EMU strives to provide a fire-safe campus and environment through the observance of proven safety standards. The university works to be in compliance with regulations that govern the campus operations and living environment of all students, as per the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), overseen and enforced by the Fire Marshal of the City of Harrisonburg Fire Department, the Local Governing Body (LGB). EMU works to monitor and enforce fire safety policies and train in fire-safety procedures with the staff and student body through the utilization of an in-house, state- certified fire inspector as well. The other university campuses are inspected by the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Reporting of Fires and Emergencies
Procedures for Evacuation:
If a fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately. If a fire is suspected, activate the building alarm then evacuate the building. If the building does not have a centralized fire alarm system, notify as many people as possible in the building through all attempts possible before exiting. Other actions to take would follow in this sequential order:
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On-Campus Smoking Policy
EMU does not allow smoking on campuses.
Open Flame Policy
Open flame-producing items of any kind, including candles, lanterns/lamps or incense are prohibited in any student housing facility. Matches, lighters or anything that is a source of heat or ignition for a flame are also prohibited from use. Anything that requires an open flame, operates on fuel or produces heat from an open flame is prohibited in residential facilities.
Religious Ceremonies
While it is strongly discouraged in buildings of public assembly, the importance is recognized for the utilization of open flame devices in religious ceremonies at times. Therefore, this is permissible following approved guidelines of the VSFPC in designated areas only.
NOTE: No religious ceremonies in student housing facilities may utilize open flame devices in any form, at any time, as per the VSFPC and DCFPC.
Open-air Fires
From time to time, it is desired to have open-air fires in designated locations on the main campus.
EMU has developed with the fire official from the AHJ an Open Air Fire Policy along with a permit procedure that is enforced by the Campus Safety Coordinator and fire official.
Fireworks
The possession or use of fireworks is prohibited on any EMU campus.
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- Washington Community Scholars Center (WCSC)
Electrical Appliances Policy
The use of electrical appliances in dormitories is limited because of safety and circuit overload factors. Appliances such as lamps (note: the use of halogen bulb lamps is not permitted in residential facilities), hair dryers, curling irons, etc. are permitted. It is required that any item brought for use on campus be factory-manufactured and come with a UL listing attached.
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