Smoke, shower steam and burnt microwave products are causing fire alarms to go off on campus and might hurt some tenants' pockets after a warning.
The annual contract with the fire department for fire-alarm response is $267,850, according to Jack Lee, Auburn's director of financial services.
"The critical thing to remember is the alarm systems are doing exactly what they are asked to do," said Lee Y. Lamar, Auburn fire chief. "The type of sensor have a criteria they have to meet, according to the National Fire Protection Association standards."
Every time an alarms sounds, the Auburn Fire Department is required to respond to the call and arrive on the scene in moments to secure the perimeter.
"We send a minimum of one ladder company, three engines and a battalion," Lamar said. "So you're getting quite a few people and quite a few resources on campus to check what is going on."
An average of two calls are made to campus per day, but the funds are previously contracted by AUFD and the University, according to Lamar.
The sensitivity of the alarms are correct, but the other problems revolve around people who use the facilities, including residents and workers, according to Lamar.
"You (the resident) learn the first time, don't keep doing this," said Kim Trupp, director of Auburn University Housing and Residence Life. "We do have $150 charge on that because we want residents to be responsible."
No negligence charges have been issued yet, according to Trupp.
Unannounced drills are also done to prepare students and staff, she added.
"What is happening is typical for a brand new academic year," Trupp said. "Actually, our fire alarms are greatly
reduced at the Village compared to this time last year because people are getting used to the location of the smoke detector."
Burnt microwavable foods are a problem in the Village because of the proximity of the detector in the kitchen.
"Popcorn is the big one no matter where you are living on campus," Trupp said. "In the Quad, the smoke detector is located right outside the bathroom."
Students are asked to crack the window in the showering area, but some new residents are unfamiliar with the consequences of steam escaping and setting off the alarm.
Mandatory meetings are held at the beginning of each semester to inform newcomers of the rules and regulations of dorm life.
Pranks are not typicall the problem, and a guide to residential living is also available online, according to Trupp.
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