1. Overview
2. University Fire Safety Practices
3. Prohibited Items
4. Smoking
5. Cooking in Rooms
6. Decorations
7. Fire Safety Equipment
8. Fire Alarms
9. False Alarms
10. Evacuation Procedures
11. To Fight or not to Fight

Overview
Fire safety is of preeminent concern to Lee University, and the tips on this page will help you live safely in the residence halls.  Be aware that reckless behavior and destruction of life safety equipment could cause serious injury or death.  This page summarizes the state of fire safety at Lee, particularly as it applies to students and Lee residence halls.

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University Fire Safety Practices

• In the residence halls, all student rooms, lounges and hallways have smoke detectors.
• These smoke detectors are checked every week in the dormitories and every two weeks in the apartments by the Resident Assistants (RA's).
• If any are found to be malfunctioning they are reported to our Physical Plant department and they are repaired right away.
• Fire extinguishers in the residence halls are inspected monthly by the RA's.  Defective or discharged extinguishers are replaced immediately.
• All residence hall rooms are checked by the RA's weekly in the dormitories and every two weeks in the apartments for fire hazards including wiring overloads, unauthorized appliances, blocked fire detectors, and other unsafe conditions.
• The Resident Directors (RD's) execute a formal fire drill monthly within each of their residence halls.

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Prohibited Items
The following information is distributed to students each year and published in The Lee University Student Handbook, the student guide to University rules and regulations.  To protect the safety and welfare of students, the following items are prohibited in all residence halls.  The items listed are specifically related to fire safety and not represented to be inclusive of all items prohibited in residence halls:

• Fireworks, incense, candles, and flammable/volatile liquids including fuels, cans of paint, paint thinner, and turpentine.
• Microwaves over 600 watts.
• Hot plates, deep fat fryers, toasters, open-flame or open-coil appliances.  Illegal appliances will be confiscated and disciplinary action may result.  (Note: George Forman grills, toaster ovens, crock pots, and coffee makers are permitted to be stored in student rooms but can only be used in designated kitchen areas).
• Air conditioners, space heaters, ceiling fans, or refrigerators larger than 4.5 cubic feet or exceeding 7 amps.  Students may bring two compact refrigerators, but the combined cubic feet cannot exceed 4.5 cu. ft.
• Halogen Laps that are not UL approved.
• Dimmer switches and ceiling fixtures may not be installed.
• Nothing is allowed to obstruct any window, hallway, corridor or stairwell.  Doors must be allowed to open fully.
• Fire doors and any door with a closing mechanism must not be propped open or disabled.
• Students cannot install paneling or partitions in their rooms or suites.

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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on the Lee University campus.

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Cooking in Rooms
Cooking is allowed within the apartments, but is strictly prohibited in dormitories except within the designated kitchen areas.

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Decorations
Just imagine flaming material falling from the ceiling.  DON'T PLACE DECORATIONS ON THE CEILINGS.  Materials on the ceilings may also impede the activation of smoke and heat detection equipment.  Wall and ceiling decorations WILL increase the speed of fire spread.  Limit decorations to a maximum of 25% of the available wall space, which in most rooms equates to an area approximately 8'X8'.

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Fire Safety Equipment
Fire safety equipment in residence halls is intended for the protection of all residents and is not to be tampered with. Misuse of this equipment, including the removal of batteries from battery-operated smoke and heat detectors, is a serious violation of university rules and TN law and may result in disciplinary and/or legal action. Fire safety equipment includes smoke and heat detectors, fire evacuation instructions and maps, fire-alarm pull boxes, fire extinguishers, and emergency and electrical panels.

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Fire Alarms
Students are required by Tennessee state law to evacuate their residence hall when a fire alarm is sounded. Students who fail to obey this law will be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.
When a fire alarm is sounded in a residence hall, Resident Directors, Resident Assistants, and Public Safety Officers will go door-to-door alerting students and checking that all students have left the building. If smoke or fire is present, this duty will be the responsibility of fire fighters.

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False Alarms
False alarms are not to be tolerated. They are a criminal offense and a violation of the law. Students tampering with alarms or activating them are a menace to their fellow students and will be punished. Students are encouraged to take action to stop fellow students who are causing false alarms.

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Evacuation Procedures

• Know the location of all fire extinguishers on your floor
• Know at least two routes to get out of your building
• Keep fire doors closed at all times
• Never ignore a fire alarm

If a student suspects a fire, or if the alarm sounds:

1. Crawl to the door, staying close to the floor to avoid smoke or super heated gases that may have entered the room.
2. Feel the door. If it is hot, don't open it because the fire may be on the other side. If it is not hot, open the door carefully, if the hall is clear, move quickly to an exit door.
3. Use the stairwells for existing the building. NEVER use the elevators when an alarm is sounding.
4. If you have to exit through your window, either open it manually or break the glass with a chair or drawer. Put a blanket over the sill to protect you from the broken glass. Hang from the window by your hands before you drop in order to shorten the distance to the ground.
5. Once outside move far away from the building. This is for your safety and it allows the fire department a freer access to the building.
6. Once you are safe, call 911 and Campus Safety x8390 to report the fire.
7. If you are trapped, put a wet cloth under the closed door to help prevent the spread of smoke. Dial 911 and Campus Safety x8390 and tell the operator your residence hall name, your room number, and that you need help.

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To Fight or not to Fight
Should you try to extinguish a fire with a portable fire extinguisher?

If the fire is more or less contained, and has not extended beyond the point of origin SO THAT YOU CAN SAFELY APPROACH IT WITH AN EXIT DOOR TO YOUR BACK, and if you know how to use one, then use an extinguisher. OTHERWISE, JUST GET OUT!

ALWAYS ACTIVATE THE BUILDING ALARM . . . JUST IN CASE!

WHEN IN DOUBT - GET OUT!

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