Residents must abide by the fire safety practices and regulations listed below:
- Halogen lamps or light sources are prohibited in campus residences.
- Combustible materials may not be stored on the premises. This includes battery cells in devices prone to overheating or implosion.
- The Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Fire Code prohibits the use and storage of grills within ten (10) feet of any combustible materials on any balcony or patio of a multifamily dwelling. Use or storage of grills is prohibited on any balcony or patio, or in any residential facility.
- Motorcycles, mopeds, and other internal combustion machines may not be kept in University housing.
- The use, possession, or storage of electronic personal transportation vehicles (EPTVs), including scooters, bicycles, hoverboards, and similar devices, is prohibited inside all Vanderbilt buildings and facilities, including, but not limited to, residence halls, Greek houses, Student Centers, academic buildings, labs, and parking structures.
- Bicycles may not be stored in hallways, stairwells, or other common areas because they may block emergency egress. Non-electronic bicycles may be stored in student rooms.
- Candles, other devices that produce open flames, oil lamps, and incense, are prohibited in the residence halls, and subject to confiscation, whether or not they are lit at the time they are discovered. Exceptions for registered events sponsored by University departments may be made at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Housing and Residential Experience or designee.
- Walkways, stairs, and corridors must be kept clear at all times for emergency egress. Student property may not be stored in these areas.
- Heat producing appliances (coffee makers, electric kettles, slow-cookers, etc.) must be attended when turned on.
- Flammable materials (e.g., sheets, blankets, bandanas, scarves), may not be used to cover or obstruct light sources, heating/cooling sources, or fire-safety fixtures.
- Cut trees, wreaths, and greenery (generally employed as seasonal decorations), are prohibited.
- Installation of elaborate door decorations is limited to a specified period of time–set by appropriate administrators–and may not remain overnight.
- Decorations on the exterior of room doors may not exceed 150 square inches, total, of surface area.
- The University’s smoke-free campus policy limits smoking to designated outdoor areas. Extinguishing or disposing of smoking materials by any means other than the urns provided is prohibited.
- Access to windows and doors must be kept clear for emergency egress.
- Emergency exits may be used by residents or guests only for emergency exit or exit during drills. Other use is prohibited.
- Failure to evacuate a building when a fire alarm sounds is prohibited.
- Additionally, the following are prohibited and will likely result in corrective action through the University’s accountability process, which action may include possible suspension from the University or a prorated damage charge among the residents of a particular area if the responsible person(s) cannot be identified:
- Tampering with door alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler heads, water flow or other control valves and other fire-safety equipment,
- Tampering with smoke detectors, emergency phones, building access systems, elevator systems, surveillance cameras or other safety and security equipment,
- Tube lights and string lights, except that string lights may be used under the following conditions: string lights must be UL approved and in good condition. The lights may be used only in individual rooms and not in common areas. The lights may not be suspended from ceilings, sprinkler heads, or overhead piping, and the adhesive backing available with some such lights may not be used. No more than three strands of such lights may be strung together, and must be plugged directly into an outlet or into a surge protector that is plugged directly into an outlet.
- Items suspended from the ceilings, sprinkler heads, overhead piping, or on or near water pipes,
- Use or possession of fireworks,
- Disabling fire alarm systems,
- Arson or igniting fires of any kind—anywhere on campus—except for the purpose of cooking on a grill in accordance with University policies regulations and applicable statutes,
- Tampering with or damaging fire-exit lights, signs, horns, strobes or other notification devices,
- Tampering with or obstructing emergency-exit doors.