Fire Safety Residence Halls, UVA-EHS

Smoke Detectors Monthly Test

Test Monthly (1^ST Tuesday)

If you live in the resident halls listed below you will need to test your smoke detector(s) monthly (1^st Tuesday)

ALDERMAN:
COURTENAY
DUNGLISON
FITZHUGH
HEREFORD (ALL AREAS):
JOHNSON HOUSE
MALONE HOUSE
NORRIS HOUSE
WEEDON HOUSE
WHYBURN HOUSE
BROWN COLLEGE (ALL AREAS):
DAVIS
GILDERSLEEVE
HARRISON
HOLMES
LONG
MALLETT
MCGUFFEY
PETERS
ROGERS
SMITH
TUCKER
VENABLE

All other areas – testing by students not required

Fire Safety Violation List – August 2022

Following are some of the more commonly found fire code violations –

SMOKE DETECTORS AND FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT –

Altering or tampering with heating, electrical, and fire safety devices or systems is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to smoke detectors, fire alarm systems, and fire extinguishers. Smoke alarms may not be taken down, covered, or have their batteries removed.

Residents of Courtenay, Dunglison and Fitzhugh Houses, all areas of Hereford College and all areas of Brown College must perform a monthly test of their battery–operated smoke detectors on the first Tuesday of each month ("Test Tuesday").
Housing and Residence Life provides visual smoke detectors for the hearing impaired. If you require one, please submit a work order request to Facilities Management.

Storage must be at least 18" below sprinkler heads. Storage on wardrobes cannot block sprinkler coverage of the room.
Nothing may be attached to any sprinkler head or sprinkler system component.

FLAME AND FLAMMABLE MATERIALS –

The possession of candles and/or incense is not permitted.
No occupant or visitor may light or kindle any type of fire within a residence area, with the exception of fireplaces on the Lawn or Ranges. Before fireplaces can be used, Lawn and Range residents must complete fireplace training. Training dates and times will be distributed through resident staff.
Gasoline, propane, lighter fluid, instant light charcoal or any other type of flammable or combustible liquid is not permitted.
Motorized vehicles may not be stored indoors.
Open flame appliances of any kind are not permitted.
Smoking (including "vaping") is not permitted inside of or within 25 feet of residence halls.

DECORATIONS –

Furniture and personal belongings cannot touch, be stacked against, or in front of, radiator units.
Items may not be attached or suspended from the sprinkler system heads or pipes, nor from any heating and/ or radiator pipes.
Curtains or drapes are not permitted on windows or walls.
Door mats or area rugs are not permitted in hallways.
Tapestries, flags, banners, or other decorative fabric materials may not be suspended on walls or ceilings.
Nothing may be suspended or attached to the ceiling.
Only three (3) strands of decorative lights can be strung together. Anything more than that is not permissible. They cannot be hung with metal fasteners. Paper Lanterns are not permissible unless there are no bulbs in them. Lanterns may not be suspended from walls or ceilings.
Total wall space covered by combustible material (posters, corkboards, calendars) must be less than 10%. Any additional material on the walls must be framed under glass or acrylic/Plexiglas.

DOORS AND EGRESS –

Over–the–door shoe racks, towel racks, mirrors, etc. are not permitted on doors to rooms.
Storage, trash and/or boxes are not to be placed in the hallways, stairwells, or lounge areas. Trash and/or boxes must be disposed of immediately.
Doors must be able to open all the way. Do not place furniture, clothing, or any object behind doors that will prevent them from opening completely.
Shoes, clothing, gym bags, furniture, etc. cannot block egress from the room.
Storage (including bicycles) in stairwells, on landings or under stairwells is not permitted.
Doors may not be propped open with wedges or other items when the room is unattended.
The recycle bins are not to be placed in the hallway; Residents need to place recycle bins at the recycling area by the dumpsters if they do not want them in their room.

ELECTRICAL CORDS, DEVICES and APPLIANCES –

All electrical cords must be out of the way of foot traffic. No electrical cords across the middle of the floors, hallways, doorways, etc. Do not place any electrical cords underneath area rugs or clothing. Only Ethernet (computer internet cords) and coaxial (TV) cables can be placed under rugs, or taped down with duct tape to keep people from tripping over them.
Power strips (including bed risers with built–in power outlets) must be listed by an approved testing agency (for example, UL or ETL) in accordance with UL 1363 and have a built–in circuit breaker and on/off switch. Power strips must be plugged directly into a permanently installed receptacle and may not be used in series (daisy–chained) to create a longer cord. Power strips must not hang by the cord, but should be supported on the floor or on another flat surface.
Extension cords and non–fused multi–plug adapters or converters are not permitted.
Halogen lamps, "octopus" lamps with plastic shades and lamps with paper shades are not permitted.
Open burner appliances of any kind are not permitted. This includes George Foreman type grills, toasters, toaster ovens and space heaters.
Self–balancing electric wheeled boards ("hover boards") and electric scooters are prohibited.

HOUSING POLICIES –

No metal tacks, fasteners, screws or nails are allowed in the walls.
Each room may have one microwave (1200 watts or less) and one small refrigerator (5.0 cubic feet or less). Alternatively, a microfridge is permissible. Compliant microfridges can be purchased and/or rented from Cavalier Computers at the UVA Bookstore. Unless the manufacturer’s instructions allow otherwise, all microwaves and refrigerators must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
Bicycles may not be stored in suites, apartments, hallways, stairwells or study lounges. Bicycles may be stored in student bedrooms as long as the means of egress is maintained.
The following are approved for use in residence halls:

computer equipment
television sets
video game systems
popcorn poppers
rice cookers
hot water kettles
single–serve coffee makers such as Keurig (1 per room)
hair dryers
electrical curling irons/heating curlers with enclosed heating coil
irons
stereos, iPod docks and alarm clocks
lamps (except those prohibited above)
fans

FIRE ALARMS –

You are required to exit the building when a fire alarm sounds. You should go to the designated assembly area for your facility. Do no re–enter the building until the appropriate authorities (Fire, Police, EHS Fire Safety) have verified the building is safe, and has informed everyone that re–entry is now permissible. Never assume a fire alarm is "only a drill".

FIRE INSPECTIONS –

Each year the UVA EHS Fire Safety Team provides “courtesy” fire safety inspections in all 1st year Residence Halls shortly after move-in. These inspections are performed to assist residents by educating them on fire safety hazards that can cause harm to life and personal property. EHS personnel will assist/suggest ways of correcting any violations noted during the courtesy inspection process.
The State Fire Marshal inspects each residence area annually for fire code violations. Residents of spaces found in violation will receive notice of the violation and will be responsible for making the proper correction(s).

EMERGENCY RESPONSES –

In case of fire –

If the fire alarm is not sounding, activate a manual pull station and call 911 to report the fire.
Exit the building and go to the designated assembly area.
Provide any information you have about the fire to police or fire officials when they arrive.

If you cannot safely exit the building –

Call 911 and tell the dispatcher where you are, and that you cannot get out of the building. The dispatcher will alert the Fire Department.
If possible, open the window to let in fresh air, but do not break the glass. If smoke and fumes are drawn into the room, you must be able to close the window if necessary.
Shout for help. Seal cracks around the door with towels or bed linens to keep out smoke. Stay near the floor whenever possible.
Hang a sheet, jacket, shirt, or other object in or outside the window to attract attention.

FOR MORE INFORMATION –
Housing and Residence Life Safety page – https://housing.virginia.edu/safety
Environmental Health and Safety, Fire Safety page – https://ehs.virginia.edu/Fire-Safety.html

fire-safety@virginia.edu

434-243-1711

Fire Safety Violation Review

Welcome to the University of Virginia Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Fire Safety Office. The overall goal of the Fire Safety Team is the protection of life and property. We strive to identify and prevent conditions and/or or actions that may cause fires to start and spread. Through training we can prevent the risk of fires.

Who can I contact for help with Fire Safety?

Email: fire-safety@virginia.edu OR call 434-243-1711

Safe Cooking Practices

Do not store combustibles on or near microwaves.

Unattended Cooking

NEVER leave cooking unattended. Unattended food has been the cause of multiple fire alarms and fires. These were actual fires on the campus of UVA caused by food left unattended. Don’t let this happen to you!

Banners and Flags

No banners or fabric flags are permitted on walls.

Ceiling Decorations

No decorative materials shall be suspended from ceilings.

Items may not be attached or suspended from sprinkler or heat pipes.

Curtains or Drapes

No curtains or drapes on windows or walls.

Decorative Lights

You may not connect together more than three (3) strands of lights originating from the same outlet.

Decorative Trees

Live and artificial decorative trees are prohibited.

Doors

Combustible material on doors or walls of hallways is prohibited.

Over Door Racks

No over-the-door shoe racks, towel racks, mirrors, or other hanging devices are permitted on doors.

Egress

Always maintain a clear egress the width of the door opening. This will give you a clear path to exit in an emergency or assist firefighters attempting a rescue.

Trip Hazards

All electrical cords must be out of the way of foot traffic. Cords across aisles or walkways create trip hazards.

Propped Open Doors

The door above should not be propped open.

The fire doors above have a self-closing mechanism that will automatically close in the event of a fire alarm.

Ceiling Storage

Nothing should be stored close to sprinkler heads. Clearance should be at least 18 inches from ceiling at all times.

Hallway Storage

No furniture, shoes, clothing, boxes or clutter shall block egress. Tripping over personal items left in hallways can cause you to fall and injure yourself during an evacuation. Should there be an actual emergency, these items will hinder emergency response personnel from safely entering the facility and responding to the situation.

Room Storage

At no times should a motorized vehicle be stored in a room.

Stairwell Storage

Bicycles should not be left in egress stairwells, but be secured at bike racks. As with anything else, this is an obstruction to means of egress creating a safety hazard in the event of an emergency evacuation.

No storage on stairwell landings or under stairwells.

Extension Cords

Extension cords are prohibited.

Non-Fused Multi-Plug Adapters (Gang Plugs)

Non-fused electric outlet multiplying devices may not be used under any circumstances (gang plugs). They do not have a built-in circuit breaker or an on/off switch).

Power Strips

Unacceptable Power Strip

Acceptable Power Strips

Use power strips instead of extension cords. Acceptable power strips on the right are UL approved, have a built-in circuit breaker and an on/off switch. The power strip on the left is unacceptable and does not have a circuit breaker or switch.

Daisy Chained Power Strips

Power strips must not be connected in a series (daisy chained) to create a longer cord or more outlets.

Unsupported Power Strip

Power strips must not hang by the cord, but should be supported on the floor or other flat surface.

Mats and Carpeting

Do not place power cords under mats or carpeting.

Trip Hazards

All electrical cords must be out of the way of foot traffic. Cords across aisles or walkways create trip hazards.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are mandated by the Governor and General Assembly. You are required to exit the building when a fire alarm sounds. You should go to the designated area for your facility. Do no re-enter the building until the appropriate authorities (Fire, Police, EHS Fire Safety) have verified the building is safe, and has informed everyone that re-entry is now permissible. Never assume a fire alarm is a drill.

Pull Stations

Pull stations should never be pulled unless there is a fire or an emergency. Illegally activating a pull station is a crime; Illegal activation will cause emergency responders to respond needlessly, when they could be responding to an actual emergency.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors should not be taken down, covered, nor have their batteries removed. If the alarm starts to chirp, this may be a warning that the battery is low and needs replacing. Contact Residential Housing to correct the problem. REMEMBER, working smoke detectors save lives.

The following Residence Halls require monthly testing of smoke detectors (the 1^st Tuesday of each month).

Alderman: Courtenay, Dunglison, Fitzhugh;

Brown College (All areas): Davis, Gildersleeve, Harrison, Holmes, Long, Mallet, McGuffey, Peters, Rogers, Smith, Tucker, Venable;

Hereford College (All areas): Johnson, Malone, Norris, Weedon, Whyburn;

Courtesy Inspections

Each year the UVA EHS Fire Safety Team provides "courtesy" fire safety inspections in Residence Halls. These inspections are performed to assist students by educating you on fire safety hazards that can cause harm to life and personal property. Life safety is our main concern! Remember, EHS Fire Safety is here to help and protect you.

State Fire Marshal Inspections

The State Fire Marshal inspects each residential area annually for fire code violations. Any area found to be in violation shall be re–inspected. Any area still in violation of code or Housing & Residence Life regulations is subject to judicial action and possible removal from University housing. Residents will receive email notification when the inspections will occur. Residents of spaces found in violation will receive notice via email of the violation, as well as a follow–up from a resident staff member. Spaces in violation will be re–inspected until the violation is corrected.

Candles and Incense

Possession of candles or incense is prohibited. Lighter fluid, gasoline, propane or other flammable liquids are not allowed.

Housekeeping

Rooms must be clear of excessive combustibles and maintained in an orderly fashion. Do not place clothing or any object behind doors that will prevent it from opening all the way.

Grills

No open flame or open burner appliances of any kind are permitted.

George Foreman^® type grills are prohibited.

No open flame or open burner appliances of any kind are permitted.

Open Flame Grills are prohibited.

Space Heaters

No open flame or open burner appliances of any kind are permitted.

Space Heaters are prohibited.

Toaster Ovens are prohibited.

Toasters are prohibited.

Woks

No open flame or open burner appliances of any kind are permitted.

Woks are prohibited.

Halogen Lamp

Halogen and octopus lamps are prohibited. High heat causes the shades to melt. Always use the approved wattage bulb for your lamp.

Even with approved lamps, do not place items on or near the lamp. This hat was placed on the bulb to “dry” and actually caught fire.

Hoverboards

Self-balancing electric wheeled boards (Hoverboards) are prohibited. UVA has issued a policy on the use of hoverboards. The policy can be viewed @ uvapolicy.virginia.edu – SEC-036

Unattended Electrical Items

Irons and curling irons should never be left unattended. Always "unplug" these items when not in use.

Fireplace Training

Lawn and Range residents must attend fireplace training prior to use of fireplaces. This training describes basic awareness when starting a fire and after the fire is lit; the do’s and don’ts when using the fireplace, and explain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.