5. Improper Fire Safety

a. Any open flame, burning candle, incense or other incendiary device in any College residential space. Note: Candles (regardless of the condition of the wick) are not permitted, including those intended for religious purposes or observances.

b. Failure to evacuate a building during a fire alarm.

c. Tampering with wiring, including heating, electrical or cable television wiring.

d. Possessing or discharging fireworks.

e. Causing or contributing to a fire-safety hazard. This includes, but is not limited to, obstructing exits, stairwells, and hallways.

f. Using live trees or other greenery as holiday decorations in student rooms, suites, apartments or living areas. All decorations must be fireproof. Decorative holiday lights must be of “mini-light” specifications. Decorations or lights may not be placed on the exterior of buildings or windows, and they may not block entrances, exits, hallways, room doors,  stairwells or hallways.

g. Religious and other exemptions regarding use of candles, incense, or fireworks may be granted by the Office of Residential Life (for residential spaces) or the proper administrative office that has oversight of a particular non-residential space.

Fire Safety Equipment and Hazard Removal

Fire Safety Equipment

Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers, emergency signage and fire alarm systems are in place for the protection of residents and should be treated with the well-being of all residents in mind. All fire safety equipment (e.g., pull stations, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers) are to be used for emergency purposes only. Smoke detectors and sprinklers throughout the residence hall are not to be disconnected or covered under any circumstances, nor should anything be hung from them.

Tampering with fire safety equipment is a crime. The first offense for knowingly moving, defacing, damaging, destroying, or otherwise improperly tampering with any safety device, placed for the safety of others, so as to destroy or diminish its effectiveness or availability for its intended purpose is a mandatory $500 fine and the responsible individual(s) will be charged the cost of replacing the equipment. A referral to the Mount Vernon Fire Marshal, which may result in a citation leading to a mandatory court appearance/fees, a third degree misdemeanor charge and additional fines are also possible.

The second offense for knowingly moving, defacing, damaging, destroying, or otherwise improperly tampering with any safety device, placed for the safety of others, so as to destroy or diminish its effectiveness or availability for its intended purpose is a mandatory $750 fine and the responsible individual(s) will be charged the cost of replacing the equipment. A referral to the Mount Vernon Fire Marshal, which may result in a citation leading to a mandatory court appearance/fees, a third degree misdemeanor charge and additional fines additional fines are also possible.

• If the student(s) found responsible live(s) in an apartment, they will be administratively reassigned to a traditional residence hall room at the discretion of the College and may not be able to live in apartment, suite and or College-owned houses for the remainder of their enrollment at Kenyon College.

Removal of Fire Hazards

Kenyon College reserves the right to eliminate all potential fire hazards in any residence if deemed necessary or appropriate by a College official or by other authorities that have jurisdiction. Prohibited items will be documented upon removal and disposed of or donated.