Housing Fire Safety Policies

Emory Residence Life and Housing operations maintains policies and rules pertaining to fire safety. Fire safety is the responsibility of all residence hall staff and students. All fire safety regulations are strictly enforced. The Fire Safety Division upholds the adopted Georgia State Fire and Life Safety Codes to help protect the health, safety, and welfare of the Emory Community. These codes are available for review at https://oci.georgia.gov/inspections-permits-plans/rules-and-regulations. The Emory University Policy on Open Flames and Candles explains acceptable use of candles and other sources of open flame on the University’s Campus, and may be viewed at https://www.campserv.emory.edu/_includes/documents/sections/resources/open-flame-policy.pdf.

Questions and concerns can be directed to the Office of the Director of Fire Safety at 404-727-7378 or by email at fire.safety@emory.edu.

Information regarding the name and location of each residential facility located on the Emory Campus and Oxford Campus is contained in the Fire Safety Chart. The chart also contains information regarding the number of fire drills held during the previous calendar year.

Smoking Policy

Emory University recognizes the serious health implications of both direct use and indirect exposure of tobacco products. To create an atmosphere that is consistent with Emory’s mission and commitment to improve the health and wellness of members of the Emory community, Emory University and Emory Healthcare (collectively “Emory”) prohibit the use or sale of tobacco products in or on Emory owned or Emory leased property effective January 1, 2012. (see policy 4.113 Tobacco Free Environment)

Open Flame Policy

Lighting devices such as tiki lamps, oil lamps, torches, etc., are absolutely prohibited in Emory facilities. The use of candles and the burning of incense in Emory facilities are prohibited except in conjunction with recognized religious activities. Even unused (decorative) candles/incense are prohibited in Emory facilities. The use of candles or the burning of incense may be approved in compliance with specified conditions.

Fire Safety

Fire alarms, suppression systems, and other safety equipment are located throughout all residential facilities. Residential staff review evacuation procedures during initial meetings. These evacuation routes may also be found in hallways/corridors within the residential facility. Residents should be familiar with multiple egress means if the most convenient or traveled path is not available because residents must leave the buildings when alarms are activated.

Residents should report inoperable or tampered-with fire safety equipment immediately to their hall staff. Severe disciplinary action, which may include termination of the Housing Agreement and/or suspension from the University, will result for residents responsible for starting a fire in or near any residential facility, or tampering with fire alarm and smoke detector equipment.

Residents of facilities with a building sprinkler system should not tamper with the sprinkler system and should take special precautions to avoid accidentally activating the sprinkler system. As previously mentioned, sprinkler heads should not be used to hang items in the room. Students may be held liable for damage that occurs in rooms/shared areas because of sprinkler activation.

Flammable Materials

Flammable materials, including but not limited to:

  • Candles and incense
  • Gasoline
  • Grill briquettes (charcoal)
  • Kerosene
  • Lighter fluid
  • Paint – oil-based
  • Paint thinner
  • Propane
  • Tiki torches


Are not allowed in any residential facility. If students have questions about whether something is allowed, please contact the residential staff. Emory strongly encourages any furniture a student provides to be fire-retardant. Contact the Housing Operations Office (404-727-7631) if you are unsure whether an item or appliance is permitted.

Portable Electrical Appliance Policy

In order to ensure maximum health and safety standards in all residential facilities, several categories of electrical appliances have been established. Items not permitted or hazardous appliances will be confiscated if found within any residential facility.

Permitted items and appliances, including but not limited to:

  • Air purifiers
  • Blenders
  • Coffee Makers (must be equipped with an automatic shut off feature)
  • Clocks
  • Electric razors
  • Fans
  • Hair Dryers
  • Hot air popcorn poppers
  • Hot pot/electric tea pots
  • Irons
  • Micro-fridge
  • Musical instruments
  • Power-strips-UL or ETL approved
  • Rice cookers
  • Televisions

Not permitted items and appliances, included but not limited to:

  • Air fryers
  • Convection Ovens
  • Crockpots
  • Electric blankets
  • Electric skillets
  • Extension cords
  • George Foreman grills (or similar devices)
  • Halogen lamps
  • Hamburger makers
  • Hot plates
  • Instant-pots
  • Freestanding microwaves
  • Plug-in air fresheners
  • Space heaters
  • Stove top espresso and coffee makers/percolators
  • Toasters
  • Toaster ovens
  • Waffle or crepe pans
  • Waterbeds
  • Air conditioners
  • Fireworks
  • Hover boards


Additional information is available at https://housing.emory.edu/policies/housing-policies/index.html