2018-2019 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

ASFSR 2018-2019
171
Fire Safety Report
SMOKE ALARMS & SMOKE DETECTORS
Although they look alike, they are not; smoke
alarms are found within dorm rooms, whereas
smoke detectors are in common areas such as the
hallways, and in newer facilities rooms that have
been configured for persons with physical disabilities.
A smoke alarm and smoke detector work the same,
they both sense smoke or products of combustion,
but a smoke alarm makes noise when it senses
smoke, whereas a smoke detector sends a signal to
the fire alarm system. This then activates all of the
audible alerts, flashing lights, and summons the fire
department. Students must submit a Request for
Services to the area/hall office to report a damaged
or faulty smoke alarm. Only residence hall staff may
disconnect smoke alarms; the building maintenance
inspector will replace damaged or faulty alarms.
Any resident who disconnects, covers, or otherwise
tampers with a smoke alarm will be assessed a fine
and referred to the university discipline system.
SMOKE DETECTORS
A state statute provides that tampering with,
removing, or destroying a smoke detector is a Class
A misdemeanor. This equipment is in place for
residents’ safety and for that of neighboring rooms.
Residents who tamper with fire equipment will be
referred for judicial action and/or residence hall
contract termination.
FIRE ALARMS AND FIRE DRILLS
UIC CHICAGO CAMPUS EAST AND CHICAGO
CAMPUS WEST
UIC CAMPUS HOUSING
For resident safety, a fire drill will be conducted early
in each semester. Therefore, there are at least two fire
drills each calendar year.
UIC SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CAMPUS
UIS HOUSING & DEPARTMENT OF RESIDENCE
LIFE
An annual fire drill for campus housing units is
coordinated by the UIS DRL. Evacuation drills such
as fire drills are coordinated by Residence Life
and the UISPD each year for Springfield campus
residence halls and other occupied residential
housing units to ensure that emergency response and
evacuation procedures are tested. Students living in
Springfield campus residence halls are provided the
locations of emergency exits in the buildings and are
provided guidance about the direction they should
travel when exiting each facility for a short-term
building evacuation.
UIC URBANA-CHAMPAIGN REGIONAL CAMPUS
UIUC UNIVERSITY HOUSING
For resident safety, a fire drill will be conducted early
in each semester. Therefore, there are at least two fire
drills each calendar year.
FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION
AND TRAINING
UIC CHICAGO CAMPUS EAST AND CHICAGO CAMPUS
WEST
UIC CAMPUS HOUSING
Campus Housing provides employees with education on fire safety and
information on how to report a fire, or evidence of a fire, to whom, and
procedures to be followed when a fire alarm signals.
Each UIC building has fire evacuation plans and maps posted in
common areas. All employees and students are encouraged to become
familiar with the escape routes for all buildings and floors and the
locations of fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations, if equipped. In
the event of a fire or evacuation, everyone should follow the fire safety
evacuation route and immediately vacate the premises until the officials
in charge declare the premises safe to re-enter. Exits and areas around
fire extinguishers must be kept clear at all times.
INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE PROTECTION
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
Periodic unannounced fire safety inspections and evacuation drills
are held to test equipment and procedures each term. The inspection
is conducted by authorized UIC personnel. However, the inspection
process is also used to educate residents on fire safety. The inspections
include, but are not limited to, a visual examination of electrical cords,
sprinkler heads, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and other life safety
systems. The inspection is intended to identify violations of fire code
and contracts. In addition, rooms are inspected for the presence
of prohibited items (e.g., sources of open flames, such as candles;
extension cords; halogen lamps; portable cooking appliances in nonkitchen
areas; etc.) or prohibited activities (e.g., smoking in the room;
tampering with life safety equipment; possession of pets; etc.). Any
noted violations must be corrected, and follow-up inspections are
conducted by Campus Housing or EHSO. Prohibited items will be
immediately confiscated and given to the Campus Housing Director’s
staff for disposal.
ASFSR 2018-2019
172
Fire Safety Report
The UIC EHSO conducts the drills in coordination
with the Campus Housing staff, campus electricians,
and the UICPD. The residents are not notified in
advance of the date or time of the scheduled drill.
When the fire alarm system is activated, all residents
are required to evacuate the building immediately.
They are informed that a drill is taking place as they
exit the building.
THE AUTOMATIC LOFTS
The Automatic Lofts does not coordinate fire drills;
however, most fire safety equipment is tested at
least annually, and the building’s fire pump is tested
monthly.
TAILOR LOFTS
Tailor Lofts conducts one fire drill annually.
The EHSO Fire Safety staff arrange with the campus electricians and
UICPD to be present at the evacuation drills. The campus electrician
activates the fire alarm. The Residential Facility staff meets with the
students and staff at the facility’s designated meeting area to ensure all
students have evacuated. The staff also notes any facility malfunctions
during the drill (doors not closing properly, alarm not sounding, etc.).
After the alarm has been reset and put back into service, the Fire Safety
staff gives the all clear to re-enter the facility. The Fire Safety staff times
the drill and conducts a critique of the drill immediately after the drill
with the residential staff.
All Resident Directors, Resident Assistants, and Campus Residential
Facility Staff Supervisors receive fire safety training each term from the
EHSO Fire Safety staff. All of the above then schedule floor meetings
and staff meetings for fire safety training.