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://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 Atlanta and Oxford campuses are 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 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 in 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. 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.

Student Housing Evacuation

All occupants (students, staff, and guests) of a residence hall are expected to evacuate promptly whenever a fire alarm sounds. Students who do not evacuate will be documented and processed through the conduct system. Guests who fail to evacuate are subject to loss of visitation privileges. Building occupants must remain outside of the building until first responders (law enforcement officers, fire fighters, facilities management staff, or other public safety staff) give an “all clear” signal. Intentionally misusing, damaging, or tampering with fire or other safety equipment, including covering or disabling a smoke detector or inappropriately discharging a fire extinguisher, is a violation of the Code of Conduct. All students are required to maintain their rooms in a state that allows for safe and efficient evacuation in an emergency. General Building Evacuation Procedures, which include residence halls, are detailed below and are available for review at https://campserv.emory.edu/_includes/documents/sections/resources/general-evacuation-procedures-english.pdf

Prior to an alarm-Be prepared:

  • Safety captains ensure that there is a building accountability list that is updated monthly.
  • Learn/plan and visit your hall, building, or department’s designated outside meeting location.
  • Learn location of pull stations and fire extinguishers
  • Learn the sound of your building’s fire alarm by participating in Fire Drills.
  • Learn the location of the two nearest exits from your work area (often stairwells).
  • Count the doors, desks, workstations, etc. between your work area and the nearest exit. During a fire, it may be necessary to escape in the dark.
  • Learn the procedures in the event of alarm (below).
  • Learn procedures “if unable to leave building” or “trapped in a room” (both below).

During an alarm-Do not panic:

  • Evacuate the building immediately by using the closest exit and go to the “outside designated meeting location.” Identification of occupants should be recorded at the meeting location for comparisons with the accountability lists.
  • Never take the elevator during a fire. You may be trapped if the power goes out.
  • Before opening any door, feel the handle with the back of your hand for heat. Then, feel the door itself, starting from the bottom and moving to the top. If the door is hot, do not try to open it.
  • Smoke and flames may rush into your room. If the door is cool, open it slowly, but be prepared to quickly shut it if smoke or heat rushes in.
  • Leave quickly, closing unlocked doors as you go to contain fire and smoke.
  • If you encounter smoke or flame during your escape, use another exit. Heat and smoke rise, so cleaner air will be near the floor. Get as low as possible to the floor and move toward the exit.
  • Do not re-enter the building (even if the audible alarm stops) until you hear an “All Clear” announced by first responders.

 

If you should discover a fire:

  • Avoid injury and excessive risks.
  • Alert people in the area and immediately activate the fire alarm at the closest pull station.
  • Dial 911 or EPD at 404.727.6111 and provide details of the fire location.
  • If you have been trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, quickly assess the fire and determine if it can be extinguished safely using a fire extinguisher. If you cannot extinguish the fire, immediately exit the building.

 

If you are unable to leave:

  • Upon hearing the alarm, dial 911 or EPD at 404.727.6111 and provide your present location and where you intend to wait.
  • If you cannot escape safely, remain calm and protect yourself by closing as many doors as possible between you and the fire, leaving the doors unlocked.
  • Seal all cracks where smoke can enter by using wet materials—jackets, towels, etc.
  • If possible, open a window for air, but do not break it, as you may need to close the window if smoke rushes in.
  • Wait at a window if possible and signal for help by waving an object that can be seen from a distance.
  • If possible, open a window for air, but do not break it as you may need to close the window if smoke rushes in.
  • Stay close to the ground if there is smoke. The air is less smoky near the floor.

 

If you have mobility impairment, including a chronic medical condition, you should do the following:

  • Learn about fire safety.
  • Plan ahead for fire emergencies.
  • Be aware of your own capabilities and limitations.
  • During evacuation, let the closest person to you know that you need assistance leaving the building.
  • Look for “areas of refuge,” like stair enclosures or the other side of corridor fire doors. Some elevators are designed to stop operating when the alarm is sounding and are not safe during fires. Sometimes it may be safer to stay in your room or office and follow the advice “if you are unable to leave.”

Individual evacuation floor plan maps are posted in all residential housing areas in compliance with the appropriate life safety codes.

 

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