Annual Fire Safety Report and Statistics (Fires by On-Campus Student Housing Facility)

				2011
Housing Facility Name	Facility Address	Fires	Injuries	Deaths	Damages	Drills
University Inn	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1
Donnellon Hall	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1
Cascia Hall	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	No longer a residence hall as of 08/2010
Villanova Hall	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1
				2010
Housing Facility Name	Facility Address	Fires	Injuries	Deaths	Damages	Drills
University Inn	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1
Donnellon Hall	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1
Cascia Hall	16401 NW 37th Ave	No longer a residence hall as of 08/2010
Villanova Hall	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1
				2009
Housing Facility Name	Facility Address	Fires	Injuries	Deaths	Damages	Drills
University Inn	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1
Donnellon Hall	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1
CasciaHall	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1
Villanova Hall	16401 NW 37th Ave	0	0	0	0	1

 

*Fire Damage & Fire Drills are new reporting requirements effective 10/1/10 per the Higher Education Opportunity Reauthorization Act

*All residence facilities are located at 16401 NW 37^th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054

Description of each housing facility fire safety system & fire sprinkler system

            Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are installed in all residence halls according to code

            Villanova Hall is equipped with a sprinkler system

Policies or rules on portable electrical appliances, smoking, and open flames:

APPLIANCES/FURNISHINGS (Source: Student Handbook, pg. 118)

1. Cooking is prohibited in student rooms. Hot plates, George Foreman grills, electric furnaces, toaster ovens and other

open-coiled appliances, or those without an automatic shut-off feature, are not permitted.

2. Refrigerators larger than 4 cubic feet are prohibited.

3. Space heaters and air conditioners, which are not installed by the University, are prohibited.

4. Waterbeds and beds other than those provided by the University are prohibited.

5. No pets, other than non-poisonous fish, are permitted in the residence halls. Aquariums may not exceed 10 gallons.

6. Motorized vehicles are not permitted inside the residence halls, nor may they be secured or attached to the outside of

any building.

7. Residents may not remove any furnishings from their rooms without permission from the Office of Residence Life. Lounge furniture is not permitted in student rooms.

8. Residents may not paint, wallpaper, or otherwise alter their rooms without prior permission from the Office of Residence Life.

9. Residents are not to make any repairs to damages in their rooms, hallways, or University facilities. Students may not drill holes, or affix items to walls or ceilings.

SAFETY (Source: Student Handbook, pgs. 116-117)

1. Tampering with or misuse of fire hoses or extinguishers, alarm equipment, smoke/heat detectors, sprinkler systems,

emergency exits, windows, doors, and fire exit signs is prohibited.

2. Residents and their guests are required to evacuate any campus residence building when an alarm sounds, or when

instructed to do so by a University staff member. Residents are not permitted to return to the residence hall until police, the fire

department, campus security, or a University staff member gives authorization.

3. No student shall commit or aid in the intentional commission of an act which results in a fire being ignited which causes

damage, or is intended to cause damage, to the property of the University or another student. This violation may result in

disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.

4. Constructing, storing, possessing or detonating fireworks, combustibles, firearms, firearm parts, weapons, weapon parts,

ammunition, gasoline, canisters, and other explosives are prohibited in the residence halls. Examples of weapons, which

are strictly prohibited, include, but are not limited to, bows and arrows, BB guns, guns, rifles, martial art weapons, knives,

and other dangerous devices or instruments.

6. Residents are required to comply with reasonable requests or orders behalf of the University. This requirement includes reasonable requests for students to

meet with administrative offices and to participate in disciplinary investigations and hearings.

   (Source: Student Handbook, pgs. 96-102)

In addition to other misconduct that is described in the University Student Handbook, The Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to:

8. The use of any tobacco products (i.e. cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco) in any University facility including, but not limited to student rooms, classrooms, athletic fields, libraries, museum, computing labs, dining areas or areas designated “No Smoking.” Additionally, all designated smoking areas must be at  least 25 feet away from entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows.

24.Tampering with fire extinguisher and/or equipment.

28.  Failing to comply with the directions or instructions of any University official/representative including Public Safety, Physical Plant, Residence Life Staff and the Cafeteria/Rathskeller staff, relating to the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, Academic Code, health and safety statutes, emergency management            policies or any other regulations, which the University may adopt is prohibited.

25.  Setting off a false fire alarm or reporting false emergency.  Tampering with or misuse of fire hoses or extinguishers, alarm equipment, smoke/heat detectors, sprinkler systems, emergency exits, windows, doors, and fire exit signs is prohibited.

33. Construction of or actual possession of firearms, ammunition, firearm parts or any other inherently dangerous weapons, weapons parts, chemicals or explosive materials.

 

Evacuation procedures

I.     Evacuation (for individuals with disabilities)

STU has identified an Area of Refuge on all floors of each building where there is no exit at grade level. Whenever possible, these locations should be in approximately the same place on each floor, close to a stairwell. These designated locations allow for the swift evacuation of persons with disabilities by emergency personnel, as they do not have to locate a variety of offices or locations throughout the building. These locations should have a closing door, a phone for communication, and supplies that enable the person(s) to block smoke from entering under the door. If possible, they also should have a window so that evacuees can signal their location; however, the fire rating of the location is most important. The location must be clearly identified on emergency evacuation plans, so that faculty, staff, students, visitors and emergency personnel may easily locate them. Building Coordinators should always check this designated area, if safe to do so, before evacuating in order to provide complete and accurate information to the Public Safety Department. The Director of Emergency Management shall consult with the local fire department and STU Physical Plant to identify possible Areas of Refuge based on the building configuration and construction.

One of the responsibilities of Building Coordinators is to ensure occupants have evacuated the area. In cases where the Building Coordinator identifies a person with a disability they should either escort the person to a designated Area of Refuge, escort the person from the building or identify a volunteer "buddy" who can assist the person. If the person with a disability is unable to evacuate with assistance, the Building Coordinator should immediately provide the name and location of the individual needing evacuation assistance to the Public Safety Department. Building Coordinators must always check designated Area(s) of Refuge, if safe to do so, before evacuating in order to provide complete and accurate information to Campus Public Safety Office regarding the location of person(s) who will need evacuation assistance.

In circumstances where evacuation is not possible, an Area of Refuge has not been identified, a person with a disability should SHELTER-In-PLACE and inform the Building Coordinator and at least two other evacuees of their location. This information is to be provided immediately to the Public Safety Department. If a telephone is available to the person with a disability sheltering-in-place, they should call the Public Safety Department to confirm their location and provide details regarding their current situation and identify their request for accommodation.

Individuals with mobility impairments should only be carried out of a building in case of a life threatening emergency. This presents a risk not only for the person with a disability, but also the "good Samaritans" or buddies who have agreed to assist the individual. Executing both of these types of evacuation techniques require extensive training by emergency evacuation professionals.

Policies on fire safety education and training programs provided to students and employees (describing the procedure students and employees should follow in the case of a fire

I.   Training

Training is a critical component of STU’s preparedness actions. The STU Director of Emergency Management is responsible for identifying University personnel who should receive training based on their roles and responsibilities in the overall preparedness for, management of, and response to a University fire emergency.

The St. Thomas University Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and all Resident Assistants have completed the FEMA CERT Fire Extinguisher training using the BullEx System training equipment and training props.

The STU Director of Emergency Management is required to maintain a database of all mandatory trainings taken by University personnel and ensure the STU training program is compliant with current state and federal regulations. The Director of Emergency Management is responsible for collaborating with all local and state emergency response agencies to identify additional training opportunities that can benefit STU personnel.

 

Fire drills will be conducted in each residence hall 1-2X/year and office and classroom buildings 1-2X/year.

 

The Campus Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT) is comprised of Resident Assistants and a new group receives CERT certification each year (usually in August).

Policies & Procedures for Campus Facilities

Procedures students and employees should follow in case of a fire

 

General Responsibilities, Procedures and Instructions

It is essential that the campus community be prepared to respond appropriately in the face of emergencies such as fires, explosions, and chemical releases. The following instructions are to be used by employees and students to thoroughly understand the General Fire/Emergency Evacuation Procedures known as St. Thomas University’s - Emergency Evacuation Plan.

 

Planning:  The key to a successful evacuation is planning. Potential emergencies within a building may require the occupants to evacuate the building. The following information and procedures have been designed to help ensure personal safety should an evacuation become necessary. Each member of the faculty and staff and all students should become familiar with these emergency procedures, evacuation plans and instructions. Individuals should also become familiar with the buildings which they occupy, including the location of the nearest available exits, fire alarm pull stations, and fire extinguishers.

 

Emergency egress and escape routes: Each building has posted within it emergency evacuation floor plan diagrams showing the primary and secondary exits as well as the external Primary Area of Refuge (see Appendix A for parking lot locations adjacent to campus buildings.)

 

Maintenance:   These guidelines are reviewed annually or as required by amendments to applicable codes, ordinances or statute, and are established so that faculty, staff and students know their responsibilities during an emergency.

 

POLICY:  All faculty/students and staff shall immediately evacuate the building upon fire alarm activation to the designated area of assembly.

 

·         Assignment of personnel: Public Safety will provide emergency medical aid in conjunction with local fire departments. Fire rescue and elevator rescue are performed by the local fire departments.

 

·         Procedure for identification of personnel: For additional assistance with an emergency contact Public Safety at 305-628-6500.  Public Safety maintains an active call list of campus personnel and Physical Plant contractors who may be needed to respond to assist with an emergency.

Emergency Responders:   When the fire department responds to the University, the Fire Department may take the lead in a Unified Command. As the lead in a Unified Command, the Fire Department may delegate functions to other emergency agencies as necessary.   Physical Plant and Public Safety personnel will assist the local fire department with building and room entry, locating alarm areas, helping the engine company to establish the reason for the alarm each time, as well as checking and operating fire alarm control panels, which are located at each building.

Faculty, staff and students are required to cooperate with and follow the directions of Incident Commanders. Failure to cooperate will result in disciplinary action by the University. Failure to evacuate a building or location may result in criminal complaint or arrest.

Before a Fire Emergency - Planning

• Keep important personal belongings readily accessible, especially keys to home and vehicle, pocketbook, wallet, medications and appropriate clothing for outside assembly. Return to the building may not be possible for an extended period!  
• Know the location of the nearest available fire alarm pull stations and how to activate alarms. Fire alarm pull stations have self-inscribed instructions.  
• Know the location of at least two of the nearest available exits from your area. Do not include elevators!  
• Do not use elevators in case of emergency; they may not work!  
• Know the locations of the nearest available fire extinguishers in the area. (Note: building occupants are not required to fight fires)  
• Participate in fire drills and take them seriously.  
• Employees who are certified/trained to use a fire extinguisher should do so following the guidelines of their training. All other occupants of the building must evacuate!  
• Be aware of persons in your area who would have difficulty evacuating due to physical limitations during an evacuation.

Accountability:   All Resident Assistants for each Residence Hall shall be responsible for maintaining and utilizing a copy of the University-provided Emergency Evacuation Attendance Roster. The roster lists all residents, so they can be accounted for during evacuations when they proceed to the external Primary Areas of Refuge. The Emergency Evacuation Attendance Rosters are regularly reviewed, up dated and disseminated by the Director of Residence Life.

On Discovering-reporting a Fire -- Preferred method of notifying occupants of a fire: If you observe fire or smoke activate the building’s fire alarm pull station and dial 9-911 (from a campus phone) to summon the Fire Department.

Fire alarm pull stations have self-inscribed instructions. Time permitting; recover important personal belongings that are readily accessible, especially keys to home and vehicle, pocketbook, wallet, medications and appropriate clothing for outside assembly.  Return to the building may not be possible!

 

·         If smoke is present, crawl low to the floor.

·         Go to the nearest available exit and leave the building. Use the nearest available stairways; never use elevators!

·         Preferred method of reporting fire to emergency response personnel: Call 9-911 (from campus phone) after you have left the building and provide your location and a description of the fire. Call Public Safety (ext. 6500 or 305-628-6500) to report the fire.

·         Extinguisher Use: If the fire is small in size (i.e., size of a wastebasket), individuals trained in fire extinguisher use (i.e., CERT Team members) may attempt to extinguish the fire. Always stay between the fire and two (2) paths to egress when using a fire extinguisher. Attempt to extinguish the fire only after evacuation has started and Public Safety have been called. Building occupants are not required to fight fires. Safe evacuation should come first and foremost. All building occupants are required to evacuate!

On Hearing the Fire Alarm -- evacuating the building

All occupants of the building must immediately evacuate the building by proceeding to the nearest available exit and assembly area.

·         Time permitting; recover important personal belongings that are readily accessible, especially keys to home and vehicle, pocketbook, wallet, medications and appropriate clothing for outside assembly. Return to the building may not be possible! 

·         Close the door when exiting a room.

·         If smoke is present, crawl low to the floor.

·         Alert all persons in the area during exit of the building. 

 Sheltering in Place

·         Feel the doorknob, with the back of the hand, before opening any door. IF IT IS HOT, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. If it is not hot, brace behind the door and open it slightly. If heat or heavy smoke is present, close the door and stay in the room. KEEP LOW TO THE FLOOR.    

·         Seal the cracks around the door with wet towels or other materials.

·         Call Public Safety (extension 6500) and provide the location and number of people that are unable to exit.  

·         Open a window a few inches for fresh air and hang a white sheet or cloth out the window to alert the fire department.

·         Close all other doors and windows in the vicinity of the fire.

·         Stay close to the window, holding a wet towel to your face; and do not open the windows more than a few inches except to alert rescue personnel.   

Exiting-evacuating the building

·         Leave the building using the nearest available exit. 

·         Do not use the elevator! It may not work in a fire emergency!

·         When using the stairwell to evacuate, stay to the right, remaining close to the wall to allow the Fire Department personnel sufficient access to get to the fire floor or location of the emergency.  

·         If an exit is blocked by fire or smoke, go to another available exit.

·         If all exits are blocked, return to a safe location, close the door and call Campus Security (ext. 6500, or 305-628-6500) to report the location.  

·         After leaving, move away from the building. See the attached external Primary Area of Refuge Map (Appendix A) for the designated assembly area for the building. Public Safety will advise if relocation is needed.

·         Re-entry; Do not re-enter the building until instructed by either the Public Safety or fire department officials. 

 

 Fire Evacuations: Occupants with Disabilities

Prior to an emergency evacuation of any kind, a partner should be assigned or chosen to accompany and remain with the disabled occupant. Attempting to carry an immobilized person is discouraged.

If a fire alarm is activated, the following procedures should be followed at all times:

·         The disabled occupant or guardian assigned to the disabled occupant should call Public Safety (ext. 6500 or 305-628-6500) to provide their location. 

·         If a phone is not readily available, the disabled occupant or guardian assigned to the disabled occupant should ask a messenger to communicate their location to the Public Safety or local Fire Department.

·         Blind but mobile persons should first be moved out of the rush of traffic and then promptly assisted to the nearest exit.

·         Deaf but mobile persons, who may be unaware of the need to evacuate, should be calmly advised and guided to the nearest available exit.

·         Temporarily immobilized persons, including people wearing casts and/or using canes or crutches, should be assisted, depending on their ability to go up and down stairs and maneuver through doorways.

·         Proceed into the stairwell and wait on the landing until additional help can be summoned.

·         Permanently immobilized persons who have either limited or no use of their legs and must rely on crutches, wheelchairs or walkers for transport should proceed into the nearest available safe stairwell and wait on the landing until additional help can be summoned.

·         The Public Safety and/or the local fire department will arrive to help complete the evacuation.  Plans for future improvements in fire safety, if determined by the university to be necessary:  N/A at time of report.