Fire and Safety Policies
On-Campus Housing
All residential areas (residence halls and apartments) are equipped with sprinklers and life safety systems with the exception of Thornhill Village (an on-campus single story, duplex community). The systems are all automatic sprinkler systems that are electronically monitored 24 hours, seven days a week by the Clemson University Police Department.
The Residential Facilities Office has three NICET certified technicians on staff. These three technicians — one Level One, one Level Two and one Level Three — who perform the routine inspections, testing and maintenance of the sprinkler systems. An outside contractor provides the inspection and testing of the alarm systems (electrical) as well as the fire extinguishers.
Each residence hall (but none of the apartment areas) is equipped with an emergency generator that is designed to operate immediately once there is a loss of power and the routine testing of the generators is performed by Residential Facilities. The generators provide power for emergency lighting and fire protection equipment in the event of a power failure.
All residence hall kitchens are equipped with an ABC fire extinguisher. All on-campus apartment communities are also equipped with an ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen area.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged/required to participate in fire safety training programs offered virtually through Tiger Training.
Firearms and Flammable Materials
The possession, storage or use of firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows, paintball guns, slingshots, explosives, fireworks, candles, halogen lamps, incense, dangerous chemical mixtures, propelled missiles or similar items are prohibited.
Fire Evacuation
Evacuation of University buildings is mandatory when a fire alarm sounds. Residents should follow posted evacuation plans/routes. Sounding of false alarms or tampering with firefighting or safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire sprinklers and connecting pipes, exit signs and the alarm system is prohibited.
Smoking
Clemson University is a tobacco-free campus. Smoking is prohibited in all University facilities.
Window Treatments
All curtains, decorations or displays used in windows must be made of fire-resistant materials.
Additional Fire Safety Information
Fire safety in a residence hall or apartment is everyone’s responsibility. It is important that everyone not only follow fire safety procedures but report all violations or fire hazards to the Resident Assistant immediately.
- Smoking is prohibited in all University facilities.
- Turn off electric blankets, irons, lamps and curling irons right after use
- Never cover lamps with any material for any reason
- Candles and other open flame devices are not allowed in residence halls or apartments (not even for decoration)
- Halogen lamps are not permitted in residence halls or apartments
- Check the smoke detectors weekly. Go to the residence hall and apartment front desk for replacement batteries. Check the fire extinguisher
- Keep hallways and exit paths clear at all times
- If a fire is observed, immediately move to a safe area, and call 911 to report the fire
- If clothing catches on fire, drop to the floor and roll back and forth until the flame is out
- ALWAYS take fire alarms seriously, and leave the building by assigned routes
- Gas grills may not be used or stored in any residential area (including apartments)
- Do not tamper with or remove any fire detection device, and do not hang anything from a sprinkler head.
Electrical Equipment
- Residents may not alter or repair any electrical equipment or fixture provided by the University.
- Defects in electrical equipment or wiring should be reported to the Residential Facilities Office by calling 864-656-5450.
- If more than two appliances with a cumulative wattage of more than 1,500 watts are plugged into a single wall outlet, a U.L.-approved power strip with a built-in circuit breaker must be used.
- If the power strip is approved for multi-outlet use, then two power strips per wall outlet may be used, allowing four power strips per room.
- Extension cords shall not be used in succession or in conjunction with power strips.
- Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
- Space heaters, window air conditioner units, ceiling fans and similar items are prohibited.
Cooking and Food Preparation
Residence Halls
The ability to cook and prepare food in residence halls is very limited. Residents may prepare food in the hall kitchen areas.
Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens are allowed in hall kitchens only. However, residents assigned to rooms and suites may use the combination microwave/refrigerator (MicroFridge) available for rent through a program sponsored by Student Government. Students may have a refrigerator in their room if it is 3.6 cubic feet or smaller. Any other appliance found within student rooms may lead to mandated removal of the appliance and discipline under the student code of conduct.
Apartments
Most normal kitchen appliances, including microwave ovens, may be used in apartment kitchens. These include George Foreman grills, Panini presses, slow cookers and toasters (not toaster ovens).
Grills
Grills (charcoal or propane), propane gas tanks and gas or charcoal grill supplies cannot be stored inside or outside, in any campus residential area, including apartments.
Holiday Decorations
The holidays often bring festive decorations to campus. Before you start decorating in your residence hall or on-campus apartment, review the following guidelines and restrictions.
Trees
- Small artificial trees are allowed but must be marked UL-approved and fire-resistant. Cut or live trees and wreaths are prohibited.
Lights
- Electric miniature lights are permitted inside student rooms but are limited to two strands per resident per room or less, as listed in the manufacturer’s instructions.
- All electrical decorations must bear the UL label and should only be used as rated for indoor applications.
- All cords and lighting strings should be checked for fraying, bare wires, loose connections and cracked plugs. Use only UL-approved surge protectors with built-in overload protection (breakers).
- Do not wrap lights around bedposts or bedframes or hang them underneath. This causes wires to fray and could be a fire hazard.
Candles
- Open flames, such as candles, are prohibited in residence halls or apartments. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
Additional Guidelines
- Only non-flammable or fire-retardant holiday decorations may be used.
- The use of glitter or straw is prohibited.
- Doors shall not be gift-wrapped. Excessive decorations or decorations made of highly flammable materials (crepe paper, leaves, etc.) are prohibited.
- Decorations cannot be attached to, blocking or suspended from sprinkler pipes, smoke detectors, electrical systems, light fixtures, cameras, ceilings, stairways, exit signs, exits, or anything that would block hallways or exits.
- Keep all lights and decorations away from all combustible items. All decorations must be turned off before leaving the room.
- Decorations shall not impinge the operation of windows or in-room heating and cooling units.
- All decorations must be removed before leaving for Winter Break.
