The Ongoing Conflict: Dorm Room Fire Code Regulations

By Max Wang ‘25

Photo from NMH website

On Feb. 13, 2023, Deans and the Fire Department came to Lower and Upper Overtoun and took away objects in students’ rooms that violated fire regulations, including LED lights, posters, and more. Meanwhile, other dorms also faced the same circumstances. Hanging objects like posters and tapestries in dorms has also always been controversial at NMH. 

However, this was not the first time students complained about their objects being taken down. Situations like these happen a few times a year, and students frequently grumble about losing their LED lights, posters, and other hanging room decorations.

“Maybe the school should put in certain rules like allowing LEDs because I feel like not allowing students to have LEDs is very controversial,” said Zach Wells ’25, a resident of Upper Overtoun. The school recently took down the LED lights in his room, and he was frustrated about it.

“I spent the money on my LED lights, and they’re not necessarily cheap. I’m sure people who keep their stuff getting taken away spent their money on that.” Wells added. Other items in students’ rooms, like flags and T-shirts hanging on the wall, are also costly. However, the Associate Dean of Students, Grace Rehnquist, had a different opinion.

“We have these regulations for a reason and safety is always a top priority. The local fire department has identified non-negotiables that we as a school comply with.” said Rehnquist.

Unfortunately, the rules about preventing potential fire hazards, such as limiting hanging objects on walls, cannot be changed. Some students have expressed that the school should have more explicit rules on what not to hang up on the walls. 

When students needed clarification about whether their objects were permitted, they asked for permission from the deans. However, sometimes, when students got permission to hang particular objects on the wall, these “approved” objects were still being taken down. Since the fire regulations came from the local fire department, the deans may be less familiar with the things that could cause fire hazards. 

“They should at least say something like, you need to take this down, or I will take it down for you,” said Wells. Some students also mentioned that they didn’t get any notice from the school or the fire department after their items had been taken away. 

The fire code regulations regarding dorm rooms at NMH sometimes create dissatisfaction among students. Some students think that these rules should be more relaxed. But most of all, students are concerned about the communication between the school and students regarding fire code regulations like these.