FIRE SAFETY ON CAMPUS
Fire safety is a high priority at Ramapo College. Fire Safety Policies and Procedures promote lifestyle practices that focus on health and safety. Policies and procedures associated with fire safety are intended to inform, educate, and train students, faculty, staff and guests.

The Fire Safety Policies and Procedures, required reading for all students, are included in the Guide to Community Living; located at the following web address: https://www.ramapo.edu/reslife/guide/

Or, visit the Fire Safety Website for more comprehensive fire safety information, including the Fire Safety Policies and Procedures contained in the Guide to Community Living.

The Fire Safety web address is:   https://www.ramapo.edu/ehs/fire-safety/

Fire Safety and the Higher Education Opportunity Act
Fire Safety information related to the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) is also posted on the Fire Safety web address at: https://www.ramapo.edu/ehs/fire-safety/.

Fire Safety Systems and Equipment on Campus
Fire Safety Systems and Equipment include, but are not limited to: fire extinguishers, pull stations, bells, smoke detectors, heat detectors, hydrants (including attachments), hoses, standpipe cabinets, sprinklers, sprinkler pipes, alarm panels, fire rated doors, signs and postings, fire lanes and zones, fire department connections etc.

Touching and Tampering with Fire Safety Systems
Touching and/or tampering in any way with fire safety suppression, detection, and any other fire safety equipment is prohibited.  Tampering includes, but is not limited to: covering with any products such as food, clothing, hats, and shower caps. Deactivating and/or removing any devices, limiting the manufacturer’s intended operation of fire safety devices including removing batteries from devices, obscuring the visibility and audibility of any fire safety devices is prohibited.

False Alarms
Anyone alleged to have caused a false alarm will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and also may be subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

PENALTIES AND FINES

Inadvertently activating a fire alarm due to non-cooking related issues:
For example: use of a blow dryer, aerosol cans or excessive steam from showers

1^st Offense:      Official Warning

2^nd Offense:     5 hours community restitution & completion of a fire safety reflection assignment

3^rd Offense:     $100.00 fine, residence probation

Activating a fire alarm due to cooking:
For example: burnt or overcooked food, excessive smoke from cooking

1^st Offense:      $100.00 fine & completion of a fire safety reflection assignment

2^nd Offense:     $200.00 fine, residence probation & possibly a mandate to relocate to a residence area without access to a kitchen

3^rd Offense:     possible suspension or loss of housing privileges

Activating a fire alarm due to a disregard of a published policy:
For example: smoking in residence halls or the use of candles and incense

1^st Offense:      $150.00 fine & completion of a fire safety reflection assignment

2^nd Offense:     $300.00 fine, disciplinary probation & possible suspension or loss of housing privileges

3^rd Offense:     possible suspension or loss of housing privileges

Failure and/or refusal to immediately evacuate from buildings and/or endangered areas during a fire alarm:

1^st Offense:      $100.00 fine & completion of a fire safety reflection assignment

2^nd Offense:     $200.00 fine & residence probation

3^rd Offense:     possible suspension or loss of housing privileges

Tampering with Fire Safety Equipment:
For example: covering smoke detectors and sprinkler heads

1^st Offense:      $500.00 fine & completion of a fire safety reflection assignment

2^nd Offense:     The case is referred to the College Disciplinary Review Board

Prohibited Items and Actions
When it comes to fire safety, certain items and actions can compromise the safety of all persons within our community. Therefore, such items and actions are prohibited. Prohibited Items and Actions are included in the Guide to Community Living at: https://www.ramapo.edu/reslife/guide/  OR on the Fire Safety website at: https://www.ramapo.edu/ehs/fire-safety/

Fire Safety Laws and Available Support
Ignorance about Fire Safety Laws, or any laws, is no excuse! To assist you toward ensuring your safety and the safety of the Ramapo College Community, the College Fire Marshal is available to address questions about Fire Safety Policies and Procedures and the applicable New Jersey Fire Laws. If uncertain about any particular Fire Safety Policy or Procedure, consult with the College Fire Marshal. He can be contacted at extension 6252 or firecom@ramapo.edu.