Safety

Residential Life

Candles, Incense, and Kitchen Appliances

Residents in FHSU residence halls are not allowed to have lighted candles, burn incense, or use open heating coil appliances within the residence halls. For safety reasons, toaster ovens electric skillets and electrical grills (e.g. George Foreman grills) are not permitted. What's allowed: popcorn poppers, blenders, small microwaves (800 watts), or coffee pots.

Tobacco Policy

The Fort Hays State University is smoke and tobacco-free. This includes the use of any tobacco product.

Firearms

Firearms, ammunition, martial arts weapons, knives (with blades longer than 3.5 inches), explosives, paint ball guns, airsoft guns, blowguns, sling shots, swords, bows, arrows, broad heads, taser, and other weapons (including fake weapons) are not allowed in the halls. The use or display of any object or instrument in a dangerous or threatening manner is prohibited.

In accordance with the State of Kansas Concealed Carry Law, residents who are 21 years of age or over are able to carry a handgun if it is concealed on their person, or concealed in a bag/back pack that is in their immediate reach. Students must store their handgun in their vehicle or in an approved gun safe within their room and must not give others access to their weapon, including the access to their gun safe.

An approved storage device has each of these characteristics: (1) it is of sufficient size to fully enclose the handgun while secured in an approved holster; (2) it is constructed of sturdy materials that are non-flammable; (3) it has a combination, digital, or other secure locking device that can only be unlocked by the individual using the storage device, but devices secured exclusively with a key lock are prohibited; and, (4) the device is constructed specifically for storage of a handgun and/or ammunition.

The possession/use of weapons that violates policy, endangers the health or safety of yourself or others is sufficient cause for immediate dismissal from the residential community without financial release and referral to the Director of Residential Life for further disciplinary review.

Fire Safety

According to the State Fire Marshal, the residence halls at FHSU meet the state fire safety codes. Halls are equipped with safety equipment including smoke detectors in each room. If the fire system is activated, everyone in the facility is required to leave immediately and not allowed to reenter the facility until Residence Life Professional Staff gives a clear signal. Any person who misuses fire safety equipment (including smoke detectors and sprinkler systems) will be subject to severe disciplinary action and/or arrest..

Tornado Safety

A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. Be alert to weather conditions and announcements. A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or radar indicates rotation in the clouds. In case of a warning, everyone in the facility is encouraged to move to the basement, first or second levels and away from all windows in the facility. If you are in the Wooster Place Apartments or Stadium Place, you are encouraged to go to Tiger Village, Victor E. Village, or the Heather Storm Shelter.

Personal Safety in Residence Halls

Your personal safety and the protection of your possessions require a joint effort between you and the university. If you have visitors, you are responsible for their actions and must escort them at all times.

We advise that you:

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures in your hall.
• Keep your room locked if you are not in it.
• Do not leave unaccompanied guests in your room.
• Contact your CA, Student Health, or University Police if you need emergency assistance.
• Use the one-way viewers (peep holes) located in room doors.
• Do not participate in outdoor sports in the residence halls, i.e., rollerblading, Frisbee, football, bicycling.
• Follow posted procedures for evacuation during fire alarms or tornadoes.