Fire Safety Rules

*Torchiere type lamps with a halogen bulb, and other lamps with a halogen bulb greater than 60 watts, are not allowed. Incandescent light bulbs should not exceed 60 watts unless there is specific UL approval for a higher wattage.

Violations of any of the above policies will be fined and the item(s) will be immediately removed . The fines vary depending on the number of violations. Confiscated items will be donated to a local charity or discarded. If a student has any questions regarding the acceptability of a particular appliance, the Manager of Safety and Environmental Compliance should be contacted at x2406.

The wiring in some of the College’s older residence areas may not support heavy use of electrical appliances. If this is a problem in a residence, the College may need to limit the use of certain appliances and will consult with the students in the residence to resolve the problem.

Fire Safety Rules:

Williams is concerned about the safety of every individual on campus and therefore has very strict fire safety regulations. Students who do not observe these regulations jeopardize the safety of others on this campus and therefore, will be subject to disciplinary action and/or fines.

Exit Egress – State Law requires that hallways and stairways be completely clear at all times. This means that you can not store anything in these areas (examples: shoes, clothes racks, boxes, furniture, and bicycles). The Williamstown Building Inspector and the Williamstown Fire Chief enforce these regulations. Items left in the hallways and stairwells will be removed and held in the Office of Safety & Environmental Compliance located in the Facilities Building (60 Latham Street). Repeat violators will be fined $25.00 for each subsequent violation.

Fire Drills – Fire and life safety programs must receive community–wide support in order to be effective. Cooperation from students at fire drills, announced and unannounced, is expected. Students who do not vacate in a timely manner are subject to disciplinary action, and to the possibility of additional drills, with the individual house responsible for all costs associated with repeated drills.

Smoke Machines – Smoke machines are not allowed in student residences for any reason. Alarm activations due to using a smoke machine will result in a $250.00 fine. These students will be referred to the Dean’s Office and may be dismissed or suspended from the College.

Candles – Candles (including those used for religious purposes), incense, and other open flame devices are not allowed in residential buildings. Students who want to light candles for religious purposes need to see the Chaplain’s Office to make arrangements.

Possession of Candles, Incense, Prohibited Appliances, and Halogen Torchiere Lamps
1st offense: $50.00 fine
2nd offense: $100.00 fine
3rd offense: $100.00 fine and referral to the Dean’s Office for disciplinary action.

Grills – Propane and charcoal grills may be used on campus provided that they are at least 25 feet away from all structures.

Flammable Liquids and Gases – Flammable liquids such as lighter fluid and flammable gases such as butane and propane in quantities larger than 4 fl. oz. (118mL) are prohibited in all residential buildings.

Outside Fire Pits – Williams has one area near Poker Flats that is designated for outside fires. This area can be reserved by contacting the Outing Club one week in advance. Outside fire pits and open burning are not permitted in other areas on campus.

Torches & Extended Reach Lighters – Butane and propane style torches, table-top torches, micro torches and extended reach lighters are prohibited in all residential buildings.

Lighters & Matches – Students are permitted to carry personal “Bic” and “Zippo” style lighters and matches on campus and may use them in areas where smoking is permitted on campus.

Failure to Leave the Building for any Fire Alarm or Fire Drills
1st offense: Written warning.
2nd offense: $100.00 fine
3rd offense: $100.00 fine and referral to the Dean’s Office for disciplinary action.

Tampering with Life Safety Equipment – Misuse, tampering or disturbing of life safety equipment, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, pull stations, fire doors, exit signs, emergency lights, or activating fire alarms due to smoking, or the removal of batteries from carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, or covering carbon monoxide or smoke detectors will result in a $250.00 fine as well at the cost of restoring the equipment. A $500.00 fine will be applied for a 2nd offense and each additional offense. Students will also be referred to the Dean’s Office for disciplinary action that may result in suspension or dismissal from the College.

Placing Lights or Items on Sprinkler Pipes or Sprinkler Heads
1st offense: student will be issued a written warning
2nd offense: $50.00 fine
3rd offense: $100.00 fine and referral to the Dean’s Office for disciplinary action.

Improper Disposal of Cigarettes and Smoking Materials
1st offense: $250.00 fine
2nd offense: $500.00 fine and referral to the Dean’s Office for disciplinary action.

Smoking – All building are smoke free. Smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of any building on campus. Fines for smoking in any building are as follows.
1st offense: $250.00 fine.
2nd offense: $500.00 fine and referred to the Dean’s Office.

Student Responsibility – Students are held responsible for the condition of their room, suite, or entry common area. If the responsible parties cannot be identified for the improper disposal of cigarettes, the house, entry or suite will be charged with the fine.

Student Fines – These fines and rules will be progressive over your four years as a student at Williams College. If you have any questions about the policy, please contact the Manager of Safety and Environmental Compliance, at x2406.

Fireworks – Per Massachusetts General Law no person shall possess or explode any fireworks. Students found in possession of fireworks will be fined $100.00 per incident and referred to the Dean’s Office.

Student Safety – For safety reasons students are not allowed on college roofs, unauthorized balconies, construction sites or permit required confined spaces. Students are also not allowed to engage in unauthorized climbing of buildings or other structures and must not engage in any other related unsafe behavior on campus.  Students found in violation will be fined $250.00 per incident and referred to the Dean’s Office.

Arson – Students that burn academic books, notebooks, papers and other combustible or flammable materials are subject to a $250 first offense fine and a $500 fine for each additional offense. Additionally, the student are responsible  for all cleanup or restoration expenses.