WMU Apartments
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Personal Safety
[Insurance] [Fire Safety & Related Equipment] [Tornadoes] [Campus Lighting] [Weapons]Western Michigan University is dedicated to the safety and security of all people on campus. Several programs and policies are in place to help ensure the safest community possible for you and your guests.
Insurance
Residents are strongly advised to protect themselves against possible loss and theft by securing the appropriate personal liability and property insurance policy. University insurance does not cover personal property or liability.
Fire Safety & Related Equipment
All apartments are equipped with a fire extinguisher. You are urged to check the gauge on the extinguisher regularly. If the extinguisher needs recharging, please contact the WMU Apartments Office.
Smoke detectors are installed in every apartment. Even though the detectors are wired with a battery back-up, you should test the detector once a week to make sure it is operating properly. The smoke detector will beep periodically when the battery is low. New batteries are available for free from the apartment office or from your resident manager. Do not disconnect the smoke detector, for in doing so you put the lives and homes of you and your neighbors at risk. A $50 fine will be assessed to those who disconnect or otherwise disable their smoke detector.
The storing of kerosene, gasoline or other combustible or flammable materials is prohibited. You are also requested to refrain from participating in any activity that would increase fire, health or safety risks for any persons.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are rapidly-spinning, funnel-shaped clouds which extend toward the earth from the base of a thundercloud and can cause a tremendous amount of damage. Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, but the most likely season in Michigan is March through September. The National Weather Service has two levels of reporting tornado conditions. A "Tornado Watch" means existing weather conditions are such that tornadoes are expected to develop. A "Tornado Warning" indicates a tornado has been sighted in the area or is indicated on radar.
Because of the risk to people and property that is posed by such severe weather, each apartment has information (a magnet on the refrigerator) regarding where to go in case of severe weather. Please acquaint yourself with this information before an emergency arises.
Please Note: When a "Tornado Warning" occurs, the University Police will open these shelter areas (if adequate warning time permits them to do so) regardless of holiday, university closure, day/time, building vacancy or any other condition; these shelter areas will be open and available to the residents of WMU Apartments. If time does not permit you to reach the shelter area, take cover within your apartment as a last resort. Go to a secure area away from windows such as the hallway area outside the bathroom. Close all room doors surrounding your shelter area to prevent being struck by flying glass or other objects. University Police Officers will cruise through the WMU Apartment areas and announce both tornado watches and tornado warnings. Residents are urged to keep their radios or televisions tuned to a local station for storm advisories when weather conditions indicate the likelihood of storms. Please do not call the University Police for this information. It is imperative that police telephone lines be kept free to receive storm updates and reports. When a "Tornado Warning" has been issued, a siren will sound, alerting the community. (The City of Kalamazoo tests these sirens on the first Saturday of the month at 1:00 p.m.)
Campus Lighting
The outer walkways of each complex are kept well-lit for the safety and protection of you and your guests. If you happen to notice that one of the lights is not functioning, please notify the apartment office promptly.
Weapons
No person on university property can possess firearms or dangerous weapons, with the exception of police officers, transfer agents licensed to carry weapons, and persons using such weapons for instruction when authorized by the dean of the relevant college (i.e., ROTC and archery). In these cases you must supply written authorization to the WMU Apartments Office.