Residence Hall Fire Safety Information

Safety and health regulations prohibit the use of microwave ovens (except for pre-approved “Micro Fridge” units), mini-refrigerators over 4.5 cubic feet, the burning of candles or incense, use of Christmas trees and electric tree lights, hot plates, electric skillets, deep fryers, or other cooking appliances, halogen/touchier lamps, neon signs, portable space heaters, grills (gas, electric, or charcoal), any open flame, motorized vehicles, storage of gasoline kerosene, or additional flammable materials, and extension cords or surge protectors that are not UL approved.

ALL COOKING ITEMS MUST BE USED IN KITCHEN AREAS ONLY - NOT IN RESIDENTS' ROOMS.  Radios, hair dryers, irons, and other small appliances are permitted. Please do not use appliances that require a large amount of electric current.

Residence halls are smoke-free. No smoking is permitted in any area of the residential facility, including residents' rooms. All smoking must be done 20 feet away from all entrances on campus. Smokeless tobacco is not permitted in public areas (i.e., lobby, bathrooms, study lounges).

1. When a fire alarm sounds, each resident will:
   1. Dress appropriately.
   2. Close the windows and leave the light on.
   3. Close the door as you leave the room.
   4. Walk a safe distance from the building via the nearest available exit.
      1. Residents of Bryant Place should gather on the 3rd floor of the parking garage.
      2. Residents of Morrow Hall should meet in the Falcon Center Quad area.
      3. Residents of Pence Hall should proceed to the parking lot area nearest the Feaster Center.
      4. Residents of Prichard Hall should evacuate to the Falcon Center sidewalk area.
      5. Residents of University Terrace should proceed to the parking area on the lower side of the building that faces the Folklife Center.
   5. Follow the directions provided by the Residence Life Staff.
2. Residents not in their rooms when the alarm sounds should leave by the nearest exit.
3. Only upon approval from the Public Safety Official, Residence Life Staff, or authorized personnel, you may re-enter the building.
4. Failure to vacate the residence halls during a fire drill may result in disciplinary action, such as dismissal from the residence hall or a disciplinary sanction.
5. The unauthorized pulling or activation of a fire alarm may result in automatic suspension from the residence hall and/or prosecution by local authorities.

For security reasons, residents must enter and exit the buildings through the main entrance.  Morrow, Pence, and Prichard Hall residents are required to show their Fairmont State University Student ID to the desk monitor to gain access to the residence hall.   Students are provided with metal keys to enter their rooms.  Bryant Place will require the resident to swipe his/her Student ID card to be permitted access to the building, wing (hallway), and suite. Metal keys are provided for security to their individual room.  

Emergency exit doors are secured and only intended for use during an emergency. Residence hall entrances will be secured between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., daily.   The desk monitor in each building will admit residents after the doors have been locked.  All residence hall visitors must be registered guests of a resident and checked in at the main lobby desk in each building.  Anyone failing to register, or who violates Residence life policies, is subject to disciplinary measures.

Security alarms are installed on the emergency doors of each residence hall. Door propping, tampering, and intentionally “setting off” the alarm will be considered a violation and breach of security. Delayed egress panic bars are provided on most exterior residence hall doors to further enhance security.  Unauthorized use of emergency doors is considered a violation.  Those involved will be subject to disciplinary sanctions.  Revisions to security procedures may be implemented if deemed essential for the safety and security of our residents.

Your living area should be locked at all times, including when you are just down the hall, showering, or while you are sleeping. A locked door is the main deterrent to theft, as well as your personal security.  Should a theft or other incident occur, report it to a Residence Life staff member and the Department of Public Safety, located on the 3rd floor of Falcon Center. The University is not responsible for stolen property.

Tampering with or the misuse of fire safety equipment is prohibited.  This includes removing or disabling the smoke detector or fire extinguisher.  If the smoke detector or fire extinguisher needs to be replaced, students should contact the Residence Director or Public Safety.  Fire safety equipment includes, but is not limited to, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and unit door closures.  Anyone apprehended for vandalizing or using fire safety equipment for any purpose other than safety will be reported to Public Safety. Fire extinguishers are checked by Safety Manager or his staff on a monthly basis.

Fire alarms and smoke detectors are inspected and tested annually by the Physical Plant personnel.  Annual inspections typically occur in July of each year.  If needed, batteries are replaced during the inspection process, as well as any maintenance.  However, smoke detector batteries are replaced by the Residence Life staff as they expire during the year.