Fire and LIFE Safety Guidelines

All University-owned housing has fire and life safety equipment. It is there to protect you and your neighbors. The only way it can work is if you leave it alone and report any problems to Physical Plant Customer Service at 860-685-3400 or work_order@wesleyan.edu.

In the event of a fire alarm activation, you must evacuate the building by the closest exit and call 911 or Public Safety (X3333) to report the details of the incident.

Do not cover, or in any way tamper with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, pull stations, horn/strobe devices, sprinkler heads or pipes, or fire extinguishers. There is a $500 fine for tampering with any fire life safety equipment.

The following items are NOT allowed in resident rooms or common areas, including porches, because of the fire and life safety risk:

·         Candles or Incense - even decorative candles are prohibited

·         Used smoking materials - no smoking within 25' of any university buildings

·         Ungrounded extension cords (only grounded extension cords and fused power strips are permitted)

·         Tapestries hanging on walls or ceilings; see definitions of prohibited items for more information

·         Halogen standing lamps; keep halogen desk lamps away from combustible materials

·         Portable electric or space heaters

·         Kerosene or propane lamps, or any combustible fuel or devices

·         Plug adapters (3 prong to 2 prong)

·         Cooking Appliances - which includes anything with a heating element, such as hot plate, electric kettle, electric frying pan or wok, toaster or toaster oven, waffle maker, electric grill, popcorn popper, rice cooker, etc. (Cooking appliances are allowed in apartment, wood frame and program house kitchens)

·         Coffee makers and water kettles are only allowed if they have an automatic shut-off.

·         Charcoal or Gas Grills are not allowed in any university-owned houses or residences, or on porches or balconies at ANY time (i.e. grills can not be stored on porches).

·         Open burning - bonfires, camp fires, fire pits, etc. (Also prohibited by City of Middletown ordinance)

·         Explosives, ammunition, incendiary devices and fireworks ($500 fine)

·         Mercury thermometers – due to the potential environmental hazard and significant clean-up costs associated with a mercury spill or contamination, mercury thermometers are prohibited in any student residence

University staff will conduct unannounced room inspections throughout the academic year. Residents will be assessed a $100.00 fine (unless otherwise noted) for each violation, and prohibited items will be confiscated.  Candles and incense will not be returned; contact Campus Fire Safety for other confiscated items. A receipt will be given to you, or left in your room, notifying you of any violations and fines. For more information regarding fire safety, including policies and procedures and educational resources, please visit the Campus Fire Safety website at http://www.wesleyan.edu/firesafety.