Cedarville University

http://www.cedarville.edu/departments/cps/fireproc-res.htm

Cedarville University

Fire/Explosion Procedures - Residence Halls



Purpose

To provide a written emergency action plan to ensure the safety of all persons occupying residence halls on the campus of Cedarville University.

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Definition

Any condition involving evidence of fire, smoke or impending explosion. This would include the sighting of smoke or fire, odorous evidence of burning, or concentrations of flammable gases.

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Application

These procedures apply to all residence halls on campus. Academic, assembly business and industrial/maintenance occupancies are covered under a separate document.

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Procedures

  1. Activate fire pull alarm station. If you are in a building that does not have an alarm system, warn the other occupants by knocking on doors and shouting as you leave.*
  2. Notify 911 immediately and contact Campus Safety (at least one person needs to ensure that this has been accomplished, generally an RD or RA). Give exact location and nature of situation.
  3. Confine the fire by closing all doors in the area and rescue anyone in immediate danger, only if you can do so safely.
  4. Evacuate the building via the nearest exit, in a controlled yet rapid manner. All persons are to utilize stairs, not elevators during a fire alert situation. Walk to the outside of the building at a distance of at least 50 - 100 feet, keeping the main building egress clear for incoming emergency vehicles.
  5. Remain outside until the local Fire Department and Campus Safety arrive to assess the situation, which includes a search of the building for any remaining occupants. Approval to return to the building is subject to authorization by the Fire Chief.

If you are in a residence hall and a fire alarm sounds automatically, follow steps 2 through 5 even if none of the conditions outlined under "definition" do not appear to exist.


*Note: Certain residence halls on campus do not have centralized fire alarm systems, these include: Lawlor, Printy, Carr, Rogers, Marshal, Maddox (equipped with courtyard pull-stations), Palmer, South Hall & Apts and Harriman. Each of the units in these residence halls are equipped with multi-station smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA and State Fire Codes. This means that the activation of one detector will activate all of the others in unison.

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Important Instructions

  1. In situations where the building alarm system is being serviced, every attempt will be made in advance to notify the occupants. In such cases, evacuation is not necessary.
  2. Fire Extinguishers are available in each residence hall. They should be used only on small, easily controlled fires. In addition, the correct extinguisher must be used for the class fire encountered, for example:
    CLASS A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. CLASS B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil- based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas. CLASS C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances. Cedarville University buildings utilize three (3) basic types of fire extinguishers: 1) the A-B-C: models, which are "multipurpose", labeled for use on all three classes of fire. 2) the B-C: models, used primarily for B-C class fires, however they can be used on class A fires if necessary. 3) the A: models* to be used only on A class fires. *WARNING: It is dangerous to use water on an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on grease or electrical fire.
  3. Depending on the Residence Hall, Fire Alarm procedures may vary.
    Lawlor, Printy, Harriman, South Hall & Apts., Rogers, Marshall, Carr and Palmer.
    • No central fire alarm system (see above note)
    • In case of emergency:
      • Call 911 and Campus Safety immediately
      • Evacuate the residence hall

    Brock, Faith, Maddox, McKinney/McChesney, Willetts (ALL), Johnson/St.Clair., Murphy & Rickard
    • Fire alarm system
    • In case of emergency:
      • Pull alarm lever
      • Call 911 and Campus Safety immediately
      • Evacuate the residence hall
  4. All Fire Alarms* should be treated as if a real fire exists in the building and procedures should be followed accordingly.
    1. Fire Drills - a minimum of one fire drill will be scheduled during the fall and spring semesters, at a time when the majority of students are in their rooms. Scheduling will be coordinated by the Resident Director and Campus Safety Department.
    2. Training - Resident Directors will insure that all residents are informed of fire procedures during the start of the fall semester.

    *NOTE: In the event that a multi-station smoke detector activates in a resident hall sleeping room or unit, residents should investigate to ascertain the cause of the alarm. If a real or suspected fire situation exists, procedures should be followed as outlined in this document. Malfunctioned detectors should be reported to Campus Safety to ensure repair.
  5. The local Fire Department and Emergency Medical Squad officials will handle any rescue and/or medical services needed at the scene. The university EMS will assist as needed.
  6. Any critical plant operations will be handled by university physical plant personnel in conjunction with the local Fire Department.
  7. Campus Safety can be reached on a 24 hour-a-day basis in an Emergency situation, including fire, by dialing 999 or ext. 7815 (CDR - after hour back-up contact only).
  8. Further questions regarding "Emergency Procedures for Fire/Explosion" should be directed to the Campus Safety Department.

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Prevention

  1. Hazardous accumulations of combustible waste materials must be controlled, to prevent the fast developing of fire, rapid spread of toxic smoke, or explosion. Such materials include: oily rags, large accumulations of waste paper or corrugated boxes, wall hanging, etc. These materials should be discarded routinely to eliminate stock piling.
  2. Fire Extinguishers, pull station, fire hose cabinets, and horn/strobe units must be visible and easily accessible to all persons.
  3. Corridors, aisles, passageways and exits must be clear of obstructions which would impede the flow of traffic. Doors may not be wedged open in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms.
  4. Stairwells and electrical closets must not be used for storage purposes.
  5. Use of candles, incense, matches, potpourri, kerosene lanterns or lamps, or any open flame is not permissible in any resident hall. The storage of combustible fuels, paints, or oil are also forbidden.
  6. Use of portable heaters (only those issued by the Physical Plant Department), halogen lamps without safety guards, cooking devices, etc. are not permissible
  7. Only extension cords with surge protection are permitted (power strips with surge protection). Multi-ply adaptors and the interconnection of extension cords are not permitted. Extension cords must not be run through doors or windows.

Refer to the Student Handbook for additional details relative to resident life fire hazards and regulations.

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Campus Safety Procedures

  1. Officer-in-charge (OIC) ensures that Cedarville Fire and Police Departments have been contacted.
  2. Notifies Director of Campus Safety.
  3. If the situation requires, notifies Director of Physical Plant and/or other appropriate university personnel.
  4. Cordons off affected area/building.
  5. Establishes command post at appropriate location.
  6. Directs authorized responders to scene via safest and most direct route.
  7. Contacts University & Township Ambulance Squad via 911 if casualties are reported or anticipated.
  8. Resets fire alarm system.

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Fire Chief

  1. Assumes over-all responsibility on arrival at scene.
  2. Calls ALL CLEAR if building can be reoccupied.

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Director of Campus Safety/Plant Operations

  1. With counsel from the Fire Chief, determines the feasibility of continued use of affected building.
  2. Notifies appropriate Administrative staff if building cannot be reoccupied.

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Administration

  1. Makes decision to relocate faculty/staff and students to alternate classrooms and offices, if necessary.

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Issued by:
Douglas W. Chisholm
Director of Campus Safety

Effective date:1/1993   Revision dates: 6/1994, 8/1998, 7/1999, 1/2000, 8/2003