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Northern Michigan University
Higher Education Opportunity Act
2012 Fire Safety Annual Compliance Report
Building Fire Safety Systems
All University buildings are equipped with fire safety systems. In addition, all on-campus dorms have sprinkler systems; pull stations, horn/strobe audible alarms, and smoke/heat detectors.
Description of Fire Safety System
All Residence Halls (10)
Each residence hall room and all common areas, except laundry rooms and mechanical rooms, are monitored with addressable photoelectric sensors (smoke detectors). Laundry rooms and mechanical rooms are monitored with addressable heat sensors. All detectors have been installed per appropriate codes and are networked using a dedicated copper backbone cable to a local annunciation panel located in each residence hall lobby. A residence hall room smoke detector that goes into alarm will also cause an alarm in the resident director’s apartment and in the appropriate resident adviser’s room. The fire detection system in each residence hall is networked using dedicated copper cable and/or fiber optic cable to the University’s Public Safety and Police Services Office, where it is continuously monitored, and to the University’s Energy Management Office.
All residence hall rooms, bathrooms, and common areas are covered by a wet pipe fire suppression system. The attic spaces in the four recently renovated residence halls – Magers, Meyland, Van Antwerp, and Hunt Halls – are protected with a dry pipe system. The fire suppression system is monitored locally and centrally in the same manner as the fire/smoke detection system
Fire Alarms
Every time any building fire alarm sounds, you must immediately evacuate the building, regardless of what may have caused the alarm.
Activated Fire Alarms, Notification to the Department of Public Safety
For on-campus buildings (Stateside buildings, Resident halls, and Woodland Apts.) whenever a fire alarm system is activated, a signal is received at the Public Safety Dispatch Center. Public Safety Officers are immediately dispatched to respond and quickly determine the cause of the alarm. The Marquette Fire department is immediately notified.
Residence Hall Fire Drills
Fire drills are conducted each semester in each residence facility. All rooms are searched to insure there is full evacuation. Anyone who does not promptly evacuate is referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.
Number of Fire Drills Held - 2011
Gant Hall - 8
Halverson Hall – 8
Hunt Hall – 8
Magers Hall – 8
Meyland Hall – 8
Payne Hall – 8
Spalding Hall – 8
Spooner Hall – 8
Van Antwerp Hall – 8
West Hall - 8
Evacuation Procedures
Residence hall students - A flier / building diagram is posted on the back of every residence hall room door that states:
Student Housing Evacuation Procedures
Residence hall students - A flier/building diagram is posted on the back of every residence hall room door that states:
Fire Alarm Instructions
1. Prepare to leave your room immediately, but feel your room door before opening it.
2. If your room door is hot to the touch and you are above the 1st floor, stay in your room (you are safer there):
- Seal off cracks with towels or blankets (wet if possible) around the door to your room.
- Stay near your window to let emergency personnel know where you are, and be signaling from your window and/or by calling Public Safety and Police Services (911).
- Emergency personnel will let you know what to do and will provide you with assistance.
3. If your room door is hot and you are on the first floor, you can leave your room though your window if it is safe to do so.
4. If your room door is cool, open your door cautiously. Be prepared to close it quickly id smoke or heat comes in:
-If your room door is clear, leave your room immediately, making sure your room door is closed. Leave the building by the most direct route.
-If the most direct route is blocked by fire, intense smoke or emergency personnel, use another exit.
-If both routes are blocked, return to your room (see procedures above).
- Once you have left the building, stay out, and stand away from the entrances until the alarm has been shut off and you are given permission to re-enter.
Fire in Room
- If the fire is in your room, get out and close your room door.
- Pull the nearest fire alarm and leave the building.
- If you have access to a phone, call 911 - Public Safety and Police Services - and report the fire, your hall and
room number.
- Once you have left the building, stay out, and stand away from the entrances until the alarm has been shut off
and you are given permission to re-enter.
False Fire Alarms
Causing a false fire alarm is not only against University policy and an inconvenience to everyone in the building, it is also a crime. The University takes this very seriously, and will act swiftly and severely with anyone who causes a false fire alarm. Those found responsible for causing a false fire alarm are charged by the University police department with the criminal charge of FIRE-FALSE ALARM (750.240), are processed by the court system, and are referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.
Tampering with Fire Safety Equipment
Tampering with any fire safety equipment, whether it is a pull station, smoke or heat detector, sprinkler head, horn/strobe unit or fire extinguisher, is also a crime and against University policy. Your life is too valuable to have someone tamper with fire safety equipment in your residence facility; don't allow yourself to be put in jeopardy.
Escaping a Fire
If there is a fire in your room, get out immediately and close the door. Once out, call 911. If there is a fire in your building, feel your door before opening it; if it feels hot, do not open it. Seal the cracks around it with sheets or clothes to prevent smoke from entering. If the outside air is clean, open the window and wave a sheet to attract rescuers. Use the phone to call Public Safety. If the door is cool, open it, leave and close it behind you. Proceed to the nearest exit. If there is smoke in the hallway, stay low where the air is freshest. A wet cloth over your mouth and nose will also help you to breathe. Never use elevators during a fire. Know more than one way out of the building. Remember, leave the building immediately. Don't try to save your possessions; it could cost you your life.
Keep Stairwells and Hallways Clear
All corridors, stairwells and public areas must be kept free of obstructions. Be sure that no furniture or University or personal belongings are left in the hallways.
Fire Doors Must Remain Closed
Hallway, stairwell and residence room doors are considered fire doors and are there to protect you from smoke and flame. These doors are “fire rated” to provide such protection. However, they are of no value if they are propped open, allowing heat, smoke or flames to travel down the hallway or into another area. Please be sure that all fire doors are always closed.
Decorations that pose a fire hazard and anything hung from the ceiling are prohibited. Draperies and tapestries must be rated flame resistant (NFPA 701). Doorways and all egresses must be kept free and clear at all times. Excessive decorations that are deemed to pose a potential fire hazard (type of material, flammability) are prohibited.
Extension Cords
The only extension cords allowed are UL listed surge protected, with built-in circuit breakers. Extension cords must never be overloaded or placed across the room threshold, under rugs or anywhere they can be stepped on.
Appliances
The only appliances allowed in the residence halls are coffee makers, popcorn poppers and hot pots. Open heating devices are not allowed.
Portable electrical appliances
Student Code Administrative Policy #2.3.6: Electrical Appliances - Because of the hazards of fire and the limits on the amount of electricity which can be safely used on any electrical circuit, good judgment should be exercised in using electrical appliances in University housing facilities. Television sets are permitted in residence hall rooms provided all occupants of the room agree. Sun lamps, clamp-on-bed lamps, electrical heaters, open-element popcorn poppers, hot plates, indoor grills, hazardous electrical appliances, and appliances in need of electrical repair are specifically prohibited.
Single Student Apartment Contract #13: Specifically Prohibited Items - The following are not permitted in the apartments – candles, incense, flammable or explosive materials (e.g., gun powder, gasoline, propane), sun lamps, clamp-on bed lamps, electrical heaters, and hot plates.
Egress
All hallways and stairwells must be kept free and clear and allow for the smooth flow of occupants at all times. Property may not be stored or placed in these areas. Any items found in these areas will be confiscated.
Prohibited Items May be Confiscated
Items that are prohibited from the residence halls and deemed to be a fire hazard may be confiscated by the Residential Life or Public Safety staffs.
Prohibited in Residence Halls
Fireworks and Fuel
The possession, use or sale of fireworks is illegal and against University policy. Any fuel, including but not limited to kerosene, gasoline, propane and charcoal lighter fluid is strictly prohibited in any University residence hall or apartment.
Open Flames
Student Code Regulation #2.2.15: Fireworks - No students shall possess, explode, or cause to explode firecrackers or other types of fireworks or explosives in any building or on any property owned or controlled by the University.
Student Code Regulation #2.2.7: Dangerous Materials and Open Flame
.01 No students shall, on University property, possess, store, mix, or experiment with any chemical or explosive materials including, but not limited to, gunpowder and gasoline, which may be injurious to the lives and safety of the University community. This regulation shall not apply to instructor supervised learning activities.
02 Unless acting in compliance with a specific written exemption to this regulation from the Dean of Students, no students shall use or create an open flame, or use live or glowing embers or charcoal in any University buildings. This regulation shall not apply to instructor supervised learning activities. Smoking is permitted in compliance with University Regulation 2.2.29. Requests for exception to this regulation for ceremonial or religious purposes may be sought by making a written application to the Dean of Students.
Student Code Administrative Policy #2.3.4: Candles - Because of the danger of fire, the use of or making of candles is prohibited in residence hall rooms and the Woodland Park apartments.
Residence Hall Contract Terms and Conditions # 11: Fire Safety - Students shall not bring or allow anyone else to bring any combustible or flammable materials (including, but not limited to gun powder, gasoline, and propane gas tanks) into the room or efficiency apartment that will increase the risk of fire or contravene University rules, regulations, or Ordinances. Tampering with smoke detectors, sprinklers, or other fire safety equipment is prohibited.
Single Student Apartment Contract #11: Fire Safety - The tenant shall not bring or allow anyone else to bring any combustible or flammable materials into the apartment that will increase the risk of fire or contravene University rules, regulations, or Ordinances. Tampering with smoke detectors, sprinklers, or door closers is prohibited. Fire extinguishers must be used for fires only and must not be removed except in the case of a fire. Expended fire extinguishers or those with low pressure must be reported to the Housing and Residence Life Office immediately.
Single Student Apartment Contract #13: Specifically Prohibited Items - The following are not permitted in the apartments – candles, incense, flammable or explosive materials (e.g., gun powder, gasoline, propane) …
Student Family Lease #14: Fire Safety - The tenant shall not bring, or allow anyone else to bring any combustible or flammable materials (including, but not limited to propane gas tanks) into the apartment that will increase the risk of fire or contravene University rules, regulations or ordinances. Portable electric heaters are prohibited. Tampering with smoke detectors is prohibited. The fire extinguisher must be used for fires only and must not be removed from the hanger except in the case of a fire. Expended fire extinguishers should be reported to the Housing and Residence Life Office immediately for replacement.
1. Fire Safety Education and Training
Students
All Summer Orientation Sessions: Housing and Residence Life Meeting – During each Summer Orientation Session (6) students meet with the director of housing and residence life.
During that meeting, several fire safety topics are covered:
-Causes of fires in residence halls (national)
-Appliances permitted
-Minimum expectations for power strips
-Prohibited items: candles, incense, and smoking
-Fire safety system equipment in University residence halls
-Fire drills and what is expected of students in the event of a fire drill or alarms
Initial residence hall meeting (resident adviser with students in his or her house) - Topics from meeting agenda:
- Highlights from Administrative Policies (they start on page 17 in the Student Handbook)
- Candles (and incense) – prohibited
- Electrical appliances – what is allowed/no Foreman grills
- Use a power strip with a circuit breaker and surge protector for power to your electrical equipment - (16 gauge wire and 3 prong grounded plug)
- Fire safety
a. Equipment – Talk about the importance of not tampering with fire safety equipment (sprinklers, smoke detector – both are monitored by Public Safety and Police Services - fire extinguishers, fire alarms, etc.).
- Fire alarms – 8 throughout the year. Tell them what to do if one rings.
- If there is a fire:
- Get out
- Close your doors
- Pull an alarm – the only time it’s okay to do so
- Get out of the building
Employees
Residence halls – Fire safety and building evacuation procedures are covered during both the professional staff (2009 – 6th day) and the paraprofessional staff training (2009 – 2nd day)
Title of Persons/Organization to Whom Students and Employees Report a Fire: Public Safety and Police Services (911)
Future Improvements in Fire Safety
a. Update the apartment lease to state that candles are prohibited
b. Evaluate residence hall staff training
c. Evaluate the need for additional smoke detectors in the Norwood / Center apartment buildings.
Holiday Decorations
Because they are highly combustible, natural Christmas trees and wreaths are prohibited. All holiday lighting must be UL listed and approved. Holiday decorations that are considered excessive or a potential fire safety hazard are prohibited.
Wall Hangings
It is recommended that not more than 10 percent of the available wall space used for wall hangings must be adhered to. Anything that is highly combustible or flammable is prohibited.
Decorations that pose a fire hazard and anything hung from the ceiling are prohibited. Draperies and tapestries must be rated flame resistant (NFPA 701). Doorways and all egresses must be kept free and clear at all times. Excessive decorations that are deemed to pose a potential fire hazard (type of material, flammability) are prohibited.
Fire Safety: It's everyone's responsibility
National Fire Prevention Association Facts:
In 1998, there were an estimated 1,380 structure fires in school, college and university dormitories and fraternity and sorority housing. These fires resulted in 87 injuries and $5.8 million in direct property damage. From 1994 to 1998, there were 16 fire-related deaths on campuses.
The leading cause of fire in these types of occupancies was incendiary or suspicious. The 2nd and 3rd leading causes of these on and off campus housing fires were cooking and smoking, respectively.
An annual average of 141 structure fires occurred in fraternity and sorority houses per year between 1994 and 1998, resulting in 17 injuries and $2.8 million in direct property damage.
Smoke or fire alarms were present in 93 percent of all dormitory fires in 1998, and sprinklers were present in 35 percent of these fires. On average, direct property damage per fire is 41 percent lower in dormitory fires where sprinklers are present, compared to those where sprinklers are not present.
Campus Residential Student Housing Sprinkler and Fire Detection
|
Undergraduate Building |
Fully Sprinkled |
Fire Detection |
|
Gant Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Halverson Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Hunt Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Magers Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Meyland Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Payne Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Spalding Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Spooner Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
VanAntwerp Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
|
West Hall |
Yes |
Yes |
Campus Residential Student Housing Fire Report 2011
|
Undergraduate Building |
Fires |
Fire Cause |
Injuries |
Deaths |
Property Damage |
|
Gant Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Halverson Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Hunt Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Magers Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Meyland Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Payne Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Spalding Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Spooner Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
VanAntwerp Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
West Hall |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fires - Summary |
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2011 Yearly Fire Log
|
Date Occurred |
Time Occurred |
General Location |
Nature of the Fire |
|
1/19/2011 |
0743 hours |
1701 Lincoln Apts. |
Paper plate ignited on stop top causing minor fire put out by tenant. Public safety and Marquette fire department responded. Not needed fire extinguished prior to arrival. No personal or university property damage caused. |
|
4/10/11 |
2201 hours |
Woodland Apartments |
Right back side burner on the stove top ignited from items left on the burner, (plate/grease). A fire extinguisher was used. No injury or damage. |
2010 Yearly Fire Log
527-10, Center St. Apts. Accidental electrical malfunction / no injuries or fire department required.
3093-10, Lincoln St. Apts. Accidental grease fire in pan on kitchen stove – extinguished prior to office arrival – no injuries – no fire department response.
