Fire Safety Report

Campus Fire Safety Annual Compliance Report

Overview
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315) became law in August, 2008, requiring all United States academic institutions 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 Catawba College.


General Statement of College Owned/Controlled Student Housing
At Catawba College all residence halls are equipped with fire alarm systems that annunciate to the Public Safety Office and are monitored by Simplex Grinnell 24 hours/day, seven days/week. Hollifield, Pine Knot, Goodman East, Goodman West, Purcell, Fuller and Graham residence halls are equipped with fire sprinkler systems.


Fire Safety Plans
If a fire is discovered in any college building members of the campus are encouraged to call the Catawba College Public Safety Office at 704.637.4000. The fire alarm emergency signal is a continuous sounding of the fire alarm. In case of a fire, each person in the residence hall or building should leave the building as quickly as possible, using available stairways and fire escapes. Each student or campus community member should also leave room doors unlocked and close the door upon exiting their room. Students and community members should walk quietly and quickly downstairs and stand in a designated area away from the building. After reaching safety, call the Public Safety Office at ext. 4000 or dial 911 for assistance.


Emergency Telephone and Campus Numbers
Fire: 704-637-4000, ext. 4000, or 911


Building Fire Equipment
Mechanical problems with locks, doors, or other security or fire equipment should be reported to Facilities Management or the Public Safety Office.

Students are encouraged not to walk on fire escapes of college buildings excepting during drills or a fire emergency. Any student found not evacuating the building immediately will be fined $50 and is subject to additional disciplinary action.


How to Report a Fire
If a burning odor or smoke is present, call the Public Safety Office at extension 4000 (or dial 911). Report the exact location of the fire and, if known, what is burning. If a fire is detected, sound the building alarm by pulling an alarm station.


Fire Safety Procedures
The Student Conduct Administrator will use the resources and information provided by the Residence Life Staff, Public Safety Officers, other college officials and local fire and law enforcement officers to determine the circumstances involved in the activation of the alarm. The activation of a fire alarm will be investigated and subject to immediate conduct proceedings. The Student Conduct Administrator will make a determination of an (intentional) or (unintentional) fire alarm and proceed accordingly within the guidelines of the student conduct process.


A. Actions to Take

  1. If you can help control the fire without personal danger, take action with available firefighting equipment. If not, leave the area.
  2. A local alarm station will cause the alarm to sound; this will notify the alarm company and annunciate the panel box located in the Public Safety Office.
  3. Never allow the fire to come between you and an exit.
  4. Remove all persons from the danger area. Close doors behind you to confine the fire.


B. Response to Audible Fire Alarms

  1. If the audible alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately.
  2. Do not use the elevators.
  3. If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who appear to need assistance.
  4. Leave all parcels and personal property inside.
  5. Remain approximately 100 feet from the exits to help facilitate clear access to the building for the fire department.
  6. Return to the building only when instructed to do so by campus public safety, police, or fire department officials.


Policies Related to Fire Safety Measures

Open Flames
Students are strictly prohibited from using any object with the capability to create an open flame in the residence halls.


Candles and Incense
In conjunction with the open flames fire safety policy, all candles incense, oil burners, etc., are strictly prohibited in the residence halls and campus buildings.


Fireworks
The College strictly forbids the use or possession of fireworks, firecrackers, or any other type of explosive.


Decorations
The College strictly prohibits LIVE Christmas tees in buildings. Holiday and decorative lighting as decorations are prohibited in the rooms as this does not comply with fire safety regulations.


Electrical Equipment
In the event that students need additional outlets or plugs, surge protectors with an automatic circuit breaker are accepted electrical devices for use. All other plug extenders or multipliers are prohibited. Extension cords may not contain multiple plug ends or be connected to other extension cords.


Appliances and Cooking
The college has approved only a limited number of appliances that may be used in the residence halls. The following appliances are strictly prohibited: Open coil burners (hot plates), griddles or grills, regular toasters, electric hamburger or hotdog cookers (including George Foreman grills), indoor/outdoor grills or hibachis, and any high heat appliance capable of heating cooking oil to the boiling point.

Because residents of Abernethy Village and Hurley Hall will have access to kitchen facilities within their building, small plug in appliances (such as George Foreman grills, toasters, coffee makers, etc.) will be permitted in these areas. Appliances must use wall outlets and special care should be taken to insure the proper operating procedures are strictly followed. Items such as oil fryers and coil burners (hot plates) will not be permitted.


Fire Safety Training
Catawba College Student Affairs, Resident Assistants and Public Safety Office conduct four fire drills annually in campus residence halls.

Catawba College currently and routinely contacts the Salisbury Fire Department for training and advice.