Fire Safety

Prohibited Items

To promote fire safety throughout the residence halls by not overloading electrical circuits, the University has enacted policies banning the use of the following electrical devices in rooms:

Extension Cords

  • Cooling/Heating Devices – air conditioners, ceiling fans, space heaters (electrical or kerosene)
  • Cookware – microwaves, toaster ovens, broilers, rotisseries, skillets, rice cookers, hot plates, bread makers
  • Dimmer switches
  • Halogen lamps greater than 300 watts (Less than 300 watts must have a properly installed safety guard.)
  • Regular sized domestic refrigerators (Refrigerators are limited to 5 cubic feet in size and must be in good working condition.)
  • All other high wattage appliances

Please note that the state fire code prohibits unfused multi-plug adapters. It also states that extension cords can only be used with portable devices and cannot be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

Prohibited Activities

Smoke Detector image

  • Cooking is not allowed in student rooms. The preparation of light snacks and individual meals is allowed in the residence hall kitchen area only.
  • ANY open flame, including all types of candles, may not be used in residence halls.
  • Smoke detectors cannot be covered or removed at any time
  • Sprinkler heads can not be covered or have anything hung or attached to them so that they are able to work properly if needed.

Room Construction

In addition to following all du Lac student guidelines, the following constructions policies must be adhered to:

Sprinkler head photo

  • All elevated bed assemblies cannot be constructed within 18 inches of a sprinkler head. Nothing can block the flow of a sprinkler head (e.g. a bed cannot be built under a sprinkler head since it would block the flow of water into a room.)
  • Nothing can touch or hang from a sprinkler head or sprinkler pipe.
  • Smoke detectors cannot be blocked by assemblies.
  • Windows and all interior doors must be left free and clear of furniture and assemblies.

These are only a portion of the policies set forth by the University. Please refer to du Lac and contact your residence hall staff for complete information.

For More Information:

The Center for Campus Fire Safety

College Fire Survival/People’s Burn Foundation

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Protection Association