Fire Hazards

The following objects are among the items that are prohibited. This is not an exhaustive list.

The following objects are considered fire hazards and are among the items that are prohibited in any residence hall. This is not an exhaustive list.

  1. Any device with an open flame (candles, Bunsen burners, etc.).
  2. Incense.
  3. Any lighting fixtures, appliances, or electronic devices that are not labeled UL or CE approved and/or certified. Any light bulbs that are not LED bulbs are prohibited.
  4. Heat activated or plug-in type air fresheners and wax warmers.
    Examples of prohibited air fresheners [pdf]
  5. Extension cords or multi-plug adapters.
    Examples of prohibited extension cords/adapters [pdf]
  6. Rugs, carpets, curtains, and furniture that are not labeled as flame resistant.
  7. Material, fabric, and/or textiles, such as flags, tapestries, decorative headboards, etc. that are hanging on a wall or ceiling.
  8. Natural (potted or fresh cut) decorations (examples include pine decorations, live holiday trees, leaves, cornstalks, etc.).
  9. All electrical appliances used for cooking food, including hot plates, indoor grills, toasters, toaster ovens, or electric frying pans, etc.
  10. Hoverboards, also known as motorized self-balancing or hands-free scooters; e-scooters and e-bikes (Battery-powered scooters and bicycles)
  11. Any item impeding emergency egress of a door or window.
  12. Power strips that are plugged in to each other (i.e. “daisy chained”) and/or are not UL or CE approved/certified.
  13. Items, objects, and/or materials that are fastened to, covering, set upon, or hanging from the ceiling, ceiling tiles, ceiling lights, smoke detectors, and/or sprinkler heads.
  14. Any combustible material fastened to any ceilings or covering any fire alarm equipment.
  15. Decorative lighting cannot touch or be in contact with any combustible material (i.e. lights wrapped around a bed frame, lights intertwined with curtains, etc.)
  16. Any item hanging on a wall within 18 inches from the ceiling in Founders Hall, Haffey Hall, Dorsey Hall, Keough Hall, Murray Hall, Ward Hall, and Upper Quad Hall.
  17. Any item hanging on a wall within 24 inches from the ceiling in Murphy Hall and Michaelhouse Hall.

If you have a question about an item not listed here or any information included in these regulations, please contact the University’s fire and life safety officer at (585) 899-3833.

Information about fire safety on campus can be found on the fire safety page of the Office of Safety and Security website.

last updated: 7/24/2023

Be Fire Safe Every Day

  • Unplug hair dryers and curling irons when not in use.
  • Be aware of your surroundings - Know Two Ways Out [pdf]
  • Don't use space heaters. Report any heating issues in your room to Facilities.
  • Don't use extension cords or cube taps.
  • Don't overload power strips.
  • Keep halls and stairwells clear of clutter.
  • If the building evacuation alarm sounds - leave the building.
  • Know your residence hall short-term and long-term assembly points.

Residence Hall Fire Alarms

Smoke detectors are sensitive to a number of items in addition to smoke from fire, including high levels of dust, powders, steam, and mists. A room or hall smoke detector may activate upon exposure to these products. This type of activation is classified as a nuisance alarm. The Fire Department must respond in emergency mode to any fire alarm activation on Campus, and the University can be fined by the Town for excessive nuisance alarms.

Learn more: Understanding Your Residence Hall Fire Alarm System [pdf]

Campus Fire Safety Bulletins