Fire Safety

Fire safety is taken very seriously at Boston University, and all residents are expected to cooperate in keeping the residences as safe as possible. For this reason, the following activities are for-bidden, and those engaging in them should expect serious consequences:

• setting fires of any kind for any reason;
• tampering with any fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire alarm boxes, smoke detectors, and sprinkler heads (such as hanging objects from sprinkler heads, and so forth);
• malicious activation of a fire alarm;
• propping open fire doors for any purpose other than emergency evacuation;
• use of roofs and fire escapes for any purpose other than for escape from afire or threat of a fire;
• accidental activation of a smoke detector or fire alarm resulting from hall sports, water fights, and so on;
• lighting open flames, and the possession of candles or incense in the residences;
• using space heaters or other types of heating coils.
• careless use of approved items/appliances that creates a fire hazard.

Activating a fire alarm system without proper cause endangers the safety of all residents, as well as the security of the greater community and the fire department. A false alarm is not a prank; it is a criminal offense that endangers the safety of others.

A student who, without reasonable cause, activates a fire alarm system or tampers with fire safety equipment, should expect to be expelled from the residential system and to be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs for further action (possibly including imposition of fines and suspension from the University); these cases may also be referred for criminal prosecution. Students are also subject to being charged for all costs incurred as a result of tampering with any life safety equipment, including charges for the services of fire departments. The Office of the Dean of Students, 617-353-4126, offers a reward for information leading to the identification of persons illegally activating fire alarms at Boston University.

Safety Precautions

Although the University has excellent fire detection systems in all of its residences, it is important for each resident to assume the responsibility for his or her own fire safety. Responsible behavior on the part of the students, combined with the efforts of the Residence Life and Physical Plant staff to ensure that all fire equipment and procedures are current and operational, will enable all students to enjoy a safe year in Boston University’s residences.

Fire doors should not, under any circumstances, be propped open for any purpose other than emergency evacuation.

Open flames, candles, and incense are not permitted in any residence.

City of Boston fire regulations prohibit Christmas trees and similar decorations in rooms or apartments because they present fire hazards.

Fabric of any kind may not be attached to a ceiling or ceiling fixture

Roofs and fire escapes are not to be used for any purpose other than for escape from fire or threat of fire. You should not use roofs and fire escapes on residences for sunbathing.

In recent years the use of electrical appliances such as stereos, televisions, and computers has greatly increased in the residences, often requiring more outlets than are available in a standard dormitory-style room. This situation may result in the excessive use of extension cords and multiple socket outlets, which can overload the electrical capacity of the room and create a fire hazard.

If You Spot a Fire

If you spot a fire, you must first sound the alarm. Do not delay sounding the alarm and try to fight the fire; the smoke will get to you very quickly. Leave the residence immediately. If you are in your room, feel the door before trying to open it. If it is hot, do not open it. If it is not hot, open it slowly. If there is smoke or heat in the hall, stay in your room and wait for help. Put a towel (preferably wet) under the door to keep the smoke out. Hang a sheet out of your window to attract attention. If you can safely leave your room, close your windows and door on your way out. Closed windows and closed doors limit the spread of smoke and fire. On your way out, knock loudly on the doors on your floor to alert your neighbors. Exit down the nearest stairway. Do not waste time. Do not use the elevators. Elevators are unsafe in a fire emergency.

If an Alarm Sounds

All residents are required to evacuate the building immediately when a fire alarm sounds. Fire drills are rarely scheduled; therefore, you must assume that whenever a fire alarm sounds, an emergency situation exists. Vacate the residence immediately and follow the direction of the Residence Life staff, police, and fire department. You may not reenter the residence until the fire alarm is reset. Failure to follow this instruction could result in serious disciplinary action.