1. Policies and Procedures
  2. Fire and Life Safety Policy

Fire and Life Safety Policy

Statement

This policy was developed to support the College’s commitment to fire and life safety. The ultimate purpose is to protect the lives of all community members.

Scope / Responsibilities

This policy applies to all departments and divisions and covers all of campus, including College residence halls and academic and administrative buildings. All students, employees, alums, vendors, contractors and guests must comply with this policy.

For enforcement of this policy:

  • Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer
  • Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students

For oversight of this policy:

  • Compliance Committee
  • Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer
  • Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students

For procedures implementing this policy:

  • Compliance Committee

Policy

Introduction

The purpose is to create a campus-wide Fire and Life Safety Policy.

Policy statement

It is the policy of Mount Holyoke College that all MHC community members, vendors, contractors and guests abide by all fire and life safety procedures to ensure a safe environment for all. This policy and its corresponding procedures comply with State and local building codes, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) regulations and the requirements and recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other agencies, as well as the South Hadley District 2 Fire Chief, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Policy Violations

Noncompliance with this policy will be considered serious. Violations of this policy are adjudicated according to the procedures outlined in the Student Handbook and the Staff Handbook, with disciplinary consequences imposed by the adjudicating authority. Some offenses are punishable under state and federal laws.

Procedures

It is required that the community complies with the College’s fire and life safety procedures to ensure the health and welfare of all community members. Referral information for the detailed fire and life safety procedures is found in the ‘Related Information” section of this document. Reports of violations should be directed to the appropriate College entity, as listed in the “Scope / Responsibilities” section of this document.

Definitions

These definitions apply to terms as they are used in this policy.

  • Campus: All properties owned and managed by Mount Holyoke College
  • Fire Safety: Actions, procedures and equipment or systems implemented to prevent accidents, injuries and property damage from fire
  • Life Safety: Actions, procedures and equipment or systems implemented to protect life in the event of accidents or other emergency
  • MHC Community: All students, faculty, staff, alums and visitors to Mount Holyoke College

Related Information:

Environmental Health and Safety: For specific protocols, please refer to the fire and life safety procedures. 

Office of Residence Life: For a list of approved and prohibited items in residence halls, please refer to the campus packing tips.

Approved: Senior team 
Responsible Office: Health and Safety 
Responsible Administrator: Vice President for Finance and Administration 
Date Last Revised: October 1, 2024