Fire Right to Know

The fire statistics that are displayed below are for the years of 2012, 2013 and 2014. This follows The Federal Department of Education’s guidelines for the publishing of crime and fire data, by October 1st, for the previous three years. These crime and fire statistics can also be viewed on the Department of Education’s web site. 

This guide is published annually in compliance with section 485(i) of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, otherwise known as the Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act. It contains resident housing information on fire statistics, Safety and Security’s “Fire Log”, fire safety equipment and plans to improve this equipment, fire safety training and drills, procedures for evacuation, and rules on portable electrical appliances, smoking and open flames.

All currently registered students as well as employees are advised each year of the guide’s availability, the exact electronic address at which the report is posted, a brief description of the report’s contents, and a statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the report upon request. 

Printed copies may be requested by calling Safety and Security at (440) 826-2737. Prospective students and employees of the University are also informed of the guide’s availability by Admissions and Human Resources, and these departments have printed copies available in their reception/office areas.

Fire Log

The Safety and Security Department maintains a written, easily understood fire log that records, by the date that the fire was reported, any fire that occurred in an on-campus student housing facility. This log includes the nature, date, time, and general location of each fire, and is located in the front lobby of Safety and Security (296 Beech Street).

Student Residence Fire Safety Systems and Instances of Fire

Below is a list of all campus facilities used to house students, a description of each facility’s fire safety systems, and statistical information on the occurrences of fire in each facility. The Department of Education’s definition of a fire is “any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning”.

Floreske Apartments:
”Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable smoke detectors/pull stations and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2008. Detectors are located in apartments, common areas and the mechanical rooms, and detectors are set to factory specifications for sensitivity. Pull stations are located in common areas. The building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers and emergency release magnetic doors.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Carmel Living and Learning Center:
”Simplex” brand fire safety system, model 4002, with addressable smoke detectors/heat detectors/pull stations and network communication with an alarm monitoring company. System installed/updated in 1998. Detectors are located in suites, common areas and the mechanical/I.T. rooms, and detectors are set to factory specifications for sensitivity. The building has a “dry” sprinkler system with “life safety” sprinkler heads in the attic. Building also has fire extinguishers and emergency release magnetic doors.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 1

Findley Hall:
”Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable pull stations and smoke detectors with network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2009. Pull stations are located in common areas and mechanical rooms. The building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

North Hall:
”Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable heat detectors/pull stations and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. Pull stations are located in common areas. Heat Detectors are located in common areas and mechanical rooms, and are set to factory specifications for sensitivity. System installed/updated in 2008. The building has non-addressable smoke detectors. The building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

21 Beech Street:
“Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable smoke detectors/pull stations and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2008. Smoke detectors are located in suites and are set to factory specifications for sensitivity. Pull stations are located in common areas and mechanical rooms. The building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

63 Beech Street:
“Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable smoke detectors/pull stations and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2007. Pull stations are located in common areas. The building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Saylor Hall:
“Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable smoke detectors/pull stations and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2007. Pull stations are located in common areas. The building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Klein Hall:
“Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable smoke detectors/pull stations and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2007. Pull stations are located in common areas. The building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Kohler Hall:
“Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable smoke detectors/pull stations and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2006. Smoke detectors are located in common areas and are set to factory specifications for sensitivity. Pull stations are located in common areas. The building has a sprinkler system no info with “life safety” sprinkler Heads. Building also has fire extinguishers and emergency release magnetic doors.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Constitution Hall:
"Gamewell" brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable smoke detectors/pull stations and network, communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security.  System installed/updated in 2008.  Pull stations are located in common areas.  The Building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Note: There was a garbage can reported on fire in 2013 outside of Constitution East which was immediately extinguished. 

Ernsthausen Hall:
"Gamewell" brand IF610, with addressable smoke detectors/pull stations and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2004. The building has a sprinkler system with "life safety" sprinkler heads located in the first floor lounge.  Building also has fire extinguishers and emergency release magnetic doors.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Townhouse Apartments:
“Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable smoke detectors/pull stations and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2003. Pull stations are located in common areas. The building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers and emergency release magnetic doors.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Heritage Hall:
“Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable pull stations/smoke detectors and network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2008. The building has a sprinkler system with “life safety” sprinkler Heads. Building also has fire extinguishers and emergency release magnetic doors.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Harding House:
“Gamewell” brand fire safety system, model IF610, with addressable pull stations and smoke detectors with network communication with Dispatch at Safety and Security. System installed/updated in 2009. Pull stations are located in common areas and mechanical rooms. The building does not have a sprinkler system, but it does have fire extinguishers.

• Number of fires in this facility in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in this facility in 2014: 0

Campus Houses:
Baldwin-Wallace houses students at 28 E 5th Street, 351 ½ Beech Street, 352 Eastland Road, 362 Front Street, 372 Front Street, 378 Front Street, 384 Front Street and 390 Front Street.

All of these campus houses have non-addressable, battery operated smoke detectors in bedrooms and common areas. These houses also have one fire extinguisher on each floor of the facility.

• Number of fires in the above listed campus houses in 2012: 0
• Number of fires in the above listed campus houses in 2013: 0
• Number of fires in the above listed campus houses in 2014: 0

Residence Hall Fire Safety System Annual Testing:

All University Residence Halls that are equipped with a “Simplex” or “Gamewell” brand fire safety systems are tested by a certified fire safety contractor once per calendar year, including a test of each individual device. All University residence hall non-addressable smoke detectors are also tested once per calendar year by a certified fire safety contractor. Residence Life replaces the batteries in each campus house smoke detector annually, just prior to the beginning of the school year. All campus fire extinguishers are tested and recharged on an annual basis.

Student Housing Fire Reporting and Evacuation Procedures

Basic fire safety instruction is provided to all students living in residence halls who attend the orientation program at the beginning of each academic year. In addition, each residence hall conducts a fire drill once per semester. All residence hall staff members receive additional intensive and comprehensive fire safety training throughout the year.

If a fire is detected or the fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building by stairs and exits. Do not use elevators. Isolate the fire by closing doors as you leave. Do not attempt to extinguish fires unless you have been trained on the proper use of portable fire extinguishers. Activate the nearest fire alarm if it has not already been activated. Report a fire to the Berea Fire Department (911) and Safety and Security (x2000) from a phone in a safe area.

Once outside the building, move to a safe area, away from any potential dangers (breaking windows and falling debris). If you have knowledge of the cause and location of the alarm/smoke/fire, advise safety responders immediately. Do not re-enter the building until expressly advised that it is safe to do so by a fire department official, a residence life staff member or a University safety and security officer. Any fires that were quickly extinguished or any evidence of recent fires must be reported immediately to a residence hall staff member or the Safety and Security Department at (440) 826-2336, who will document the incident as required. Safety and Security and Residence Life coordinate with the Berea Fire Department and the Berea Police Department in the investigation of each fire incident.

Residence Life Policies Regarding Fire Safety

Fire Safety Equipment and Procedures

1. It is a serious offense to tamper with fire safety equipment. Matters of safety and security are of primary importance to the campus community. Residents who are careless may jeopardize the welfare of everyone. As such, safety violations will be addressed through serious sanctions, including immediate removal from campus housing. Residents are expected to forego personal convenience in the interests of community safety. As such, the following behaviors are prohibited:
2. • Propping doors
   • Tampering with fire safety equipment (including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and pull stations)
   • Destruction or removal of a door fire safety evacuation document, which are to be in plain sight
   • Engaging the stop button on an elevator when there is no emergency
   • Pulling false fire alarms
   • Failing to exit a building when a fire alarm sounds
3. Residents are not permitted to leave personal belongings (i.e. shoes, basket, cloths, food, etc…) in the hallways or stairwells as this creates an obstacle to free access to and from the building/apartment/house. 
4. In the event of a fire alarm sounding (including fire drills), residents and guests must do the following:
5. • Evacuate the building immediately
   • Move at least 100 feet away from the building, and do not block the street or parking lot to allow fire department access
   • No person should return to the building unless fire department personnel give an "all clear"

Smoking
The term "tobacco product" refers to any cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, alternative smoking device (e.g. e-cigarettes and vaporizers), smokeless or spit tobacco (also known as dip, chew, snuff) or any other smoking product. 

1. The use of any tobacco products (smoke or smokeless) is prohibited in campus housing.
2. All smoking must occur at least 25 feet from any part of any residence hall and academic building.
3. Smoking is not permitted on Amelia Harding property.
4. Cigarette butts must be disposed of in proper receptacles.
5. Hookah or similar smoking devices are considered illegal.

Candles/Open Flame

1. Open flames, including, but not limited to candles (wickless, decorative or otherwise), incense lanterns, potpourri, cookers, flammable fluids and candle warmers, are not permitted in any residential facility. Residents needing to burn incense for religious or cultural ceremony must have permission from the area coordinator of that living area prior to the religious event.
2. Due to the high potential of fire, Christmas trees, pine roping or garland and any flammable decoration made of cotton batting, straw, vines, leaves and shrubbery are prohibited.

Electrical Appliances

1. In compliance with fire and safety codes, the following appliances are not approved for use in any residential facility:
2. • Halogen lamps
   • Appliances with an exposed heating surface (e.g., toasters, toasters ovens, hot pots, hot plates, portable stove burners)
   • Space heaters
   • Freezers
   • Refrigerators larger than 5.0 cubic feet
   • Microwave ovens larger than 2.0 cubic feet
   • George Foreman Grills and similar type grills
3. For safety reasons, only heavy-duty extension cords with a minimum of 14 gauge wire are allowed. If residents use surge protectors, they must be UL approved and with a self-tripping breaker.
4. Residents may bring small refrigerators. No more than one refrigerator per resident, with a maximum of two per living area, is allowed. 
5. Refrigerators must be plugged directly into a wall outlet and not a surge protector. 
6. All electrical appliances will be unplugged during winter break and only refrigerators and fish aquariums may be left on during spring break.