SBU Fire Stats, Annual Report, Smoking Policy

Fire Alarm Statistics 2010 

There were 80 fire incident responses in 2010. Five (5) of those were reported as fires, the rest were fire alarm responses for various reasons. Out of those five (5) reported fires, all (5) of the responses were confirmed as actual fires. One (1) was confirmed in a building and four (4) were outside recreational fires. There was only one (1) that occurred in a residence hall, caused from a cooking mishap, and one (1) outside fire was an unfounded arson.

See the chart below for residence hall alarm cause details. Miscellaneous causes are various accidents; including possible hairspray accidents, etc... 

Annual Fire Safety Report, 2010 

Overview 

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110‐315) became law in August 2008, requiring all academic institutions in the U.S. to produce an annual fire safety report outlining fire safety practices, standards, and all fire‐related, on‐campus statistics. The following public disclosure report details all information required by this law as it relates to fire safety at St. Bonaventure University. 

Actual Resident Hall Fire Statistics 

General Statement of St. Bonaventure‐Owned Student Housing 

College‐owned housing at St. Bonaventure University consists of residence halls and apartments. 

Residence halls  

Devereux Hall *  

Doyle Hall *  

Francis Hall 

Robinson/Falconio Hall *  

Shay/Loughlen Hall  

These halls all have smoke detection and fire alarm systems that are monitored 24 hours per day, seven days a week by the Safety and Security department. Each bedroom has smoke detection, and each hallway has fire extinguishers. In addition, Shay/Loughlen Hall is covered by an automatic sprinkler system. These halls are steam heated and also have required carbon monoxide detectors where required, as indicated by the asterisk. (*)  

Apartment buildings 

Gardens East 

Gardens West 

Townhouse A 

Townhouse B 

Townhouse C 

Townhouses 21 thru 26 

Townhouse 31 thru 33 

Each of the 14 apartment buildings is protected by fire alarm systems. The fire alarm systems are also monitored 24 hours per day, seven days per week by the Safety and Security department. Each bedroom has smoke detection. Each apartment and each common area has fire extinguishers. All Apartments and areas where required have carbon monoxide detection. There are a total of 98 carbon monoxide detectors in the apartment buildings.  

Complete Listing of Residence Hall Fire safety Features  

The Safety and Security Department coordinates with the Police, Fire Department, State Fire Marshal; and Emergency Services in the investigation of any all fire incidents as necessary.  

Reported Fires

Specific Fire-Prevention Related Policies in Residence Halls 

Appendix I (Student Code of Conduct) – Fire Safety Policies and Procedures  

St. Bonaventure University adheres to all standards set forth by the New York State Department of Fire Safety, and requires that all students living in residence halls, including Townhouses, Apartments and Gardens, abide by the standards set forth below.  

Fire Safety Policies 

Appliances: The uncontrolled use of appliances can cause the overloading of circuits and result in fires in residence halls. Students are permitted to bring approved appliances provided they are all in good working order.  The following are approved appliances: televisions, irons, refrigerators (not to exceed 4.5 cubic feet).  Large appliances, such as refrigerators, must be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Students are encouraged to unplug appliances when not in use, and ALL items must be unplugged from outlets during breaks where the University closes its residence halls (please reference the Academic Calendar for dates which residence halls close). Many appliances are not permitted in the residence halls, including in Townhouses, Apartments and Gardens. These appliances include BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: microwaves, all sandwich and indoor grills, toaster ovens, toasters, waffle irons, hot plates, deep fryers, space heaters, propane tanks, electric frying pans or skillets, halogen lamps, etc.  

 Bonfires/Other Outdoor Fires – All burning or creating fires outdoors is strictly prohibited on campus grounds or property, including but not limited to creating bonfires, campfires, burning leaves, etc.  Should a club or organization wish to host an organized event that includes a bonfire, special permission may be obtained only through the Office of Safety and Security Services.   

Candles and Other Sources of Ignition: All candles, regardless of whether or not they are for decorative purposes, are strictly prohibited in all residence hall facilities. Additional sources of ignition that are prohibited in all residence hall facilities include, but are not limited to, the following: incense, lanterns, charcoal, lighter fluid of all kinds. Additionally, smoking is strictly prohibited within all residence hall facilities, and within 30 feet of the entrance/exit of all facilities.  

Evacuation during the Sounding of an Alarm: All persons are required to follow evacuation procedures listed below in “Fire Safety Procedures.”  Failing to do so will be considered a violation of this policy. 

Extension Cords, Multi-plug Adapters, Power Strips:  The New York State Fire Code has specific rules regarding the use of extension cords and similar devices. All extension cords and multi-plug adapters are strictly prohibited in all residence hall facilities. Surge protected power strips are permitted, but only power strips of the polarized or ground type, equipped with over-current protection. Power strips must be plugged directly into a permanent wall outlet. The daisy chaining of power strips (plugging one power strip into another) is strictly prohibited.  

Holiday Lights Christmas Trees, Cable Cords, Electrical Wires, etc.: Holiday lights are only permitted to be hung for 30 days. Real Christmas trees are prohibited in all residence hall facilities. Electrical and cable cords must not be stapled or nailed to a wall or floor. Tape may be used if necessary. Additionally, no cable or electrical wiring may run underneath carpeting, through doors or windows, or along the ceiling. 

Keeping Clear Exit Pathway:   Students are responsible for maintaining a safe, healthy and clean living environment.  Therefore, students must maintain a clear exit and entrance pathway free from obstruction in and out of their residence hall room and/or apartment, in case of emergencies.   Additionally, all hallways, stairwells, building entrances and exits, are to be kept clear of debris, furniture, etc. 

Outdoor Grills: Students living in Townhouses, Apartments and Gardens are permitted to have outdoor grills, provided they remain outdoors and at least 30 feet away from the building. Students are also reminded that the storage of charcoal and lighter fluid indoors is strictly prohibited. Grills may not be chained or otherwise attached to any facility on campus. 

Tampering with Fire Safety Equipment:  Tampering with any fire safety equipment in any facility is strictly prohibited, and punishable by law.  Actions such as removing batteries from smoke detectors, covering smoke detectors, tampering with sprinkler heads, affixing items to sprinkler pipes, setting off fire extinguishers, falsely pulling or otherwise activating a fire alarm, are extremely dangerous to the health and welfare of everyone, and are strictly prohibited.  

Wall and Window Coverings / Ceilings: Students are prohibited from covering more than 10% of a given wall in any residence facility. Therefore all tapestries and most window coverings (other than those provided by the University) are strictly prohibited. Additionally, hanging any objects from ceilings is strictly prohibited.  

Fire Safety Procedures 

St. Bonaventure will consistently abide by and enforce all fire safety policies. Students living in residence halls are subject to the following procedures with regards to fire safety: 

Fire Alarms and Evacuation: Whenever a fire alarm sounds, students must exit the residence facility immediately, and remain at least 50 ft. away from the building, until appropriate Residence Life or Safety and Security personnel announce that students are permitted to re-enter. Students failing to exit the residence hall during the sounding of an alarm, or re-entering the residence hall before given permission, will be subject to the judicial hearing process. In the event of a real fire, please EXIT THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY utilizing the nearest clear exit. If there is no alarm sounding, and there is a pull box along your exit pathway, please pull the fire alarm. However, if there is no pull box on your way out of the building, continue your exit and notify the Office of Safety and Security using the nearest emergency phone, or by calling 375-2525. All fire alarms must be taken seriously, and students must evacuate the residence hall immediately during any sounding of an alarm.  

Inspection: All residence hall facilities are subject to unannounced fire safety inspections throughout the year. These inspections may be conducted by authorized personnel from the student life division, maintenance department, and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Inspections will occur regardless of whether students are present in the room at the time. 

Violations: If violations of the above mentioned fire safety policies are found during inspections, or at any other time, students occupying the room or apartment may be subject to automatic fines, and/or the judicial hearing process. Students found to be in violation of the New York State Fire Code are responsible for their individual actions and will pay restitution to St. Bonaventure University for any and all fines levied by New York state to the University as a result of their actions or violation of the law. 

Education and Training Programs 

The Fire/Life Safety Officer in accordance with the office of fire prevention and Control (OFPC), conducts training in the form of a minimum of four drills in each campus building per year. Seminars are conducted to update and train residence life and security staff.  Residence life staff trains the student community in the form of documented floor meetings.   

To Report a Fire 

If a fire is discovered all campus community members are to call 911/or 2525 to report a fire. 

Plans for Fire Safety Improvements 

St. Bonaventure University plans include continual educational and technological advancements to improve life safety for the community. Recent proposals are in place to advance significantly electronic reporting of exact alarm locations directly to Safety and Security. This will cut response/corrective actions time down and improve overall safety.  

Appendix T (Student Code of Conduct) – Smoking Policy 

The New York State Legislature has determined that there is a significant body of scientific literature showing that breathing second-hand smoke is a health hazard for nonsmokers. To protect nonsmokers from involuntary exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in indoor areas, and to preserve the health, comfort and environment of the people of New York, the Legislature has enacted a law regulating smoking in certain public areas, including private educational institutions. St. Bonaventure University, as an educational community and consistent with the Franciscan values recognizing the sanctity of human life, complies with this New York state mandated health policy.  

In compliance with state law, then, and faithful to the core values of St. Bonaventure University, the following smoking regulations have been adopted:  

1. Smoke-free Workplace: St. Bonaventure University guarantees its employees and students a smoke-free workplace.  

a) Smoking is prohibited in ALL indoor areas of the University, including University vehicles.  

b) Smoking is not permitted in any residence facility, at anytime.  

c) Smoking is prohibited within 30 feet or less distance from all entrances/exits to all University buildings.  

2. Tobacco Products: Sale of tobacco products is restricted on campus.  

3. Posting of Signs: “No Smoking” signs will be prominently displayed. Additionally, copies of this policy will be posted on the University Web site, employee handbooks and available to all employees and prospective employees upon request.  

4. Enforcement: Failure to comply with this policy places both the smoker and the University at risk of substantial civil penalty.  

1. Sanctions: Sanctions will be imposed as a result of a University judicial hearing. 
2. Flagrant repeated violations of this policy may be cause for severe disciplinary action up to and including dismissal (for employees) or expulsion (for students). These sanctions will  be assessed through already existing University procedures.  

Responsible Person: Complaints may be directed to the director of Safety and Security, the University’s agent responsible for enforcing this policy, and/or the residence life staff for violations occurring in the residence halls. 

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