State Fire Marshal Inspections

The State Fire Marshal will begin annual inspections of Norfolk State University residence halls around the week of September 18th and 19th, 2007. Inspections will also occur on October 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th. Past history indicates that the State Fire Marshal will probably begin the inspection process in Lee Smith, Mid-Rise and Charles Smith residential areas. This has not been confirmed and any area may be inspected. The State Fire Marshal will enter and inspect approximately twenty (20) percent of each space classification. Rooms will be selected at random.

All items found to be in violation of the Code of the Commonwealth of Virginia and/or Norfolk State University of Virginia Housing Policy will be cited. When a violation is found, a Fire Safety Violation Notice will be left in the room/suite/apartment. This notice outlines the violation and provides the date by which the violation must be corrected. On or after the correction deadline, the State Fire Marshal will re-inspect spaces to verify if cited violations have been corrected. When residents are cited a second time for the same violation by the State Fire Marshal, the Housing Division will bill residents for the violation of the fire & safety inspection.

The following list provides an overview of what the State Fire Marshal will be looking for. This list should not be construed as being all inclusive.

	Candles (burnt)
	Excessive trash, clutter or combustibles on the floor of a room
	Non-compliant room decorations: Curtains, flags and pennants hung on the walls that are not flame retardant. Decorative lights hung with metal fasteners, more than three strands of decorative lights plugged in series. Anything suspended from the ceiling Anything suspended from heating pipes Furniture or other belongings that do not allow the door to function properly Non flame retardant paper hung on door surfaces Use of any kind of shoe rack, clothing rack, or other hanging device that is hooked over the room door
	Appliances that are not in compliance with Housing policy
	Halogen lamps
	Storage to close to ceiling/sprinkler head (where applicable)
	Non-fused multiplying devices (power strips)
	Power strips connected in a series
	Use of extension cords
	Trash, shower caddies, shoes, clothing, gym bags, furniture, bicycles, or any other item blocking the means of egress (hallways, stairwells and/or doorways)
	Anything stored under an interior or exterior stairwell

If you have questions about what is code compliant, please see our Fire Safety and Decoration Policies or contact the Housing Facilities office.