Dormitory Fire Safety { 6 / 3 / 20 }
Williamson College of the Trades is committed to fire safety in its dorms and elsewhere on campus . All dorms are equipped with sprinkler systems , smoke and heat detectors , fire extinguishers , emergency exit doors , and emergency lighting systems .
1 . Fire Drills . Mandatory fire drills are typically conducted at least two times per year in all dorms . These drills are jointly managed and supervised by the Vice President of Operations and the Director of Residence Life . In addition , mandatory fire drills are conducted at least once each year in academic and office buildings .
2 . Electrical Appliances . Because of their potential contribution to accidental fires and unsanitary health conditions , and in an effort to conserve energy , the following electrical appliances are restricted or prohibited in all college residences . Students found in violation of these policies are subject to immediate confiscation and disposal of the appliance ( s ), and referral for disciplinary action .
• Hot plates , toaster ovens , space heaters and any appliance with an open heating element are prohibited .
• All lamps and electronics should be UL approved . Halogen lamps are prohibited .
• Extension cords / multiple-plug attachments should be UL approved , not frayed and without splices or taps . Extension cords / plugs should not be placed under carpets , tacked , or stapled . Major appliances should not be plugged into extension cords .
• Plug adapters should be UL approved and not rated less than 125 volts / 15 amperes . Residents should employ the prudent use of surge protectors to protect property from unexpected electrical damage .
• Heavy drawing appliances ( irons , laptops , etc .) should be plugged directly into socket outlets and unplugged when not in use . Extension cords are not to be used with these items .
3 . Alarms . Students and employees may not disregard a fire alarm or refuse to evacuate a building in which an alarm is sounding , regardless of its nature ( drill , false alarm , or actual alert ). Residents who fail to evacuate a building in a voluntary and timely manner are subject to Neglect of Duty .
4 . Candles / Open Flames . Candles ( of any type or form , whether decorative or functional ), open flames , potpourri burners , and the use of incense are all prohibited in college dorms . Prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned . Open flame violations are considered a Major offense .
5 . Safety Equipment . Tampering with or misuse of fire safety equipment ( extinguishers , fire hoses , smoke detectors , alarms , sprinklers , exit signs , etc .) is considered to be exceptionally dangerous behavior in a residential community and represents a serious breach of community safety standards . Students found responsible for tampering with , or misusing fire safety equipment are subject to a Major offense . When individuals responsible for activating a false fire alarm or damaging or inappropriately discharging a fire extinguisher fail to claim direct responsibility for that behavior , cannot be identified by Residence Life staff , and are not identified by the residents of the building in which the vandalism occurred , the penalties in question may be assessed against the entire hall .
6 . Fire Doors / Escapes . Fire Doors may not be propped open . Fire escapes are to be clear at all times . Students may not prop doors open or use fire escapes when there is no emergency .
7 . Holiday Decorations . Due to potential fire hazards , the use of holiday decorations must adhere to the college ’ s guidelines . No live trees , wreaths , or garlands ( treated or untreated ) are permitted in dorms . Decorative lights may not be hung from ceilings , nor may they obstruct doors or windows . Decorative lights are not permitted in student rooms . Decorations should be flame retardant and must not be placed near or over electrical outlets nor on or near light fixtures , fire safety equipment , or radiators or heating vents / units .
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