FIRE SAFETY
Villanova University has policies, procedures and regulations in place to promote fire safety in residential buildings.
- Residents are told not to bring hot plates, toaster ovens, space heaters, any appliance with an open heating element, candles, incense and potpourri burners.
- All appliances and cords must be UL-approved.
- The Department of Environmental Health and Safety provides information and safety brochures for campus fire safety.
- Floor plans, evacuation routes, evacuation assembly locations, drill procedures and fire safety policies are reviewed by RA’s during their first floor meeting.
- Laminated floor plans and evacuation routes are publicly posted on each floor of each residence hall.
- The University celebrates Fire Prevention Week every year to promote campus fire safety.
- Students will be heavily fined and may be subject to other judicial action for any violation of Fire Safety policies.
- Fire and Health Safety inspections are conducted for every room three times per year. Violations are documented and a corrective action plan is implemented.
- Evacuation drills are conducted to practice emergency preparedness, including escape routes and evacuation plans.
- Unannounced drills are conducted each semester, including during the summer session.
- This joint effort involves the Residence Life, Public Safety, Environmental Health and Safety and Facilities Management departments.
Evacuation Drill Process
- Alarm pulled by Facilities Management.
- Evacuation assistance and movement to the designated assembly area by Residence Life and Public Safety.
- FMS representatives check for proper operation of alarm horns, exit and stairwell lights, fire doors, and presence of fire extinguishers.
- Public Safety headquarters checks to ensure alarm relay is working properly.
- Evacuation is maintained until Public Safety and Fire Department sound the "all clear."
- FMS, Public Safety, EH&S and Residence Life follow-up as required.
- A comprehensive alarm system is installed in every building.
- FMS routinely checks and tests fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers.
- Buildings are zoned with sensitive smoke detectors that sound an alarm for smoke or fumes.
- Alarms sound in building and are relayed to Villanova's Public Safety department, which is manned 24/7.
- The Annunciator panel at the main entrance identifies the location of each tripped detector or pull box.
- Strobe lights at the top of each building alert the fire department to the correct building.
- All residential living areas are equipped with sprinkler systems in student rooms and common areas.
- All Villanova halls are equipped with fast-acting smoke detectors that sound fire alarms when triggered.
- All hallways are equipped with fire extinguishers; all apartment kitchens have extinguishers.
- Doors and interior walls are one-hour fire-rated; it would take a fire one hour to burn through these items and reach a corridor.
Before a fire:
- Students should know the location and route for their first and second means of egress.
- Students should keep fire doors closed.
- Students should know the location of fire extinguishers in their area.
(Note: Do not attempt to extinguish a fire unless you have been trained or the fire is between you and the exit.) - Whether you sense a fire or the building fire alarm system is activated, put the evacuation procedures in action.
- Never ignore a fire alarm!
- When a fire alarm sounds, you must evacuate the building.
In the event of a fire alarm or if a student suspects a fire:
- Activate the building alarm. Pull the alarm on your way out of the building if the alarm horn is not already suspended.
- Call Public Safety at (610) 519-4444. Give as much information as possible. Your first action should be to grab your Wildcard and proceed to the nearest exit. Be sure to alert any other occupants in the room.
- Evacuate from the building quickly and quietly. If the hallway is clear of smoke, walk to the nearest fire exit and evacuate the building. Close your door behind you. Leave the fire fighting to the professionals.
- Feel the door from top to bottom: if it is hot, do not open. Keep calm. If trapped in a room, do the following if possible.
- Place towels or clothing, preferably wet, under the door to keep smoke out.
- Clear the window of blinds and attract attention. If you have a phone available, contact Public Safety at (610) 519-4444 and tell the dispatcher that you are trapped. Give your name and room number.
- Stay low; breathe fresh air near the ground.
- Stay calm and await help.
- If the door is cool, crouch low and open the door slowly. Close the door quickly if smoke or fire is present.
- If it is clear, exit via the nearest stairwell. Stay low if smoke conditions exist. Report to your designated evacuation area.
- If you encounter heavy smoke in a stairwell, go back and use an alternate route.
- Feel the door from top to bottom: if it is hot, do not open. Keep calm. If trapped in a room, do the following if possible.
- Never use elevators! Elevators will stop during a fire.
- Follow the evacuation plan established for this building.
- Do not re-enter this building until instructed by Public Safety and/or
Fire Department. - Tampering with or misuse of fire safety equipment is illegal. Violators are subject to appropriate sanctions and prosecution.
Campus Resources
We want to provide the best experience possible for our students and community members. Below are helpful resources and tools to assist you during your time at Villanova.
International Student Services
Selected Student Handbook Policies
The Student Handbook is the official student handbook for Villanova University. We hope it will be a ready reference for information important to you during your stay at the University.