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Health and Safety

Fire Safety in the Halls

The State Fire Marshal's Office has adopted the National Fire Protection Association, Life Safety Code 101 (2000 edition) as the fire code that applies to university buildings regardless of when the buildings were constructed. Over the past several years, the State Fire Marshal's Office has conducted tours of all residence halls at each public university in the state. The Fire Marshall identified conditions that did not comply with the fire code. Our University works closely with the State Fire Marshall to develop projects to remedy these conditions as they are brought to our attention and to adopt fire safety measures recommended by the State Fire Marshal. 

The information below describes some of the major projects completed over the past several years.

  • Room-Door Closing Devices -- Self-closing hinges have been added to all residence hall rooms.
  • Smoke Compartments -- Smoke doors have been added to the hallways in Conner, Cousins and Stafford Hall.
  • Emergency Lighting in Hallways -- Additional exit signs and emergency lighting has been added in Conner, Cousins, Guenther, Shirley and Stafford Hall.
  • Outside Exit Doors -- Additional exits and fire escapes have been added to Cousins Hall.
  • Addressable Fire Alarm Systems -- Installed in all residence halls.

West Texas A&M University is committed to the safety of all residents and is working diligently to maintain a safe environment in the residence halls. Rules and regulations, including the prohibition of smoking, candles and incense, restrictions on appliances, and scheduled fire drills throughout the year are in place and are an important parts of the fire safety plan at WTAMU. Additionally, hall staffs conduct health and safety checks in all residents' rooms throughout the semester and attempt to identify safety issues. Should you have any questions, contact the Office of Residential Living at 806-651-3000.

 

Immunizations

There are no required immunizations to attend WTAMU, but certain vaccines are highly recommend. It is helpful if you bring a copy of your shots record when you come to school.

Immunizations recommended are:
Hepatitis B - Three shots over a six-month period - Hepatitis is a disease that attacks the liver and can be fatal. It is required in public schools for anyone 15 and younger, but traditional college freshmen are not required to have the vaccine.


Meningitis - One shot - Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can affect the lining of the brain and spinal cord as well as the blood. It can progress extremely rapidly from flu-like symptoms to brain damage and death. Freshmen who live in the residence halls are at increased risk of developing this illness.


Chicken Pox - Two shots - If you haven't had chicken pox, discuss this vaccine with your health care provider.  Chicken pox in adults is a serious condition.

For more information about immunizations, contact Student Medical Services.