Living On Campus
Fire Safety
Fire Safety Regulations
The purpose of University Fire Safety Regulations is to prevent injuries to members of the campus community and physical damage to campus facilities. All fire safety regulations and policies are contained in the Housing Department’s Undergraduate Residential Living Policies Guide.
Authorized Heat Producing Electrical Appliances
An important fire safety policy is that no heat-producing electric appliances are permitted in student rooms, except for certain authorized items. A complete list of authorized appliances with manufacturer and model numbers is maintained by the Housing Office.
Fire Safety and Dorm Room Furniture
Students are reminded that they are not allowed to move out or replace the existing furniture in their rooms. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of our students, Princeton University purchases furniture that is flame resistant. In our purchasing agreements with vendors, we require them to meet all applicable fire safety standards, such as California Technical Bulletins 129 and 133. Though we discourage students from bringing their own furniture, if they decide to, we recommend that students limit the number of upholstered items. Students should read the labels of items they are purchasing, in an attempt to buy items that conform to these codes.
Housing Inspection Program
The Housing Department conducts a thorough housing inspection program to assure compliance with all University fire safety regulations. Unannounced fire inspections conducted by Housing Inspectors begin in the Fall and occur four times throughout the year. Housing Inspectors follow specific procedures in conducting room inspections. The procedures are intended to insure the least amount of inconvenience to the student.
Housing Inspection Findings
Housing Inspectors will leave a note in your room informing you that at a fire safety inspection was conducted in your room. The note will be followed by an e-mail from the Housing Inspection Manager within five days of the date of the inspection reporting the inspection findings. If an unauthorized appliance was found in your room it will be confiscated at the time of the inspection. If the inspection reveals violations you will be informed of any fines incurred.
Reclaiming Confiscated Items
Confiscated items will be held at the Inspection Office located at E19 Dillon Court for the remainder of the academic year. Confiscated items may be reclaimed the week before any University break and at Move Out, at which time they must be removed from campus. To pick up your confiscated item you must contact the Housing Inspectors office at 609-258-3995 or by e-mail at kenpaul@princeton.edu to schedule a pick-up.
Penalties for Violations of Fire Safety Regulations
Adherence to fire safety regulations is of such importance that failure to comply will result in a penalty. Penalties for non-compliance are contained in the Residential Living Guide and may include the following:
- Confiscation of Non-Authorized Appliances
- Fines
- Disciplinary action that can affect your University status
- Criminal prosecution
Penalties are clearly stated in the Undergraduate Residential Living Policies Guide and depend on the violation.
Appeals Process
Students may appeal a violation determination by following these guidelines.
Fire Evacuation Drills and Other Fire Emergency Training
State Law requires that the University conduct two unannounced fire evacuation drills per year in your dormitory. Another excellent source for fire safety training is a powerpoint presentation entitled Fire Safety and You! prepared by the University Fire Marshall and the Housing Inspection Manager and available online.
Fire Emergencies Policies
University Fire Emergency Policy and Procedures include evacuation procedures, a list of building emergency coordinators and designated assembly areas in cases of emergency that require building evacuations.
