Fire Safety Guidelines

Hofstra University policies relating to fire safety are in accordance with New York state law and Nassau County ordinances. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the members of our community and as such, new policies have been created and existing policies have been modified to ensure that Hofstra University provides a safe environment and is in compliance with all New York State Fire Codes and those of the Nassau County Fire Marshall's Office. Students must comply with the specific policies listed below as well as all other policies listed in "The Living Factor," Hofstra University's guide to residential living. In addition, as per the current New York State Fire Code (NYSFC), information and training related to fire safety must be presented to all students enrolled in higher education on an annual basis. Any violation of these guidelines is also considered a violation of the Student Conduct Code.

Door chocking (propping):
A door leading out to a main hallway (common area), used as fire and/or smoke door, should not be chocked (propped) open, blocked or obstructed to prevent the normal self-closing operation of said door. [ref; NYSFC F-703.2]
Electric Wall Outlets:
All electric cords from devices must be plugged directly into a wall outlet or an approved surge protector strip. All surge protector strips must be plugged directly into the wall outlet. No extension cord(s) are permitted in residential halls. Furniture should not obstruct a wall outlet as to prevent an electrical plug from easily being removed from the outlet (without first moving the furniture). [ref; NYSFC F-605.5]
Items Suspended From Ceilings and Walls:
No items shall be suspended from the ceiling or within 24" of the ceiling as to obstruct or cover lighting, smoke detectors and/or sprinkler heads. [ref; NYSFC - 901.6 and 805.1 and 315.2.1] No decorative, holiday or theme lighting shall be placed/hung on or around doors or windows.
Decorations:
No tapestries or fabric items (including flags) shall be placed on the ceilings or walls of any room. Wall coverings may include pictures and posters, but may not exceed 50 percent of total wall space. Tapestries and or fabric items shall not be placed in common areas (including doormats). [ref; NYSFC 304.1] No window curtains or valances are permitted to be hung in rooms/suites/ apartments.
Natural Cut Trees:
No natural cut trees of any sort shall be erected in the common or living space of any residence hall [ref; NYSFC 804.1.1] All students must fully comply with all fire safety regulations. Violations may result in monetary, educational, and/or conduct sanctions.
Candles/Incense:
No candles (including those used for "decoration only"), incense or anything that burns, are permitted in residence halls.
Smoking:
Hofstra University is a smoke-free environment. There is no smoking or lighting of smoking-type products in any residence hall/room or facility on the Hofstra University campus.
Malicious False Alarms:
The alteration and/or destruction of fire safety equipment affects the safety of all members of the Hofstra community. Malicious damage to any fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, exit signs, fire doors, emergency lighting and/or the activation of a fire pull station (when the threat of fire is not present), is a crime, is not tolerated at Hofstra University and will be processed to the fullest extent of the law. All students must comply fully with all Hofstra University fire safety regulations. Violations may result in monetary, educational, and/or conduct sanctions.