Each residence hall room is equipped with a smoke detector and all residence halls have updated fire alarm systems. There are also fire extinguishers available throughout each building. Braddock, Lexington, Madison, Monroe and Concord Halls are also equipped with a sprinkler system. Tampering with fire safety equipment, activating a false alarm, or discharging extinguishers poses an immediate safety risk for residents and their belongings. Individuals found responsible for such activities may face immediate suspension from housing and/or the university and possible criminal prosecution.

If a student detects a fire, they should use the following procedures:

Activate the nearest fire alarm.

Inform the staff member on duty or Public Safety about the nature and the location of the fire. If you cannot locate the staff member on duty, any staff member will assume responsibility.

Once you have reported, evacuate the building.

Treat a fire alarm as though a serious condition exists. You may have no indication which is a real alarm and which is a drill. Failure to leave the building for any reason when a fire alarm goes off may result in disciplinary action.

Every resident must abide by the following procedures when a fire alarm sounds: Before you leave your room: turn on the overhead lights; close your windows; put on a full-length coat (not a robe); put on shoes (not bedroom slippers); carry a large towel for head and face protection against flames and smoke; and close and lock your door as you leave. Evacuated students must leave the building and should stand at least 50 feet away. Students should not return to the building until instructed by Residence Life, Campus Police, or University administration.

In order to ensure student safety in the case of fire, occupancies in rooms and lounges should not exceed the following limitations:

Traditional Hall Double Rooms: 4 occupants
Traditional Hall Triple Rooms: 6 occupants
Traditional Hall Lounges: 27 occupants

Washington Double Room: 3 occupants
Washington SuiteLiving Rooms (including A-1 and G-1): 11 occupants
Washington B-1, C-1, D-1, E-1, Suite Living Rooms: 17 occupants
Note: There should never be more than 26 total occupants in a suite at a time, with the exception of B-1, C-1, D-1, and E-1, which may have no more than 32 occupants at a time.

Braddock Hall Double Rooms: 4 occupants
Braddock Hall Triple Rooms: 6 occupants

Lexington & Concord Hall Bedrooms: 2 occupants
Lexington & Concord Hall Living Rooms: 16 occupants
Note: There should never be more than 24 occupants in an apartment at one time.