Hello-

Welcome back to campus! This message serves as a reminder around key fire safety precautions to take while living on-campus and provides you with a bit more information about the smoke detectors in your hall. Please read the following and let us know should you have any follow-up questions for the semester ahead.
ALARM SYSTEMS

Our fire alarm systems are set at the proper sensitivity to keep them in line with fire code. In other words, we cannot make the systems any less sensitive while remaining compliant with the fire code. Our team receives a notification every time there is an alarm and we will continue to keep an eye on trends and how we can best respond. Any time we have repeated alarms from the same sensor, or any other indicators of system issues, our partners in Facilities and Campus Services check the system and sensors, and our community directors meet with residents individually who may unknowingly be the cause of repeat alarms.
HOW SENSORS WORK

Our rooms use photo particle sensors, meaning they look for particles in the air that could be smoke. Unfortunately, those sensors can't distinguish smoke from steam, hair spray, etc. which often trigger what students will refer to as false alarms. Triggers for these alarms can include:
  • discharging a lot of propellant in the room (air fresheners, cologne or perfume, body sprays, disinfecting cleaning sprays, etc.) 
  • cooking in the room 
  • propping of bathroom doors when showering allowing for a buildup of steam
  • using appliances that create steam or heat (such as irons or hair dryers) too close to sensors

It is important that you not use appliances that are prohibited, as those can set off fire alarms or create unsafe situations in our community. For a reminder of the appliances that are and are not approved in your room, please see the guidance from the Guide to Community Living.
FIRE SAFETY VIOLATIONS

Covered Smoke Detectors
  • Smoke alone often doesn't wake you- it can make you sleep through a fire. If a detector is covered, it may further limit your evacuation time.

Open Flames
  • Candles, incense, and similar items producing open flames are not allowed in RL&H facilities. (Candle warmers and similar hot plate items are also prohibited.)

Extension Cords
  • Only use UL listed surge protectors with an on/off switch.
  • Don't plug cords into other cords, as this can overload circuits.

Sprinkler Violations
  • Removing or tampering with sprinkler heads will result in flooding.
  • Do not hang items from the sprinkler heads.

Propped Doors
  • Fire doors prevent the spread of fire in the event of an emergency to allow safe exit from the building - Propping allows the flame to spread faster.

Blocked Exits
  • Obstructed exits, such as doors and hallways, can be dangerous during an evacuation.
  • Keep all building exits and corridors clear at all times.
If you ever see or suspect a fire in a residence hall, call 911 immediately. Throughout the coming year, please feel free to reference our fire safety web page for additional information and resources.

Best -

Wesley Todd, MPA
Associate Director of Housing
Office of Residence Life and Housing | Wake Forest University
336-758-5185 | housing@wfu.edu | rl h.wfu.edu