1. All fire alarms, including false alarms must be reported to the University Police and to the Residence Life’s office.
   2. False alarms will not be accepted as an alarm test or as a fire drill.
   3. The fire alarm system must be reset by the Housing Maintenance Department.
5. Fire Alarm Equipment
   All repairs or maintenance to the fire alarm system(s) must be completed by a certified fire alarm technician.
6. Fire Suppression Equipment
   1. Portable fire extinguishers: The University Fire Marshal will conduct the required annual inspections. Report any vandalism or discharged units to the University Fire Marshal (257-6326).
   2. Automatic extinguisher systems (kitchen): Each system is to be checked monthly to ensure the system is charged. Stoves, exhaust hoods, filters, and exhaust ducts must be maintained free of grease.
7. Student Rooms
   1. Subdivision of rooms with partitions is not permitted.
   2. Elevated beds (loft arrangement) are permitted. The maximum height (at the top of the mattress) allowed for a bed is 66”.
   3. Only a study carrel is permitted beneath elevated beds; refrigerators, couches, storage, etc. are not permitted.
   4. Beds must not be enclosed in any manner.
   5. The number of pieces of furniture in a room must be appropriate to the number of residents. Furniture must not block access from a bed or access to the corridor door.
8. Electrical
   1. Electrical equipment must be maintained and used in a safe manner.
   2. Regular extension cords (flexible cords) must not be used.
   3. Surge protectors that are grounded and have a built-in 15-amp circuit protection may be used. Surge protectors may not have a cord longer than 6 feet and may not be plugged into other surge protectors. The cord must not be run under carpet, through walls, under doors or any other place that would subject it to physical damage. Damaged cords must be discarded.
   4. Multi-plug adapters must not be used.
9. Air Conditioners (Window Units)
   1. Windows must be operable and unobstructed.
   2. A room having two (2) or more windows is permitted to have a window unit air conditioner.
   3. A room having one (1) window is NOT permitted to have a window unit air conditioner unless 1/2 of the window can remain operable. The operable portion of the window must have a net clear opening of 5.7 square feet with the least dimension not less than 24”.
   4. An electrician must ensure there is sufficient electrical current available for the air conditioner. The unit must be properly grounded and plugged directly into a wall outlet.
10. Appliances
    1. Cooking is only permitted in kitchens. The following appliances are permitted to be used in residence hall kitchens: Appliances used to heat, cook or process food, including a deep fryer, electrical skillet, electric hot plate, toaster, and an oven toaster. These appliances must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
    2. A microwave is permitted to be used in locations other than a kitchen provided sufficient current is available. The unit must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
    3. Space heaters are not permitted.
    4. All cords serving the appliances must be in good condition. Hazardous conditions arising from defective, or improperly used appliances must be removed immediately.
    5. All appliances must be listed by Underwriter Laboratory for their intended use.
    6. Halogen lamps are not permitted.
11. Motorized Equipment and Bicycles
    1. Motorized equipment and bicycles must not be inside the house.
    2. Any equipment and bicycles in violation will be removed from the premises by the University Police Department.
12. Decorations
    1. Combustible materials must not be used for decorations; ie., cotton, paper, straw.
    2. All decorations, including Christmas trees, must bear the Underwriter Laboratory label as being flame retardent.
    3. Christmas tree lights must bear the Underwriter Laboratory label for the intended use.
    4. Decorations must be arranged in a manner not to obstruct exits, emergency lighting, exit signs, or corridors.
    5. Do not use open flame such as candles. Smoking is not permitted around decorations.
    6. All decorations must be removed prior to holiday vacations.
    7. Exterior decorations must not be attached to the building other than lights.
13. Self-Inspections
    1. The enclosed self-inspection form is to be completed each semester, preferably in the middle of the semester. (The hall director can designate this responsibility to each floor’s R.A.).
    2. The completed form is to be forwarded to the University Fire Marshal and to the Director of Residence Life.
    3. Deficiencies that can be corrected by maintenance should be forwarded to the maintenance manager.

Fire Marshal