SKIP TO PAGE CONTENT
Menu

Fire Safety

Updated August 2025

2.21 | Fire Safety

2.21.A | Persons who jeopardize the security or safety of any resident will be subject to severe disciplinary action. Tampering with fire equipment, or acts of arson, can result in civil prosecution, disciplinary measures, and/or possible fines.

2.21.B | When a fire alarm sounds, all individuals in the area are expected to proceed to the nearest exit, stand at least 100 feet from the building and should never impede emergency responders’ ability to reach the building. Failing to evacuate a building, or to take the first opportunity to evacuate a building, anytime a fire alarm is sounded will result in a disciplinary sanction. Additionally, causing the fire alarm to sound due to negligence, by tampering with equipment, or unsafe practices (i.e., overloading circuits, use of unauthorized cooking appliances, negligence, use of inappropriate extension cords, power taps, etc.) may result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, renumeration of fees assessed by local authorities.

2.21.C | Fire Drills: The University will hold fire drills to acquaint the people with fire evacuation procedures. All people are required to follow directions during the drills. Failure to evacuate the building may result in disciplinary action, a monetary fine, and/or a possible suspension.

2.21.D | Fire Equipment: It is imperative that fire and safety equipment function properly when it is needed, the following acts are prohibited:

  1. Tampering or playing with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, exit lights, emergency lights, door and door frame fire-rating labels.
  2. Tampering with or pulling a fire alarm under false pretense.
  3. Removing smoke detector batteries or otherwise rendering a smoke detector inoperable.
  4. Propping open or impeding fire doors.
  5. Obstructing halls and stairwells with furniture, debris, and other materials.
  6. Hanging objects from smoke detectors and sprinklers.
  7. Presence on fire escapes in non-emergency situations.

2.21.E | Smoke Detectors: All rooms and offices are equipped with smoke detectors. People that see a problem with their smoke detector should contact the maintenance staff or building staff immediately. Disciplinary action will result if the smoke detector is removed or otherwise renders the detector inoperative. Disciplinary action could also result for people who cause potential fire hazards through unsafe practices (i.e., overloading circuits, use of inappropriate extension cords, power taps, use of unauthorized cooking appliances, etc.).

2.21.F | Sprinkler Systems: The University is not responsible for damage caused by the sprinkler system. Residents who cause the system to activate will be held accountable for any damage caused to their personal property, other residents’ property, and to university property. Residents tampering with the system will be fined based on state regulations and will face disciplinary and possible legal action. Sprinkler systems are very sensitive. Please be aware of the following:

  1. Never cover a sprinkler head.
  2. Do not hang items from the sprinkler head or pipe.
  3. Sprinkler heads may never be obstructed or altered.
  4. Nothing may be stored within 18 inches of the sprinkler’s head.
  5. Any items that hit the sprinkler head may cause it to activate.
  6. The sprinkler system is activated by contact or heat, not smoke.
  7.  

2.21.G | Open Flames: Under TAMU SAP 24.01.01.M7.02, candles, incense burners, oil lamps or other personal items that have open flames or that smolder, are prohibited in work areas (individual or group), conference rooms, restrooms, and in all campus buildings. This restriction applies to such items regardless of whether the item has been lit. Such items may be confiscated immediately by staff. Exceptions apply to candles, flame effects or pyrotechnics used for banquets, ceremonies, science demonstrations, theatrical production, indoor fireworks or other entertainment.

2.21.H | Micro-mobility Devices: Any electronic transportation device that houses a lithium battery poses a fire hazard and is not permitted inside university buildings. This includes, but is not limited to, hover boards and electric scooters.