Life Safety Policies
When a student violates any of
the life safety policies below, a Life Safety Violation charge may be levied.
Students will be notified of these charges in writing. This notice may be
delivered by an RA, placed under a students door if they are not home,
deposited in their room during health and safety inspections, or delivered via
their campus mailbox or email. All students have the opportunity to address the
situation with a Residential Life professional staff member. If a student does
not contact the Office of Residential Life within ten days of delivery of the
notification, the charges will be final. Depending upon the situation
(severity, repeated offense, etc.), conduct charges may also be brought against
a student in violation of these policies.
Life Safety Violations
Level One Offense
(inappropriate appliance/furniture/loft, smoking, halogen/lava lamps, octopus
cords, multi-plug adapters, excessive electrical cords, candles/incense,
decorative string lighting)
• First Offense
- Warning
• Further
Offenses - $100 fine and possible
judicial action
Level Two Offense
(possession
of flammable materials or fireworks, removal of life safety devices, tampering
with life safety devices, discharging a fire extinguisher inappropriately,
failure to evacuate during fire alarm, negligent actions which cause activation
of the fire alarm system)
• Any Offense -
$200 fine and possible judicial
action
Level Three Offense
Malicious
activation of fire alarm system, arson, false reporting of a fire or other life
safety condition
• Any Offense -
$750 and possible judicial action
and/or arrest by police
Appliances
The following appliances ARE NOT
allowed in residence hall rooms:
non-approved microwaves, non-approved air conditioners, electric
heaters, toaster ovens, toasters, “George Foreman”-style grills, waffle irons,
sandwich makers, or any other heat-producing electrical devices or
appliances. Students may use coffee
pots, hot pots, and popcorn makers in their rooms as long as there are no
exposed heating elements or coils and they are used responsibly. Students found
in possession of unauthorized appliances will be charged a Life Safety fine in
addition to the confiscation of the item.
For information about renting a Microfridge, please see the
Refrigerators section.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners are not
permitted in the residence hall due to excessive energy demand caused by large
numbers of such appliances. Students with severe medical conditions that may
require an air conditioner may request a Special Accommodations form. If approved, it must be installed by Facilities Services. Arrangements for installation must be made by
the students. Contacting Facilities at X6181 or
http://www.union.edu/offices/facilities/index
Bed in Common Rooms
In compliance with the building
and fire codes, all beds and lofts must remain in designated bedrooms only and
not in the common rooms of residence hall suites.
Candles and Incense
Candles, incense, and any other
open-flame items (burned or unburned) are prohibited in student residences.
Decorations and Tapestries
Tapestries and posters may not be
hung over the smoke detectors, heat detectors, overhead lights, or above the
bed. Tapestries may not be draped from lofts or used as room partitions.
Decorations must not cover more than 50% of the ceiling or wall space.
Entry Doors
All residence hall entry doors
must be locked and secure at all times. Propping doors for any reason is not
permitted.
Fire Alarms
Evacuation compliance is
mandatory for all students whenever fire alarms are activated, regardless of
cause. Campus Safety and residence hall staff may check every room to ensure
that all residents evacuate the building.
Fire Equipment
Tampering with fire safety
equipment, including fire doors, exit signs, fire extinguishers, smoke
detectors, heat detectors, or fire alarms is prohibited. Fire safety equipment
that is malfunctioning should be reported to Campus Safety immediately. Do not
dismantle, remove, or attempt to repair any fire equipment.
Fireworks
Fireworks and other explosives
(in their many and varied forms) are prohibited in and around all College-owned
housing.
Lights and Lamps
Halogen lamps, paper
lanterns, string lighting, and lava lamps are not permitted in the residence
halls due to their proven fire hazard potential.
Octopus Cord/Multiple Outlet
Plugs
The use of extension cords beyond
their recommended use and the use of multiple outlet plug adapters, “octopus
cords,” are prohibited. Power strips with surge protectors must be used to
protect electrical equipment.
Noxious Odors
Activities producing odors
considered offensive to members of the residence hall community must be
curtailed upon request. In the event of such odors, a Residential Life or
Campus Safety staff member may check common areas and individual rooms for the
source.
Refrigerators
Each room is only allowed one
refrigerator or Micro-fridge unit, and each suite is allowed only a total of
two units. Small refrigerators measuring
five cubic feet or less and drawing three amps or less to start, or one and one
half amps or less to run, may be used.
Students may rent the Microfridge unit, a combination
refrigerator/freezer/ microwave unit, from a vendor who will contract directly
with the student. The Refrigerator
Leasing Company, Inc. can be reached at 607.431.9525 or
www.refrigeratorleasing.com.
Security
Screens
First floor windows have been
provided with a security screen designed to prevent theft and inappropriate
access to first floor rooms and common areas. The security screens must remain
closed at all times. Tampering with the security screens is prohibited.
Smoking
In accordance with New York State
Law, smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas.
Smoking within twenty-five (25) feet of any residential building exit,
entrance, or operable window is also prohibited in an effort to provide a safe
and healthy environment for those members of the community who do not wish to
smoke.
Fine Appeals Process
The Director of
Residential Life is available to listen if a student wishes to challenge a
housing or life safety violation.. If the decision by the professional staff
member appears inaccurate based upon evidence and College policy, you may
appeal the decision in writing to the Director of Residential Life within 10
days of notification of the violation., The director will determine whether or
not to reverse the charge.
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