The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control will continue our annual fire inspection in residential spaces this week and then proceed into the academic areas through the month of February and early March. Please review your living and work spaces on campus and ensure that you are maintaining a safe and compliant environment for you and others in the building. Your help will also support the University’s goal of no violations.
Specific Items to Look Out For
During our internal inspections in the fall, our most frequently observed issues are listed below. Please keep an eye out for these in your space.
- Use of extension cords – these are not permitted and should be swapped with a surge protected powerstrip if additional outlet plugs are necessary
- Candles (burned and unburned) – candles are not permitted in any residential spaces, whether they have been burned or not; the only exception is candle warmers that do not have any wick in the candle
- Unapproved cooking appliances in dorms – if you do not live in an apartment on campus with a kitchen, you are not allowed to have cooking appliances such as hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, crockpots and rice cookers
- Refrigerators/microwaves – all refrigerators and microwaves must be plugged directly into a wall outlet; they cannot be plugged into a powerstrip or extension cord
- String lights – string lights are permitted in residential spaces, but cannot be hung over walkways or doorways, nor can they looped through any bed springs; they also cannot be in contact with any combustible materials such as bedding or curtains
You can also use the following checklist linked below as a guide.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming inspection or items on this checklist, please reach out to Erica Arnold (earnold@clarkson.edu) or Brian Moulton (blmoulto@clarkson.edu) in the Environmental Health & Safety Department.
Thank you,
Erica
