On-Campus Student Housing Fire Safety Policies

The following information is from Texas Tech University Student Housing Residence Hall Policies.

Prohibited Items

Personal Electric Mobility Devices

The use, operation, storage or charging of personal electric vehicles-including but not limited to e-scooters, e-bikes and e-skateboards-is prohibited inside all Texas Tech University buildings. Any unauthorized electric vehicles or devices found inside Texas Tech buildings are subject to immediate removal by the TTUFMO or other university personnel. The only exception to this policy is for electric personal mobility devices (such as electric wheelchairs) used by individuals with disabilities, as protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Appliances

All electric appliances must bear a UL or equivalent certification label and should be kept in a safe operating condition.

Cooking

Ovens, microwaves over 1500 watts, deep fryers, electric skillets, charcoal and propane grills, hot plates, hot pots stoves (propane, butane and kerosene) toasters or any items with an exposed coil or heating elements, including air fryers. Large Coffee Pots - Coffee pots with a capacity of more than four cups.

Convenience appliances

Air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, waterbeds, ovens, refrigerators over 3.7 cubic feet, and electric stovetops/burners are not permitted. 3D printers (regardless of size) and tanning beds are also not permitted.

Flammable Materials

Candles, candle warmers, and/or incense, lit or unlit, are not allowed in student rooms and/or public areas in any of the residence halls. Modification of prohibited items for display, such as cutting the wick off a candle does not make it "legal" or otherwise exempt the item from being prohibited. Open flames and items which can easily cause a fire are prohibited and include combustible materials, compressed gases, and flammable liquids including spray paint, lighter fluid, kerosene, engine fluid, solvents, gasoline and diesel fuel.

Lighting

Sun Lamps and Halogen Lamps are prohibited. Light strings cannot be hung up in the hallways or on student doors but may be displayed in individual rooms. Light string wall/ceiling damage is one of the most common forms of assessed damages at the end of the year.

Vegetation of a Combustible Nature

Christmas trees, tumbleweeds, tree branches, etc. are prohibited.

Extension Cords

Extension cords are not permitted. Only UL approved surge protectors may be used in the halls and may not be piggybacked onto other surge protectors or other devices where multiple items are plugged in for electrical power. High wattage appliances like refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, etc. must be plugged directly into a permanent power outlet.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all residence hall rooms, suites, apartments, and public spaces. Students may smoke outside 20 feet away from any part of the buildings and utilize designated receptacles for disposal. Use of Hookahs, e-cigarettes, and vaping are not allowed in the residence halls.

Reporting of Fires

If a fire occurs in a Texas Tech University-owned, -rented, -leased, or otherwise controlled building, including residence halls, community members should immediately notify the Texas Tech Police Department by dialing 911. TTPD will respond to all fire alarms or reports it receives. TTPD dispatch will immediately summon Lubbock Fire Rescue for all fire alarms. If a member of the Texas Tech community finds evidence of a fire that has been extinguished, and the person is not sure whether TTPD has already responded, they should immediately notify TTPD or the Fire Marshal's Office to investigate and document the incident. Residence Hall students may also contact in-hall staff who can assist in notifying the proper authorities.

Permitted Holiday Decorations

Christmas Trees

• Only artificial Christmas trees labeled as fire-retardant will be allowed within the residence halls.
• Only low watt, safety rated lights allowed. Do not block exits.
• Christmas Lights cannot be hung in the hallways but may be displayed in individual rooms.
• Only use lights certified by recognized testing laboratories and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Discard any lights with worn, frayed or broken cords. Connect no more than three strands of lights.

Wrapping / Decorating Doors

• When wrapping doors with paper or decorations, the door must not be covered more than 50%.
• Decorations should not interfere with egress in and out of the room and the hallway.