Dear Residents of Harbin Hall,

As you are aware, there have been a disturbing number of fire alarm activations in the past few weeks in Harbin Hall, all of which have been the direct result of individuals maliciously using fire alarm pull stations when there is no emergency.

Knowingly causing a false alarm of fire is a misdemeanor in the District of Columbia Criminal Code (Section 22-1319), punishable by fine and/or imprisonment up to six months, and a violation of the Georgetown University Code of Student Conduct (Code). Specifically, the Code identifies the following as very serious violations under its Fire Safety Policy (pg. 12):

  • Intentional or reckless misuse of fire safety equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers, fire alarms, exit signs)
  • Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning or threat of fire, explosion or other emergency on University premises or at University sponsored events
  • Unnecessary activation of fire alarms.

Consistent with the Code of Conduct’s Sanctioning Guidelines, any student found responsible for a false fire alarm will face significant consequences, including but not limited to suspension or dismissal from the University, even for a first-time violation.

The Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) and Georgetown University Fire Marshal are working closely with the Office of Residential Living to investigate and prevent further false alarms.

If you have any information about the responsible individuals or activation of the fire alarms, please email firesafetycommittee@georgetown.edu or contact GUPD at 202-687-4343. You may also report information confidentially and anonymously through the LiveSafe app.

These actions are not pranks. They endanger the safety of your peers and violate our values as Hoyas to care for one another.

While we understand the disruption and concern that these false fire alarms cause you, we remind you that each resident must promptly respond to any fire alarm activation and evacuate the building as directed in case of real emergency.

Thank you for your care for each other and for the safety of our community.

Sincerely,

Jeanne F. Lord, Ed.D.
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Jay Gruber
Associate Vice President for Public Safety