Housing Guidebook
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Safety and Preparedness

Crime can happen on campus just as it can happen in the community.Don’t take any chances and don’t take your safety for granted. Below are some tips:

  • Keep your door(s) locked at all times.
  • Always find out who is knocking before opening the door. Look through the peephole or, if there is not a peep-hole, ask who it is before you open the door.
  • Never leave the room/apartment/exterior door(s) propped opened.
  • Always close the apartment windows when you vacate the apartment. (In Algonquin Hall, the windows are not permitted to be opened.)
  • Keep your keys safe. Don’t lend your keys to anyone and don’t leave your keys lying around.
  • If your keys are lost or stolen, report this to the Area Office immediately so that the lock can be changed.
  • Have your keys ready before you get to your door or your car, especially after dark.
  • Always report any suspicious activity to your RA and to the University Police Department.
  • Do not walk alone, especially at night. Use the buddy system or call the Night Owls, 561-297-6695 (NOWL) or contact one of the student members of the Community Service Officers (CSOs) on duty each night, 561-297-3500.
  • Avoid dark paths or shortcuts. Always use public walkways.
  • Carry identification at all times.
  • Let your roommate(s)/suitemate(s) know where you are going and when you will return.
  • If you are the victim of a crime, report the incident to the University Police Department and to a member of the Residential Education staff immediately.
  • Do not leave valuables (including keys, wallet, credit cards, ATM card, ID card) in plain sight.
  • Record serial numbers of all valuables (stereo, computer, bike, etc.).
  • Use the University Police Department’s engraving service to put your Social Security Number or Student ID Number on all valuables.
  • Make sure your belongings are covered against fire, theft, etc. by your insurance policy. Know the terms and conditions of your specific policy before you have to file a claim.
  • Do not leave personal items including, but not limited to, laptop computers, books, wallets, purses, backpacks, keys, unattended.
  • Do not allow anyone without keys into any University Housing community. Direct them to a courtesy phone.

EMERGENCY BLUE LIGHT PHONES

Phones, identified by a blue light, are posted in various locations around campus. If you have concerns for your safety, are in danger or wish to have a security escort, simply follow the instructions posted. The phones are connected directly to the University Police Department. These phones are only to be used in case of emergency. Tampering with or making a false call on these phones will result in University Housing disciplinary action in accordance with the FAU Student Code of Conduct, Regulation 4.007and referral to the University Police Department.

EVACUATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

In the event of a fire alarm, electrical outage, or other occurrence which impedes the operation of the elevators in a given building, it is essential that Housing, Police, Fire, Medical, or other personnel be prepared and able to assist students who are unable to egress the building.

At Atlantic Park Towers (APT) and Indian River Towers (IRT), the student should proceed to the stairwell closest to their location when the emergency arises. Should this area be inaccessible, the student should proceed to the opposite stairwell on the floor. The student should press the intercom in the stairwell to alert the Area Office personnel of their position. A Residential Education staff Member will report to that location to wait for emergency personnel. An- other Residential Education staff member will remain at the entrance to the building to escort emergency personnel to the student’s location.

At Heritage Park Towers (HPT) and Glades Park Towers (GPT), the student should proceed to the center stairwell of the building when the emergency arises. Should this area be inaccessible, the student should proceed to the corner stairwell of the building. A Residential Education staff member will climb the center stairwell until they reach the student. Should the center stairwell be vacant, the Residential Education staff member will walk down the corner stair- well until they reach the student. The Residential Education staff member will be in contact with the Area Office staff via two-way radio to keep them apprised of the situation. The Area Office staff will escort emergency personnel to the student’s location.

At the University Village Apartments, the student will proceed to the closest building with elevator access. (Building 56 or 61) A Residential Education staff member will report to both locations to ensure that all students who need assistance have been evacuated. The Residential Education staff member will be in contact with the Area Office staff via phone to keep them apprised of the situation. The Area Office staff will escort emergency personnel to the student’s location.

At the Innovation Village Apartments, the student will proceed to the elevator. A Residential Education staff member will report to the location to ensure that all students who need assistance have been evacuated. The Residential Education staff member will be in contact with the Area Office staff via phone to keep them apprised of the situation. The Area Office staff will escort emergency personnel to the student’s location.

Should you become injured and as such be temporarily unable to ascend or descend stairs easily, please contact the Area Office staff so they may update their records.

FIRE ALARMS / FIRE DRILLS / FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Under Florida law, it is a crime to intentionally set a fire, intentionally cause a false fire alarm, or interfere with fire safety or detection equipment or measures, (Florida Statute 806.10 and Florida Statute, Section 806.101).

During the academic year, students will be informed about an emergency evacuation of University Housing. Each building/apartment is equipped with a fire alarm system. These systems are regularly inspected and approved by the State Fire Marshall. Smoke detectors are located in every apartment/suite area. Emergency lights are located in the hallways and stairwells of each community. Fire extinguishers are located in hallways or community areas of each community.

There will be one posted (announced) fire drill within the first three weeks of the fall, spring and summer semesters. Flyers will be posted in each community approximately forty-eight hours in advance of a fire drill. Flyers will notify residents of the date and time fire drills will occur. It is essential all students evacuate the apartment/building whenever the fire alarm is activated. Failure to do so may jeopardize the safety of all residents and will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the FAU Student Code of Conduct, Regulation 4.007 and a fine of $75.00. Special precautions should be taken by all students to reduce the danger of fire in their living areas. If you discover a fire or smoke, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and tell an RA immediately. If an RA isn’t nearby, call the University Police (561-297-3500) immediately to report the location of the fire. It is the responsibility of the residents to immediately vacate the building when alarms sound. When a fire alarm sounds, follow the guide below:

  1. Pre-plan your evacuation route and locate the nearest alarm pull station.
  2. Leave your room and exit the building using the closest and safest route. Do not use the elevator.
  3. Assemble in the parking lot nearest your building or the grass areas at least 50 yards from the building.
  4. The Residential Education staff will notify residents when it is safe to re-enter the building.
  5. Once outside the building, follow the direction of Housing and Residential Education staff.
  6. When evacuating the building, residents should be fully clothed including shoes, as they may be outside of the building for an extended period of time.
  7. See your RA for area specific information regarding building evacuation.

HURRICANE INFORMATION

Each resident receives a hurricane preparedness brochure in their student mailbox. This brochure contains pertinent information regarding hurricanes;

  • Hurricane Watch indicates that a hurricane condition is a strong possibility and may threaten the area within 36 hours. All windows and curtains/blinds should be closed. Do not tape windows. All items considered valuable should be covered with plastic and stored in a high place. Each resident must determine where they will be seeking shelter and report this information to their RA. Residents planning to use a Red Cross Shelter must plan to bring their own food and water.
  • Hurricane Warning indicates that a hurricane is expected in 24 hours or less. All residents may be evacuated from University Housing if an evacuation is ordered. All electrical equipment, including refrigerators, must be unplugged and any perishable food disposed of. Residents with friends or relatives in the local area will be asked to go there. Residents who seek shelter off campus must inform a Department of Housing and Residential Education staff member and provide their evacuation information and location. Residents need to bring food and water.
  • University Housing is not a designated shelter area. Again, in the event of an evacuation, all residents are expected to evacuate University Housing and follow instructions given by the staff members or other University or public officials. In the event of an evacuation, the student must bring any necessary items with them including clothing, identification, money, and prescriptions with them as they will not be permitted back into the residence halls and student apartments until the University reopens.
  • Severe Weather Warnings: In a case of a severe weather warning, residents should close all windows and blinds/ curtains and stay clear of window openings or doors with glass panels. All electrical appliances should be un- plugged. Adhere to the instructions of the Residential Education staff members and/or other public officials. Please check the Florida Atlantic University web page at fau.edu for information during severe weather periods.