Editor, The Tiger:

Actually we plan to visit all dorm rooms soon for a fire safety inspection. You may recall I shared with you in a Tiger article last September that the Virginia State Fire Marshal would be inspecting student living areas beginning in September. Mr. Kent completed his inspection of about 20% of all student living areas and his reports of deficiencies has been received and shared. The Dean of Students Office relays the deficiencies to our students through your resident advisor for correction prior to the fire marshal’s follow-up inspection. This process is expected to be completed in early November. At that time John Shelton and I will begin in house fire safety inspections of 100% of all student living areas.

Deficiencies or violations found will be reported via email to each student with a letter detailing violations found during the inspection to include photos and the amount of potential fines. At this time the student will have 24 hours to correct the violation prior to the follow-up inspection. Any violations found not corrected during our follow-up inspection will result in a second letter of violation to the student in which the Dean of Students Office will also be copied to initiate the discipline process.

The goal of the College remains education and safety. We do not want any of our students to face paying a fine. We do want you to practice good fire safety habits while at Hampden-Sydney and abide by the rules of the College and the laws of the Commonwealth. So please take time to read The Key, page 72, Fire Safety-Rules, Prohibited Equipment/Devices, and Related Fines. If you have any questions concerning what you read please contact your resident advisor, the Dean of Student office or myself. You can also visit our fire safety web page for information which includes a copy of the inspection form we will use. And remember, how you practice fire safety impacts all with whom you live as well as our guests!
Fire Safety, take it everywhere!

Chuck Ironmonger

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