Keeping the residence halls and the campus safe and secure is a shared responsibility. All residents should become familiar with their surroundings and observe the following basic safety and security guidelines to help assure the safety and security of people and property in the residence halls and throughout campus.

• Do not share your keys, ID card or PIN number.
• Report lost keys or ID cards immediately.
• Lock your door, even if you are leaving for just a moment.
• Do not prop any exterior doors.
• Don’t let strangers follow you into the residence hall as you enter.
• Always exit the building promptly when the fire alarm sounds.
• Show proper ID to the security staff.
• Notify staff of broken doors and safety equipment.
• Call Police if you see any attempts to tamper with safety equipment or undermine security.
• Report suspicious activity to Police. 

The items listed below are prohibited and should not be brought to your room. Staff and the New Jersey Fire Marshall conduct regular health and safety/fire safety inspections. Students found with prohibited items are subject to fines and potential disciplinary action. 

• Air conditioners of any kind
• Dehumidifiers
• Appliances in traditional residence halls with the exception of a combination appliance (Microwave/Refrigerator) provided by the University contracted vendor. Prohibited appliances in traditional residence halls include, but are not limited to coffee makers with hot plates, toasters, panini grills, air fryers. These appliances are permitted in apartment kitchens only. Coffee/drink makers with an internal heating element are permitted in all housing areas.
• Ammunition
• Extension cords or multi-plug adapters that lack a built in surge protector/breaker. Power strips with built in surge protection are permissible. However, power strips, even with surge protectors, cannot be strung together or plugged into one another.
• Furniture, including bed risers that embeds any power outlets which lack an internal surge protector.
• Halogen lamps, or oil lamps and decorative string lights except in accordance with the string lights policy.
• Hoverboards
• Incense or incense paraphernalia
• Candles of any kind
• Curtains, wall tapestries, flags or any other wall covering (including pictures, posters, etc) that covers more than 50% of a wall or door. These items are permitted, but must cover less than half of any wall or door, as per NJ State fire code.
• Flammable or combustible liquids or gases, paint thinner, fireworks, explosives, or similar combustible material.
• Engines, engine parts, lubricants and fuels
• Fireworks, explosives, flammable liquids, fuels, paint thinner combustible materials, or engines.
• Live trees or wreaths from live foliage
• University, municipal or private property not authorized to be in the student’s possession. This includes University common area furniture from lounges or other parts of the building.
• Pets or animals including lab specimens (except fish in a tank of 10 gallons or smaller), unless approved as a service or comfort animal as required by applicable law.
• Space heaters
• Swimming pools
• Dart boards
• Weapons of any kind (e.g. firearms, swords, knives other than kitchen knives)
• Paintball guns, air riffles, bb guns, sling shots, arrows and any other sporting equipment, toy or device which may cause injury or which a reasonable person may believe is a weapon
• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia 

Fire safety and prevention is an important aspect of safety in residence halls. All residents need to be proactive to keep their living space safe, know how to respond in the event of a fire, and prevent unnecessary alarms that create a complacent attitude to fire alarms.

• Minimize clutter and keep your floor and all exit pathways clear.
• Learn where the nearest emergency exit, fire extinguisher and fire alarm pull station is located in your building.
• Always exit the building promptly when the fire alarm sounds.
• Take care when cooking to prevent unnecessary false alarms.
• Stay with your food while it is cooking on the stove. Keep heat levels low enough to avoid burning food or causing smoke. Remove all wrappings from food before placing in the oven or microwave.
• Never cover smoke alarms with anything that would prevent them from operation properly.
• DO NOT smoke or use candles inside any residence hall or apartment building.
• Use a surge protected power strip for all electronics. 

The Rowan University Police Department has launched a new safety app to provide a one-stop shop for safety resources. Titled RowanSafe, the free app is available on the Apple and Google app stores through the App Armor service.

• Users can type in RowanSafe to find the app on the app store. RowanSafe allows users to report an emergency, initiate a mobile blue light activation in real time or send a tip to police directly from their cellular device.
• It also allows users to request a virtual walk home from campus police or to share their location with a friend. A virtual walk home request will allow campus police to monitor users as they navigate campus, ensuring they arrive safely. Sharing a location with a friend will give a friend the ability to monitor a user’s movement to a specific location.
• In case of a crisis, both the virtual walk home and the location sharing with a friend give the user the ability to immediately make an emergency call with a simple push of a button in case

For a better walkthrough the app, watch this video for a better understanding of how you can keep yourself safe in moments you need extra protection! 

• Identify roommates, classmates, staff members, Community Advisors, etc. who are willing and able to assist in the event of an emergency evacuation.
• Plan for an emergency by locating the closest, most accessible exit pathways; as well as safe locations such as fire stairwells (First) or sprinklered rooms with exterior windows and solid doors (Second).
• Practice for an emergency by familiarizing “buddies” with egress routes, refuge areas, and the level of assistance needed for evacuation.

• Evacuation – If able, all occupants must evacuate the fire building using marked stairs and corridors. Utilize the assistance of “buddies” or other able-bodied occupants. Proceed down the stairs and fully exit the building on the ground level.

• Area of Refuge (AOR) – If in immediate danger and unable to fully evacuate the building, proceed to a stairwell/AOR. Stairwells/AOR’s are typically sprinklered areas protected by a one-hour fire rated assembly (i.e. fire rated door, walls and ceiling) which affords valuable protection. Firefighters are trained to operate in stairwells and to check these areas for occupants needing assistance. These areas may have a two-way emergency communication system. If they do not have one, use a cellphone to call for assistance, or send a “buddy” for help.

• Shelter in Place – If you are unable to evacuate and not in immediate danger, remain in a room with a door and an exterior window (if possible). Close the doorand seal all openings with clothing or towels. Contact emergency services with your location and evacuation needs.

As always, practice good fire prevention habits regarding cooking, overloaded outlets and open flames. And, please, report any dangerous conditions or activities to the Fire Safety Division or Public Safety immediately.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, or require additional information or assistance with specialized evacuation planning, please reach out to the Rowan University Fire Safety Office at (856)-256-5095 or firesafety@rowan.edu