Safety and Security

Safety Tips

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. 

Prohibited Items

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

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. 

Residents with Mobility Challenges During a Fire Alarm Activation

The document linked below offers a general guideline for safe and efficient facility evacuation for individuals with mobility challenges. These guidelines have been compiled from multiple sources, and have been organized into an array of well-known standards, best-practices and industry recommendations. Rowan University is fortunate to possess well-maintained fire systems for detection, notification, and suppression. These systems provide building occupants with the best chance of timely recognition and evacuation in a fire situation. That being said, the evacuation of individuals with mobility challenges should always be given high priority in an emergency situation. Preparation is key, and these recommendations serve to help these individuals, and those around them, plan and practice for a fire event.

• Emergency Evacuation Guidelines for Residents with Mobility Challenges