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University of Lynchburg

/ Student Life / Student Handbook and Policies / Safety at the University of Lynchburg: A Shared Responsibility / Fire Safety

Fire Safety

A fire on campus not only interrupts education, it destroys valuable property and expensive equipment, and/or can injure or kill people. Carelessness, forgetfulness, and ignorance are factors in many fires. Smoke detectors and alarms warn of a fire while escape time still exists. Never tamper with smoke detectors, fire alarms, or other fire safety equipment; they may save YOUR life. Any fire on campus should be reported immediately to Campus Safety and Security (434.544.5555).

All University of Lynchburg residential facilities for students have hard-wired fire alarm systems that report directly to Campus Safety and Security. Campus buildings with heating systems that burn fossil fuel have hard-wired carbon monoxide detection systems that report directly to Campus Safety and Security. When an alarm is received, a campus safety officer is dispatched immediately to determine the cause of the alarm.

To reduce fire hazards, the following items are prohibited in all University of Lynchburg housing facilities for students:

  • Candles (unlit or lit);
  • Extension cords and multi-plug adapters;
  • Fireworks (may not be possessed or used anywhere on campus);
  • Gas canisters (including propane tanks for grills);
  • Halogen lamps and other lamps deemed unsafe by the Office of Housing and Residence Life;
  • Hookahs (may not be possessed or used anywhere on campus);
  • Incense;
  • Lighters or torches with gas or liquid fuel that can be left in the “on” position;
  • Space heaters with exposed heating elements; and
  • Any appliances that make an open flame or have exposed heating elements other than stoves provided by the University.

Coffee makers, popcorn poppers, and approved Microfridge microwave ovens are the only cooking appliances permitted in residence hall rooms. All other cooking appliances are prohibited in residence hall rooms, including other microwave ovens, crock pots, deep fryers, grilling machines, hot plates, toasters, and toaster ovens.

Small, newer model electric space heaters without exposed heating elements and carrying the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label may be used in residential facilities. Only one space heater may be used per room.

Extension cords and multi-plug adapters may not be used in residential facilities. Grounded or polarized relocatable power taps, commonly known as “power strips” and “surge protector strips,” may be used temporarily in residential facilities if plugged directly into permanently installed electrical outlets.

Fires are not permitted inside or outside any University residential facility, except for outdoor use of gas and charcoal grills for cooking and of University-provided fire pits in approved locations. Grills, including related gas canisters, must be stored outdoors. When in use, grills must be at least 10 feet from all parts of a structure, including decks and porches. Also, appropriate safety precautions must be taken (e.g., distance from dry brush and other flammable materials, absence of wind hazards, extinguished coals, and disposal of cold coals in trash receptacles). Damage caused by the use of a grill will result in repair fees and/

or disciplinary outcomes.

All residential facilities for students are smoke-free buildings; therefore, smoking may not occur within any part of these facilities. Smoking includes but is not limited to the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, personal vaporizers, or other devices associated with “vaping.”

Learn the fire safety features of campus buildings and take appropriate actions, including:

  • Know where fire extinguishers and pull stations are and know how to operate them.
  • Find the building exits nearest your classrooms, residential room, or office.
  • Do not block access to extinguishers or fire exits.
  • Report to Campus Safety and Security all extinguishers that are missing, damaged, or have been discharged, and any other damaged or malfunctioning fire safety equipment.
  • Never tamper with a smoke detector or other fire equipment. Tampering with any fire

equipment may result in suspension from the University and criminal prosecution.

  • When the fire alarm sounds, leave the building quickly.
  • Take fire drills seriously; you never know whether the alarm was activated by an actual fire. If there is no fire, practicing proper emergency response may save lives in the future.

Evacuation Due to Fire

In every campus building, evacuation procedures are posted, and fire exits are marked. Evacuation maps are posted only in the residence halls (Freer, Hundley, Montgomery, Shackelford, Tate, and Westover Halls). In case of fire or other emergency warranting building evacuation:

  • Activate the fire alarm system.
  • Stay calm, then act; every second counts.
  • Leave the building immediately.
  • Never use an elevator.
  • Crawl or stay beneath the smoke; smoke kills.
  • DO NOT open a door if the doorknob is hot.
  • If you cannot leave the room, stop the smoke from coming in by sealing cracks with tape, clothes, towels, etc.
  • Shout out to others for help.
  • Tie a wet cloth over your nose and mouth to aid breathing.
  • If your clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL! Do not run. Instead, drop to the floor and roll out the fire or use a rug, coat, or blanket to smother the flames.
  • Never go back into a burning building for ANY reason.
  • Tell security officers or firefighters if you know of anyone trapped inside the building.
  • Cooperate with campus authorities.
  • Let firefighters and other emergency personnel do their jobs. Stay out of the way and remain in designated safe areas.

For more information about fire safety and residential facilities, see the webpage "Fire Safety" on the University of Lynchburg's website (lynchburg.edu).

Disability Accommodations in Fire Safety

Students who require accommodation of the standard fire alarm system should contact the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources no less than six weeks prior to the assigned move in date. Reasonable documentation completed by a licensed professional is required.

University of Lynchburg Fire Log

The University of Lynchburg Fire Log provides brief information about fires that occurred in campus housing for students. The log includes the fire date, time, nature, and general location. The University of Lynchburg Fire Log is posted at: https://lynchburg.edu/student-life/campus-safety-and-security/university-fire-log/.