BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT: We closely monitor any increase in fire alarms, and ensure that our fire alarm systems are functioning properly. Our fire alarms look for particles in the air that could be smoke; the sensors can't distinguish smoke from steam, hair spray, etc., so student activity can contribute to repeat alarms.

Hello-   At the beginning of a semester, we tend to receive messages of concern after an increased number of fire alarms. We appreciate you for sharing these concerns; student safety is always our highest priority and we try to balance that with your ability to rest and feel comfortable in your community.    We wanted to reach out to explain some sensitivities in how our fire alarms work, how we monitor and respond to trends, and to share reminders of how you can help avoid triggering an alarm.

Be assured that our alarms are functioning properly and doing what they should. 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.   Our fire alarm systems are set at the lowest sensitivity that they can be per 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. Our community directors meet with residents individually who may unknowingly be the cause of repeat alarms.

Due to the size of our communities, 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 below:   Appliances that may be used and stored in student rooms include: air purifiers, blenders, curling irons, fans, flat irons, hairdryers, hot-air popcorn poppers, electric kettles, irons, Keurigs/Keurig-style coffee makers, and rice cookers. Be aware that any of these devices utilized in close proximity to a smoke detector may result in false alarms; please use caution when placing these items in your community. Appliances that may not be used or stored in the student rooms, suites, or apartments include: convection ovens, crock pots, dehumidifiers, diffusers (including essential oil), electric blankets, electric skillets, fog machines, generators, halogen lamps, hot plates, humidifiers, lava lamps, plug-in air fresheners, space heaters, toaster ovens, and waffle or crepe pans.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our communities safe. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your Community Director. 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

STAY CONNECTED ‌ ‌ ‌