Fire Safety at Vanderbilt University
Fire Safety Rules for Campus Residents updated August, 2010
Vanderbilt is a
Smoke-Free Campus.
Smoking is prohibited inside all buildings on campus, including residence halls and Greek houses. (Student Handbook, Chapter 1) Smoking is also prohibited outside on the Vanderbilt campus, with the exception of designated smoking locations. Additional smoking areas for campus residents are indicated on this map.
Residents must abide by the fire safety practices and regulations
listed below.
The following information was extracted from
Chapter 4 of the the Student Handbook.
- Combustible materials may not be stored on the premises.
- Cardboard boxes may not be used for storage of items in storage areas.
- The Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Fire Code prohibits the use and storage of grills within ten (10) feet of any combustible materials on any balcony or patio of a multifamily dwelling. Use or storage of grills is prohibited on any balcony or patio, or in any residential facility.
- Motorcycles, mopeds, and other internal combustion machines may not be kept in University housing.
- Bicycles may not be stored in hallways, stairwells, or other common areas because they may block emergency egress. Bicycles may be stored in student rooms.
- Candles, other open flames, oil lamps, and incense, are prohibited in the residence halls.
- Walkways, stairs, and corridors must be kept clear at all times for emergency egress. Student property may not be stored in these areas.
- Heat producing appliances (coffee makers, heating pads, slow-cookers, etc.) must be attended when turned on.
- Flammable materials may not be used to cover or obstruct light sources, heating/cooling sources, or fire-safety fixtures.,
- The University’s smoke-free campus policy limits smoking to designated outdoor areas. Extinguishing or disposing of smoking materials by any means other than the urns provided is prohibited.
- Access to windows and doors must be kept clear for emergency egress.
- Fire doors may be used by residents or guests only for emergency exit or exit during drills.
- Failure to evacuate a building when a fire alarm sounds is prohibited.
- Additionally, the following actions are prohibited and will likely result
in disciplinary sanctions, including possible suspension from the
University or a prorated damage charge among the residents of a
particular area if the responsible person(s) cannot be identified:
- Tampering with door alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler heads, water flow or other control valves and other fire-safety equipment,
- Tampering with smoke detectors, emergency phones, building access systems, elevator systems, surveillance cameras or other safety and security equipment,
- Tube lights and string lights, except that string lights may be used under the following conditions: Such lights may be used only in individual rooms and not in common areas. The lights must be UL approved and in good condition. No more than three strands of such lights may be strung together, and must be plugged directly into an outlet or into a surge protector that is plugged directly into an outlet.
- Items suspended from the ceilings, sprinkler heads, overhead piping, or on or near water pipes,
- Use or possession of fireworks,
- Disabling fire alarm systems,
- Arson/igniting fires,
- Tampering with or damaging fire-exit lights, signs, horns, strobes or other notification devices,
- Tampering with or obstructing emergency-exit doors.
Fire Safety Rules for Electric Appliances
Small items such as radios, sound systems, electric blankets, clocks, lamps, and coffee makers with enclosed heating elements are permitted in rooms, but no appliances with exposed heating elements, or grills (for either outdoor or indoor use, including "George Foreman" grills and like devices), are allowed. Appliances that draw a large amount of current from each circuit, such as hot plates, air conditioners, electric heaters, and instant water-heating elements, are prohibited. In addition, washers, dryers, and dishwashers are not allowed. Microwave ovens less than six years old, having a maximum power of no more than 800 watts and an interior capacity of no more than one cubic foot are permitted. Refrigerators less than six years old that have no more than a four-cubic-foot capacity may be used. The residential staff of a building may require that any appliance be placed in storage if the manner in which the appliance is used causes interruption of service or endangers the health, safety, or well-being of members of the residential community.
All appliances used in campus residences must be in good condition, with special attention given to seals, electrical cords, and plugs. Only power strips with circuit breakers may be used as extension cords. In consideration of fire safety, halogen lamps or light sources are prohibited in campus residences. The Senior Director of Housing, Facilities Operation and Management reserves the option of revoking authorization for the use of any appliance in individual buildings or throughout the residential campus.
Fire Safety Rules for Furnishings
Student-owned furniture brought into campus residences and Greek houses must meet the hospitality/contract-grade furniture fire-safety specifications of either the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 260, or the California Technical Bulletin 117, section E. (Furniture that complies with either standard will be appropriately tagged by the manufacturer.)