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Dormitory Fire Safety at Princeton University

Dormitory Fire Safety at Princeton University. Bob Gregory - Fire Marshal Ken Paulaski - Housing Inspection Manager. Fire Statistics Annual Averages at Colleges and Universities (1994-1998). 2,140 structural fires 3 deaths 102 injuries Most occurred during early morning hours.

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Dormitory Fire Safety at Princeton University

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  1. Dormitory Fire Safety at Princeton University Bob Gregory - Fire Marshal Ken Paulaski - Housing Inspection Manager

  2. Fire StatisticsAnnual Averages at Colleges and Universities (1994-1998) • 2,140 structural fires • 3 deaths • 102 injuries • Most occurred during early morning hours

  3. The Primary Cause of Fire at Princeton University was unattended candles. As a result candles are banned from Dormitories. The University candle ban is a total ban in all undergraduate housing. Candles do not have to show signs of use and/or be out of manufacture’s wrapping. All candles will be confiscated and immediately disposed.

  4. Seton Hall - January 19, 2000 It only took 17 minutes for the fire to cause the following consequences • 3 fatalities • 58 injuries • 12 hospitalizations • four with serious burns • several from jumping out 3rd floor windows

  5. Fire Source The source of the Seton Hall fire was three upholstered couches in third floor lounge which caused Intense heat and smoke.

  6. Dorm Fires at Princeton University Fires happen at Princeton University. In the Spring of 2001 a student lost 95% of the contents in the room as a result of a fire.

  7. Fire Prevention Things you can do to control the amount of combustible material (fuel) in your room: • Use only University approved furniture • Minimize the use of draperies, curtains and other free-hanging decorations • Remove newspapers, trash and recycling materials on a consistent bases.

  8. Control Sources of Ignition • Do not overload electric circuits and make sure extension cords are used properly.

  9. Kitchen Fire Safety • 2002/2003 – Princeton University Public Safety responded to 141 alarms caused by cooking. NEVER: • leave anything cooking on your stove unattended. • Place metal products in the microwave. • Reheat pizza in the box!

  10. Help Prevent Kitchen Fires Minimize Kitchen Fire Safety Hazards — Before you start cooking and when leaving the kitchen: • Check your stove, and other cooking equipment. • Check for and clean up accumulated grease remove combustibles from or near hot surfaces. • Keep long hair up and confined. Avoid use of flammable hair spray and loose fitting clothing.

  11. Fire Detection & Alarms • When a room smoke detector is activated it will alert the room only. • A common area detector will activate a general building alarm. In both cases Public Safety is immediately notified of the alarm activation. • When a pull station is activated Public Safety is notified and the building general alarm is activated.

  12. Help Prevent Nuisance Fire Alarms • Aerosol • Steam • Tobacco smoke • Incense DO NOT COVER ANY DETECTOR!

  13. Fire Control Fire extinguishers are not to hold open doors or for water fights. The extinguishers are there for first responders to use in the event of a fire.

  14. Sprinkler Systems • If your dormitory has a sprinkler system please keep the sprinkler heads clear from any type of obstruction. Keep stored materials at least 18” from the sprinkler head. Do not hang any items from the sprinkler head. • In the event of a sprinkler activation a general alarm will sound.

  15. Evacuation React promptly to all alarms - Get Out! Know at least two evacuation routes from your room

  16. Evacuation Procedures • Take your room key • Check door before opening • Open the door slowly

  17. Evacuation Procedures • Close doors behind you • Stay low • Follow hall to exit • Remain outside until “All Clear”

  18. Evacuation Procedures If you are trapped, stay in your room and dial 9-1-1: • Give information • Put towels under door • Hang sheet For complete procedure - refer to Residential Living Guide.

  19. Mandatory Evacuation Drills State law requires that the University conduct two fire drills per year.

  20. Fire Safety Policieshttp://www.princeton.edu/housing/ The following are some examples of prohibitions: • torchiere halogen lamps • flammable holiday decorations (e.g., live trees & wreaths) • Candles, fireworks or flammable liquids if found all occupants receive a fine and the materials are confiscated and disposed. Please see the Housing web page for full details.

  21. Authorized Heat Producing Electrical Appliances • Coffee Makers: A thermostat and in line fuse. • Iced Tea Makers: A thermostat and in line fuse. • Hot Air Popper: A thermostat and in line fuse. No reservoir for heating butter/margarine. • Tea Kettle: A thermostat and in line fuse. Restricted spout opening.

  22. Policy Changes • Room entry doors – wedged/propped = automatic fine. • Candles – automatic fine (Candles are banned). • Refrigerator/Freezer – Only ONE per occupant. • Evacuation Placards on back of the doors. • Fines – Charged per occupant NOT divided amongst roommates. • No removal of screens or doors from rooms. • Room entry doors will be locked by all University personnel when leaving rooms.

  23. Carbon Monoxide • Butler – 1915, Lourie Love • Forbes – Main, Addition, 99 Alexander Road • Wilson - Wilcox

  24. Fire Safety Violationshttp://facilities.princeton.edu/housing/ The following are the most common fire safety violations: • Candles! • Improper use of electric cords. • Entry doors propped open. • Tampering with fire extinguishers. • Blocking or obstructing egress routes.

  25. The following are sanctions that can result from non compliance: • Disciplinary Measures -- Can Affect Your University Status • Criminal Prosecution • Refer to RLG for Penalty Specifics • Fines -- Will Cost You $$

  26. Fine Schedule Unlit Candles: • 1st offense $50 fine per occupant & disciplinary action by Dean's office.                                 • 2nd offense $100 fine per occupant & disciplinary action by Dean's office.                               

  27. Fine Schedule Lit Candles: • 1st offense - $100 fine per occupant along with discipline by Dean and any damages to room or structure. • 2ndoffense - $200 fine per occupant along with discipline by Dean and any damages to room or structure.

  28. Dormitory Fire Safety Inspection Program Fire inspections start this fall and there are four inspections for every dorm per year. If you have any questions please refer to the Residential Living Guide or call 8-3995.

  29. Things to Remember • Review the policy changes. • It only takes minutes for fire to spread. • The toxic smoke is what causes injury and death. • So when the alarm sounds get out and stay out.

  30. More Information Bob Gregory - Fire Marshal Public Safety Department - Stanhope Hall x 8-6805 rgg@princeton.edu Ken Paulaski - Housing Inspection Manager Housing Office - MacMillan Building x 8-3995 kenpaul@princeton.edu Housing Office Web Site – http://facilities.princeton.edu/housing/ Public Safety Web Site http: //web.princeton.edu/sites/publicsafety/

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