Fire Safety

PREFACE. See references to the Duke University Safety Manual:
www.safety.duke.edu/sites/default/files/ IV_1FireProtection.pdf

Any supplemental statements listed below apply in addition to those described in the Safety Manual.

Candles and Other Open Flames

It is a violation of university policy to light any material on fire on campus. Candles, other open flame devices, and incense are strictly forbidden for use inside Duke University facilities. Battery or electrically powered candles will be used except when a religious activity specifically requires the use of a live flame. Students and groups will be held financially accountable for any damage they cause as a result of violating this policy and will be referred to the disciplinary process. Additionally, students may be subject to revocation of their Housing License for any violation of this policy.

Those individuals wishing to utilize live flame candles in observance of a religious holiday should contact the appropriate Religious Life group at Duke for guidance. OESO Fire & Life Safety (OESO F&LS) will not accept requests directly from students. OESO F&LS will provide information concerning fire prevention directly to Religious Life at Duke and Jewish Life at Duke. Use of candles will not be permitted inside any residential facilities. Requests for use of live flame candles in outdoor locations need to follow the same process and are subject to approval on a case-by-case basis. All personnel should know the location of building fire equipment to include fire extinguishers and manual fire alarm pull stations.

Fire Alarms and Evacuation. In the event of a fire, the most important thing is for you to evacuate the building safely. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area. Fire emergency response is defined by the acronym R.A.C.E. If you discover a fire or see a flame or smoke, follow the RACE procedures: Remove all persons in immediate danger to safety. Activate manual pull station and call or have someone call 911. Close doors and windows to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. Extinguish the fire (if you are able) and/or evacuate.

Fire Drill Training

OESO Fire & Life Safety Division staff conducts four student housing fire drills per year (two each semester). They go on site to supervise all aspects of the drills, including observation, evaluation, and documentation. The standard procedure entails activating the fire alarm system, usually by engaging a staff member/student volunteer to use a manual pull station. All students, faculty, staff, and visitors must exit the building and meet at their designated Emergency Assembly Point (EAP). Occupants are then briefed on their performance of evacuating the building, ways in which to improve said evacuation, how to activate a pull station, what to do in the event of a real fire, and how to use a fire extinguisher. Never assume that a fire alarm is a drill or false alarm. Remain calm and evacuate the facility. Evacuation is mandatory for all individuals when the fire alarm is sounding. Anyone who fails to evacuate may face disciplinary action. Follow the directions of fire and police personnel and never re-enter the building until they give permission to do so. For more information regarding the policies associated with Fire Safety & Protection, please read and adhere to the following document:
https://www.safety.duke.edu/sites/default/files/IV_1FireProtection.pdf

Open Fires

Students who either provide or contribute materials to burn or who ignite or attempt to ignite flammable materials will be considered in violation of this policy. Students also should realize that such actions violate state law and may result in a citation for unlawful burning.

Grills. See Open Fires. Failure to abide by this policy and city ordinance may result in a fine as determined by the Durham Fire Marshal in addition to disciplinary action.

Electrical Wiring/Appliances

Tampering with electrical wiring, including but not limited to the installation of direct-wired ceiling fans and unauthorized entry into electrical panel boxes, is prohibited. Residents are responsible for any damages caused by electrical appliances that are not owned by Duke University.

Halogen Lamps

OESO Fire & Life Safety Division and Housing and Residence Life prohibit halogen lights in residential areas. The very high temperatures reached by their bulbs constitute a fire hazard and a potential source of burns. In addition, the geometry of the floor model lamp tends to make them very unstable and easily tipped over.

Decorations, Holiday, and Theme Parties

Fireworks/Pyrotechnics

Students or performers may not possess/use fireworks or pyrotechnics of any kind on campus. Anyone who sees a person with these materials should immediately report it to Duke Police.

Flammable/Combustible Materials

Flammable/combustible materials including but not limited to gasoline, lighter fluid, and propane tanks are not permitted inside residential buildings.

Obstruction of Hallways, Stairwells, Sidewalks, and Lawns

North Carolina fire safety codes prohibit the obstruction of hallways and stairwells. The Durham Fire Marshal mandates the immediate removal of all items obstructing hallways and stairwells. Housing and Residence Life, Facilities Management, OESO Fire & Life Safety, or Duke Police will remove without warning or reimbursement furniture, bicycles, lumber, and all other items found obstructing hallways or stairwells.

University furniture will be removed from hallways and stairwells and residents may be charged for missing furniture. Sidewalks, stairways, and entryways must not be used for purposes other than ingress or egress. Bicycles or scooters may not be left in these areas or other locations where they may cause harm to persons or grounds keeping equipment.

Damaging or Tampering with Fire Safety Equipment

Relocating, removing, tampering with, or destroying smoke detectors or fire safety equipment is strictly prohibited. Damage and/or theft of fire equipment are punishable under North Carolina state law. Intentional false alarms, damage, theft, and misuse of fire detection, alarm, and extinguishing equipment are punishable under the criminal law provision of the North Carolina Statute 14-286 and may result in the loss of housing privileges and/or disciplinary action. In addition, residents will be charged for fire damage resulting from neglect or intentional actions. If a resident or staff member notices any damaged, missing, or malfunctioning equipment, they should immediately report the deficiency to the housing office or OESO Fire & Life Safety Division.