Engineering > Fire & Life-Safety > Residence Hall Fire Safety

The Fire & Life-Safety Group (FLS)

Fire Safety in the Residence Halls

The residence halls at the University of Colorado at Boulder are designed for a reasonable level of fire safety.   The fire alarm and sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and extinguishers are all checked on a regular basis.   There are fire safety instructions and procedures in effect in all halls, designed to enhance safety and minimize the hazard of fire and smoke.   In addition, housing administration works closely with the University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety, the Fire and Life Safety Group, and the Boulder Fire Department to explore possible new ways to deal with fire prevention, detection, and suppression.

Despite this, it must be recognized that fires can still occur, that fire prevention is everyone's concern, and that the manner in which residents react in the event of a fire can mean the difference between life and death. For these reasons, the following information is provided to you.

In Case of Fire

Refer to the following links for emergency and evacuation response procedures.

If You Discover A Fire

If You Hear A  Fire Alarm

Once You Have Evacuated

Hazards in Residence Halls and Residents' Rooms

Decorations: Flammable items such as tapestries, fishnets, parachutes, sheets and paper may not be hung from walls or ceilings.   All decorations (holiday, etc.) must be treated with flame retardant.   Christmas trees must be artificial, bearing UL labels.   Real trees, natural wreaths, etc. present an extreme fire hazard once they dry and, thus, are prohibited.   No decorations that extend down hallway walls are allowed.   Decorations must clear all sprinkler heads by at least 18 inches.

Electrical Overloads: To reduce the risk of fire resulting from overloaded circuits, we strongly recommend the use of a multi-plug circuit breaker outlet if more outlets are needed.   Extension cords are a major cause of residential fires – avoid using them.   If your circuit breaker trips, it is possible someone on the circuit is overloading it or using a defective appliance.   If this happens, report it to the hall office.   Also, too many of certain types of appliances such as coffee makers, popcorn poppers, hair dryers, and curling irons may overload the circuits.

Appliances: Electrical appliances that can generate heat or malfunction should never be left unattended.   They should be unplugged after use and not stored until they are cool enough to touch.

Portable Electric Heaters: Personal portable electric heaters should not be used except under extraordinary circumstances and after conditional written approval by the Department of Housing and the campus fire marshal.   UL listed baseboard heaters distributed by the Department of Housing are acceptable provided the circuits are not overloaded and other safety precautions are observed.

Open flames: Many fires occurring in residence hall are a result of burning candles.   Camp stoves, candles, open coil heating or cooking elements, kerosene lamps, etc., can be extremely hazardous.   These open flame devices are not permitted in student rooms.   Similarly, burning incense is not allowed.   Cooking on barbecue grills and hibachis is not allowed in or around the halls.   Activities such as making candles or waxing skis are not permitted in your room or areas in the halls other than those designated.

Trash: All combustibles, such as paper, should be disposed of in outdoor trash bins as soon as possible.   Full wastebaskets and recycling bins are an invitation for fire.   Never place newspapers or other combustible or flammable materials in corridors, stairwells, or other common areas.

Flammable Liquids (and other hazardous chemicals): Gasoline, ether, paint, glue, etc. are not permitted in student rooms or storage areas.   Motorized vehicles are not allowed in the buildings under any circumstances.

Smoking: Smoking in bed is extremely dangerous and is one of the primary causes of fires in living areas.  Careless disposal of matches and cigarette butts is also a common cause of fire.  Generally, smoking is prohibited in residence hall common areas.  For complete rules please contact the Department of Housing. 

Halogen Lamps: Due to the high temperatures emitted from halogen lamps, they are prohibited in the residence halls.   It has been reported that many fires are caused by materials coming in contact with the halogen bulb or other parts of the lamp.  

Foam rubber: Foam rubber emits deadly toxic gases when it burns and should not be used in student rooms.   Most “bean-bag” chairs are stuffed with foam rubber.   Foam rubber-filled items are prohibited in student rooms.

Cooking: Cook safely and only in permitted and designated areas or kitchens using proper appliances.   Microwaves can cause burns, or even start a fire.

Tampering with Fire Alarm System

The fire alarm system and fire fighting equipment in the residence halls are for your protection.   Tampering with smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, sprinkler piping, alarm boxes, and fire extinguishers is prohibited. Remember, this is your life safety equipment.   You will be held accountable and liable for any damage that may endanger the lives of other residents.   Hanging items from the sprinkler head or pipes is prohibited.   It is a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or jail term.

False Alarms

Fire alarms may be set off in residence halls accidentally or due to tampering.   How do you know if it is a false alarm?   You don't!   So get out!

Resident Room Fire Prevention Checklist

Check your room for fire safety hazards.   The correct answer to all the following questions is “no.”   If the answer is yes, corrective action should be taken.   Note that the following are only examples of fire-safety hazards.   Please use good judgment and identify and mitigate other fire-safety hazards not listed.

Combustibles

Electrical Heating and Cooking

Do You Know the Hazards in Your Room?