Fire Safety Rules

The residence halls are equipped with many safety features. In addition, annual fire safety inspections are conducted by local and state officials. Any failed or successful attempt to dismantle or bypass any of these safety features is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, security cameras, building access doors, exterior and interior safety lights, sprinkler system and fire alarm system. Residents are expected to observe fire code regulations. Violators of these regulations are subject to student conduct action, payment of any damages, and fines. The fine for setting off a smoke or fire detector, sprinkler system or fire extinguisher within a building as a result of negligence, misuse or abuse can range from $200 to $1000 plus the cost of damages. Personal items that are in violation of the fire code will be confiscated and tagged. All confiscated items which are not picked up and taken home within thirty (30) days will be disposed of by the Housing and Residence Life staff. Residents will be subject to a fine.

For the protection of residents, residence halls are equipped with smoke and fire detection, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers. Tampering with any of these systems is a violation of the college Code of Conduct and well as a violation of New York State law. At no time should anything be hung from a sprinkler head.
Stairwell doors leading to hallways should be kept closed.
Hallways must be kept clear at all times. Furniture and personal belongings such as trunks, boxes, and drying racks may not be placed in the hallways.
Ceiling hangings of any description are not permissible, as they interfere with the proper function of the fire/smoke detection and prevention devices. Room decorations shall be non-combustible or flame retardant. Fireworks and firecrackers are not permitted in the residence halls. (Residents are not permitted to possess fireworks and firecrackers while on campus.)
Bedroom furniture must allow at least a 36 inches clear walkway from the opposite side of the bedroom or common area to the door.
Only store-bought curtains hung on tension rods may be used as approved window coverings.
Wall decorations are limited to 10 percent of each wall of the room. Wall decorations cannot cover windows, such as blankets or tapestry and must be at least 18 inches below the ceiling height.
Lighting or heating devices that produce an open flame are prohibited in the residence halls. This includes but is not limited to candles, kerosene lamps, and lamps with the globe facing upward, such as torchier lamps. No hot plates, toaster ovens, George Foreman and similar grills, electric frying pans or auxiliary heaters are to be used; coffee pots should be used only on the kitchen counter.
Bicycles left in residence hall common rooms, halls, stairwells, or where they obstruct exits will be removed. They should be stored only in designated bike storage areas located outside each building. See Bicycle policy for more information.
Only MCC Association, Inc. wiring is allowed in residence hall rooms with the following exceptions: U.L. listed power strips with circuit breaker, and power surge protection. Power strips may not be used in a series to gain greater lengths and ceiling fixtures may not be installed. Electrical cords must not be used unsafely (under carpets, in pathways, taped down, etc.). Spliced, taped or frayed cords must not be used. Multi-outlet devices such as adapters, cubes, plug-in air fresheners etc., are prohibited. Dimmer switches and ceiling fixtures may not be installed. Extension cords are prohibited.
Electrical cords and data cables cannot be installed from room to room where their existence may cause tripping hazard, nor can they be ran through the ceiling tiles.
Combustible liquids such as gasoline, turpentine, charcoal lighter, diesel fuel, liquid propane tanks or cylinders and self-starting charcoal are prohibited from being stored in the building.
Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, mopeds, electrical scooters and motorbikes, are not allowed in or near the residence halls.
Do not leave food unattended in the microwave or on the stove

Please go to the MCC Student Code of Conduct webpage to view the College’s Code of Conduct.

Holiday Decorations

Flammable holiday decorations such as live Christmas trees (cut or balled), wreaths made from pine boughs, and untreated bunting are not permitted in the building.
Please refer to posted policy regarding holiday decorations during the month of December.

Fire Evacuation Procedures

The fire alarm system in the residence halls is directly connected to the Monroe Community College Public Safety Dispatcher and is monitored 24 hours per day.

When the alarm sounds, all occupants must vacate the building quickly and safely and meet in the following areas:
- Pioneer Residents will meet in Parking lot R
- Alexander Residents will meet in Parking Lot D (MCC Child Day Care parking lot)
- Tribune Residents will meet in Parking Lot R
- Canal Residents will meet in Parking Lot T
The Fire Department, Public Safety as well as Housing and Residence Life staff members will ensure that the building has been properly evacuated.
Residents found in the building or propping emergency exit doors during an alarm will be subject to conduct sanctions.
The Fire Department will determine when it is appropriate to return to the building. Under no circumstances should you return to the building unless you are told to do so by the Fire Department, Public Safety or a Housing and Residence Life staff member acting for the Fire Department.

Fire Safety Sanctions

Building Fire Alarm Activation

First time violation: $200 fine and residence hall probation issued to the suite or responsible resident(s).
Second time violation: $500 fine, referral to the Office of Housing and Residence Life and possible suspension or removal from the residence halls.
Third time violation: $1000 fine, referral to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services and suspension or removal from the residence halls.

Failure to Evacuate

First time violation: $200 fine, residence hall probation and an educational project.
Second time violation: $300 fine, referral to the Office of Housing and Residence Life and possible suspension or removal from the residence halls.
Third time violation: $500 fine, referral to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services and suspension or removal from the residence halls.

Intentional Fire Alarm Activation or Tampering with Fire Safety Signs/Doors/Apparatus

First time violation: Minimum $500 fine, referral to the Office of Housing and Residence Life and possible suspension or removal from the residence halls.
Second time violation: Minimum $500 fine, referral to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services and suspension or removal from the residence halls.

Smoking in the Building

Smoking is prohibited on campus at Monroe Community College, including electronic cigarettes (see Tobacco Free Policy). Regardless of alarm activation, if it is determined that smoking has occurred inside the suite, all residents may be subject to the following sanctions:

First Violation*

Residence Hall Probation- Duration based on severity of the incident and resident’s judicial history
Fine: $100.00
Educational sanction/referral
Possible referral to the Office of Housing and Residence Life

Second Violation*

Heightened Residence Hall Probation- Duration based on severity of the incident and resident’s judicial history
Educational sanction/referral
Fine: $150.00
Referral to the Office of Housing and Residence Life

*These are the minimal recommended sanctions for violations and are not required. Depending on the severity of the incident, you may also be suspended or removed from the residence halls and/or referred to the Vice President for Student Services Office for additional sanctions outlined in the College’s Conduct Regulations.

Fire Safety Tips

Before leaving the room, touch the door to see if it is warm. If the door is warm, DO NOT open it. If possible, put a damp towel along the bottom of the doorway. If the door is not warm, crack the door to see if there is smoke
If you cannot get out of the room and your room is filled with smoke, put your head out a window to breathe. Wave a towel or other object to let the firefighters know that you are trapped
Put a damp towel over your mouth and nose to keep from breathing smoke
Crawl or stoop low on the floor to avoid smoke inhalation
If you are trapped and there is a phone nearby, call Public Safety
Close doors and windows behind you to help prevent the spread of fire. Do not lock the doors
Do not use the elevators
Call Public Safety to report the fire from a safe location