Effective immediately, hoverboards are no longer allowed to be used inside residence halls.

 
The Office of Residence Life sent out an email during break to all students informing them of this change. The new Residence Life policy reads:
“Electronic skateboards including self-balancing boards/scooters (ie hoverboards), and other similar equipment, are prohibited from being used, stored, and/or charged inside any College housing facility due to potential fire hazard.”

 
This email was sent out Jan. 6 shortly before the beginning of this current semester.

 
The message showed concern about the devices exploding or otherwise causing damage.

 
Although there have been no incidents on campus at WSC, the email explains how there has been scrutiny of the safety of this new technology.

 
According to the online news source Inside Higher Ed, in an article titled “Curbing Hoverboards,” dozens of universities have now banned the new technology. This has been due to concerns brought up by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

 
The CPSC has reported on twitter that 28 fire-related incidents have occurred in 19 states. There have also been 70 related cases of ER-treated injuries and counting.

 
In a statement sent at Christmas, CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye mentioned that some of these injuries were serious, including concussions, fractures, contusions, abrasions and internal organ injuries.

 
Hoverboards are currently being tested to see why some models ended up catching fire, either charging or while in use. Part of the problem seems to be the batteries, which can burst into flame creating a metal fire with intense heat.

 
Sixty airports have also barred hoverboards from flights, and in Britain it is illegal to ride these boards in the road.

 
“The residence halls provide housing to hundreds of students,” Assistant Dean of Students Matthew Weekley said. “A potential fire in one room can ruin and endanger the lives of hundreds, and our goal is to put safety first over a product of leisure. We want our students safe.”

 
Multiple buildings already have signs posted stating that these boards are not allowed.

 
Hoverboards will be held to the same standard as skateboards in the handbook and treated as such.

 
According to the rules, both skateboards and hoverboards are prohibited on WSC college property.

 
Hoverboards are now on the list of prohibited items, and violators will be fined $10.