Eastern Mennonite University (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).
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- Dial 9-911 (on-campus phone) or 911 (cell) and report the location and nature of the fire clearly and concisely to the emergency communicator.
- Extinguish the fire if it is small and you have training in and feel safe attempting to use a fire extinguisher. (NOTE: If the initial use of a fire extinguisher does not suppress the fire, exit the building immediately).
- If you do not feel comfortable attempting to suppress the fire, exit the building immediately.
- Report to the designated meeting locations for the building (assembly areas).
- No circumstances would constitute reentry of the building until authorization is given by proper officials.
- Campus safety and security should be notified of the incident by calling ext. 4911. Each residence room or suite is equipped with a campus telephone line (residents provide their own telephones), and a phone is located on each floor and in the main entrance of every residence hall.
Report Fires on Campuses to These Officials:
- Coordinator of Campus Safety and Security Coordinator
- Facilities Management Director
- Vice President of Finance
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 Washington DC Fire Prevention Code (DCFPC).
Open-air Fires
From time to time, it is desired to have open-air fires in designated locations on the main campus.
EMU 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 and Security Coordinator and fire official.
Fireworks
The possession or use of fireworks is prohibited on any EMU campus.
Student Housing Fire Safety Systems
EMU has on the main campus five residential halls, nine apartment-style buildings and three houses that are utilized for student housing, plus one residential facility in the District of Columbia.
The The fire safety/detection/suppression systems in use cover a variety of styles. The detection systems styles go vary from those monitored 24/7 by an alarm company with multiple-station smoke alarms and alarm devices, to single station. The suppression devices range from fire extinguisher placement, to automatic wet/dry sprinkler systems with manual wet standpipe systems. The various types of detection and suppression systems in use are listed below, along with the units covered.
Monitored Monitored automatic fire alarm system with multiple-station initiating devices and automatic sprinkler/standpipe systems:
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The use of electrical appliances in dormitories is limited because of safety and circuit overload factors. Appliances such as lamps (noteNOTE: 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.
Window Air Conditioners
Window/personal air conditioners are not permitted in residence halls unless a physician's letter is on file stating the need for special health concerns and approved by the Student Life Office.
The The unit must be provided by the student, not be older than four years old, be equipped with a standard 120 volt plug and not exceed 6500 BTUs. It will be installed by EMU Facilities Management personnel.
Mini Refrigerators
Refrigerators that do not exceed 2.5 cubic feet in size or 1 kwh per day in energy consumption and are UL- approved may be used in residential dorm rooms (not more than one per room).
Microwaves
Microwaves are provided in the kitchen/lounge area of each residential hall, therefore they are not permitted in student rooms.
Fire Safety Improvement Plans for Student HousingAdditional
Planning for additional capital projects will include fire alarm upgrades for Hillside and Northlawn residence hallscampus buildings as necessary..
Student Housing Fire Drill Policy
Fire drills are conducted in all residential halls as per the VSFPC and DCFPC. They are held four two times per academic and calendar year. If properly documented, false alarms, local emergency response on campus, may also be reported as fire drills.