Definitions of prohibited items and other fire safety terms:

Candles - anything made of wax, or any other substance, that has a wick (or something that sustains a flame). There are three main types:

 1.    White wick, unburned, never used – this type includes candles the owner may display for sentimental reasons, to enhance the smell of the student room, or has received as a gift from someone not familiar with Wesleyan University’s fire safety policies.

2.      Black wick, burned, used – this type has a black wick (or something that sustains a flame) which is evidence that it has been burned as well as evidence of melted candle material; the candle is contained in or on some type of non-combustible material, like a jar or tin, that can also contain any melted wax if the candle produces any.

3.      Black wick, burned and dangerous – this type of candle is 100% wax, no glass or tin container, no candle stand, holder or other type of non-combustible container that stops melted wax and/or flame from spreading dangerously on combustible surfaces.

All of the above items will be confiscated; a WARNING will be issued for a white wick candle only. A FINE will be issued where there is any type of candle that shows evidence of being used.

Incense – anything made of compressed combustible material that is intended to burn and smolder and smoke in order to dissipate scented smoke. Incense will be confiscated and a FINE will be issued.

No candles or incense – no candles or incense literally means NO candles or incense or any other type of open flame device. No candles or incense of any kind are allowed in any University residential facility – residence hall, program house, apartment, woodframe house or any rooms therein. This applies to all residences during the academic year, as well as winter, spring and summer breaks for students staying on campus during those times. All candles or incense of any kind will be confiscated and the resident(s) will receive a warning or fine, depending on the circumstances. See notes above.

Coffee Maker or Electric Water Kettle with automatic shut-off – any device that automatically makes coffee or boils water, and automatically shuts itself off after a fixed period of time. Water kettles typically turn off after boiling water, coffee makers after 30 – 60 minutes or a preprogrammed amount of time. It is not always obvious to anyone but the owner of one of these if the appliance has an automatic shut-off feature. It is very helpful if the owner of a coffee maker or water kettle leaves some documentation from the web-site or the instruction booklet with their appliance that clearly states that it has an automatic shut-off feature.

Cooking Appliance – any device that is not a microwave, coffee maker or water kettle with automatic shut-off. Rice cookers, hot plates, grills (electric, gas, charcoal), crock-pots, toasters, toaster ovens, waffle makers, etc. are all cooking appliances and are prohibited in student rooms. Any cooking appliance found in any student room will be confiscated and the resident fined. Cooking appliances are allowed in the kitchens of residence halls, program houses, apartments and woodframe houses.

Tapestries – any tapestry, flag or fabric larger than approximately 5’x 7’ or 35 square feet. It is prohibited to hang anything on the ceiling of a bedroom, common room or hall. It is prohibited to cover any light fixture, smoke detector, CO detector or sprinkler head on the ceiling or wall with any size tapestry, flag or fabric. It is prohibited to hang any tapestry, flag or fabric larger than approximately 35 square feet on walls. Any size tapestry, flag or fabric hanging on a wall may receive a warning if there is a lamp or loaded electrical outlet in a location that could pose a potential hazard to the resident.

Used Smoking Materials – any cigarette, cigar, or marijuana butts; pipes, hookahs or bongs with ashes; or residue of ashes or any other evidence of used smoking materials. Smoking is not allowed in or within 25' of any University building, including residential facilities. This includes all areas in residence halls, program houses, apartments and woodframe houses.

Ungrounded extension cords – any extension cord that only has 2 prongs that plug into a wall outlet, and only allows a 2 prong device to plug into it. They are typically white or brown, come in 4’, 9’ or 12' lengths, and are labeled “For Household Use Only”. They are easily overloaded and are an extreme fire hazard. A WARNING will be issued for the first offense.

Portable electric heaters - also called space heaters - a device that pugs into a standard wall outlet or receptacle that produces heat for the purposes of heating a room or area. May be a radiant type that circulates warm oil inside a unit that looks like a radiator, may also have exposed metal coils that heat up and turn red, or may be a "ceramic" heater that has a non-combustible surface that is heated and radiates warm air. Some may have a fan also. They pose a serious fire hazard because of potential contact with combustible materials and due to overheating of the cord or the electrical wiring in the building. If habitable conditions can not be maintained in a sleeping room, the HVAC department in Physical Plant may provide a space heater until they are able to correct the problem. Please call Physical Plant Customer Service at 860-685-3400 or send an email to work_order @wesleyan.edu for assistance.

Other unauthorized items found during inspections – If upon entering a room, the inspectors find any other unauthorized items such as a weapon – gun, sword, knife, etc. – or illegal drugs, which are prohibited by the Code of Non-academic Conduct, the inspector must contact Public Safety to confiscate the item. Public Safety or the office of the Dean of Students should be contacted for information regarding other unauthorized confiscated items.

Room inspection procedures – The inspection team consists of two inspectors - one inspects and one fills out the inspection form. They carry a digital camera to take photos of violations when necessary. Two people enter every room. They will knock on the door and announce themselves as Campus Fire Safety inspectors. If a student responds, the inspectors will wait to be invited in or for the resident to open the door. If no one answers, they open the door and again announce "Campus Fire Safety". Once inside they take an overall visual scan of the room. If any prohibited items are observed, the inspection form is filled out, a photo is taken (if necessary), and the item is confiscated (if possible). A second and final visual inspection is made of the room and then the form is signed. The white copy is kept by Campus Fire Safety, and the yellow copy is left where the resident(s) can find it. If there are other unauthorized items found during inspections, Public Safety is called and they determine the appropriate action. See statement above.

If you have questions, please email firesafety@wesleyan.edu or call (860) 685-3780.