Transcript 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
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.
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
Fire Source
The source of the Seton Hall
fire was three upholstered
couches in third floor lounge
which caused Intense heat
and smoke.
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.
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.
Control Sources of Ignition
 Do not overload electric
circuits and make sure
extension cords are
used properly.
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!
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.
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.
Help Prevent Nuisance Fire
Alarms
Aerosol
Steam
Tobacco smoke
Incense
DO NOT COVER ANY DETECTOR!
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.
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.
Evacuation
React promptly to all alarms
- Get Out!
Know at least two evacuation
routes from your room
Evacuation Procedures
 Take your room key
 Check door before
opening
 Open the door slowly
Evacuation Procedures
 Close doors behind you
 Stay low
 Follow hall to exit
 Remain outside until
“All Clear”
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.
Mandatory Evacuation Drills
State law requires
that the University
conduct two fire
drills per year.
Fire Safety Policies
http://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.
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.
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.
Carbon Monoxide
 Butler – 1915, Lourie
Love
 Forbes – Main,
Addition, 99 Alexander
Road
 Wilson - Wilcox
Fire Safety Violations
http://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.
The following are sanctions
that can result from non
compliance:
Fines -- Will Cost You $$
 Disciplinary Measures -- Can
Affect Your University Status
 Criminal Prosecution
 Refer to RLG for Penalty
Specifics
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Information
Bob Gregory - Fire Marshal
Public Safety Department - Stanhope Hall
x 8-6805
[email protected]
Ken Paulaski - Housing Inspection Manager
Housing Office - MacMillan Building
x 8-3995
[email protected]
Housing Office Web Site – http://facilities.princeton.edu/housing/
Public Safety Web Site http: //web.princeton.edu/sites/publicsafety/