Residential Fire Safety is a serious issue due to the population density and the potential for injury and loss that could occur as a result of a fire. In order to reduce fire hazards and comply with state fire codes, the University has established the following policies and procedures. Residents are expected to know and follow these procedures. Violators may face disciplinary action and/or arrest.
Fire Drills and Evacuation
Each residential community will conduct periodic fire drills to familiarize students and staff with the proper evacuation procedures and escape routes. Evacuation procedures and routes are posted on the inside of each door in residential rooms and throughout the buildings. All students should familiarize themselves with the evacuation procedures, know the location of all the exits in their living area and how to reach them in case they need to evacuate in total darkness. When the alarm sounds, all persons in the building are required to exit the building immediately, follow instructions given by University staff (Residence Life and Housing, University Police, Environmental Health and Safety), and remain outside until informed by University staff that it is permissible to return.
Students unable to evacuate should call University Police with their name and location for
assistance during a fire evacuation.
There is a designated alternative shelter location for each residential community; in instances of inclement weather and/or prolonged evacuation, residents will be directed to the appropriate shelter facility. Failure to evacuate a building during a fire alarm is a violation of residential community rules and will result in disciplinary action.
Alternative Shelter locations
HALL | ASSEMBLY POINTS | ALTERNATIVE SHELTER |
Cayuga | Back quad(paved area near Glimmerglass FC) | Seneca Hall |
Funnelle | Northeast corner of parking lot R-9 | Hart Hall |
Hart | Northwest corner of parking lot R-9 | Funnelle Hall |
Johnson | the diagonal brick walkway on "Johnson Island" | Riggs Hall |
Oneida | Onondaga Field | Onondaga Hall |
Onondaga | Back quad(paved area near Glimmerglass FC) | Oneida Hall |
Riggs | Parking lot R-4 | Johnson Hall |
Scales | Parking lot R-4 | Waterbury Hall |
Seneca | Back walkway parallel to lift station | Cayuga Hall |
The Village | the oneida basketball court | Oneida Hall |
Waterbury | Parking lot R-4 | Scales Hall |
Fire Detection/Fighting Equipment
Each residential facility is equipped with heat and smoke sensors, fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull boxes. Residents should familiarize themselves with the location of this equipment upon moving into a residential community. Tampering with any fire protection equipment is prohibited. Intentional activation of alarm systems for any reason other than reporting a fire is strictly prohibited.
Furnishings, Decorations, and Other Prohibited Items
Furniture, decorations and other items which increase the flammability of residents’ rooms or public areas may be prohibited at the discretion of Residence Life and Housing staff. Excessive amounts of combustible decorations are particularly dangerous because they can promote rapid spread of flames in the event of a fire; therefore, no more than 10% of a room is permitted to be covered by decorations. Suspending combustible materials, such as tapestries, curtains, flags, fishnets, etc., is strictly prohibited. It is the resident's responsibility to ensure all personal furniture meets NFPA 701 standard. In common areas (i.e. bathrooms, hallways, and lounges) similar fire code regulations exist.
Possession and/or ignition of combustible materials is prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to, candles, wax burners, incense, sterno, microwave ovens, rice cookers, air fryers, hoverboards, electric scooters/bikes and certain types of lamps (including oil-burning, halogen, torchiere and tree-style, as well as multi-head or “octopus-style”, lava lamps, and lamps with outlets).
The illustrations below show examples of some prohibited lamps. The list of prohibited lamps (above) and examples below are for reference only and are not intended to show every possible lamp that is prohibited in the residence halls.
Electric Scooters, E-Bikes, and Hoverboards
Any motorized vehicle (including but not limited to, electric scooters and e-bikes, motorcycles, mopeds, hoverboards, self-balancing scooter boards, Segway's, drones, etc.) are prohibited in the residence halls (which includes for charging purposes). If you have questions about prohibited items or are considering bringing an item that might be considered a prohibited item, please contact Residence Life and Housing prior to bringing it to the residence hall to determine whether it can be allowed.
Electrical Load
The following guidelines have been developed to prevent the overloading of electrical circuits which can create a life-threatening hazard.
- The use of electrical extension cords is strictly PROHIBITED.
- Circuit-breaker-protected multi-outlet power strips that are Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL/ETL-approved) can be used. These must be plugged directly into a wall receptacle and may not be joined together to extend their reach. All cords must be UL/ETL-approved and recommended for intended use, in perfect condition, and either 12 or 14 gauge.
- If the appliance using the power strip requires grounding (three-pronged plug), only grounded power strips shall be used.
- Cords may not pass through wall openings, doorways, partitions, or under rugs
- Cords may not be spliced, tied in knots, wrapped around metal fixtures, or draped over pipes.
- "Daisy chaining" (connecting one or more of these power strips to each other) is not permitted.
- Heavy load appliances, such as refrigerators and blow dryers, must be plugged directly into permanent outlets by the cord attached to the appliance.
- Multiple outlet adapters (exclusive of power strips permitted in 2. above) are not permitted.
Fire Safety Inspections
Residence Life and Housing staff inspect all residential living units (including bedrooms) at least once each semester. Residents are advised of any fire safety and health problems and the required remedy.
Fire Safety Information and Education
The University offers a variety of opportunities and resources for students to learn about the various aspects of fire prevention. Students are encouraged to educate themselves about their personal fire safety needs. In addition to the information contained in this Handbook, additional information can be found online.
Fire safety discussions will be a part of meetings conducted by Residence Life and Housing staff. Residence Life and Housing staff can also be considered as resources for such information. Any fire concerns should immediately be brought to their attention so proper preventative action can be taken.
In Case of Fire
Should a fire occur, the standard procedure for fires should be followed:
- Notify the Fire Department by using the pull boxes. This notifies all residents of the need to evacuate the building.
- If the fire is very small (wastebasket, smoldering matter) and you have been trained, you may try to fight it. Keep near the doors so you can escape. Stay low, away from heat and smoke. Aim extinguisher stream at base of fire. For floor level fires, sweep from the edge of the room inward. If it is a wall fire, sweep from the bottom of the wall upward. Stay outside closets, etc. and shoot inward.
Ventilate only after the fire is completely out. - Use good judgment. The above responsibilities should be undertaken with due attention to your own personal safety.
- Fire Extinguisher Use. The following information clarifies extinguisher type and use should it be necessary to put out a fire:
- Pressurized water extinguisher: Wood, paper, textiles, and other ordinary combustible materials.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguisher: Flammable liquids such as oils, solvents, grease, paint, etc. Live or energized electrical or electronic equipment.
- ABC (All-Purpose) Dry Chemical extinguishers:Wood, paper, plastic, combustible and flammable liquids, grease, paint and energized electrical.
Setting Fires is Prohibited.