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Fire Safety Policies

Annual Fire Safety Report

Pursuant to the requirements of Federal Register Section 668.41 (e) “Fire Safety Report” this annual report contains fire statistics for the calendar years 2019, 2018, and 2017. In addition, fire safety systems are described in the section entitled “Residence Hall Fire Detection Alarm and Suppression Systems” found below.

Fire Safety Policies

Definition of a Fire:

  • Any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner

Prohibited Items:

  • Electrical devices and electronics that are not UL rated (Underwriter Laboratories rated)
  • Extension cords are not permitted in residence halls
  • Space heaters
  • Halogen lamps
  • Hookahs
  • Live Christmas trees, wreaths, or jack-o-lanterns
  • Items hanging from walls or ceilings that could interfere with vents, electrical outlets, or otherwise pose a fire hazard
  • Furniture that is not fire retardant
  • Devices that produce an open flame
  • Microwave ovens, exceeding 700 watts
  • Electric blankets

Approved Electrical Appliances:

  • Microwaves are not to exceed 700 watts
  • Power strips must be UL rated
  • Energy star efficient appliances

The University of Mount Saint Vincent can prohibit any item that could possibly pose a fire hazard.

Procedures for Evacuation
In the event of a smoke condition or fire employees, students, and visitors must follow these steps:

  1. Get out of the area and alert others of the condition and the need to evacuate. This can be accomplished by knocking on doors and stating the condition as you leave the area through the nearest exit.
  2. Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
  3. Call fire emergency services at 911 and campus security at 718-405-3434. Provide as much information as possible regarding the condition.
  4. Everyone must evacuate the building at once through the nearest exit.
  5. The evacuees will then proceed across the street from the affected building. They will remain there until the Fire Department investigates.
  6. The evacuees will be allowed to re-enter the building only after the Fire Department declares the area “all clear” and upon direction of Campus Security and Resident Assistants.

Fire Log
The University of Mount Saint Vincent’s maintains a fire log and it is available to the public. It is maintained in the Office of Campus Safety and Security located in Maloney Center Room 1, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Fire Safety Education and Training Programs
A fire safety education and training program is provided to all residence life staff and security personnel. In addi­tion, security personnel are required to maintain a current New York City Fire Department Fire Safety Certification.

The Security Department staff conduct fire drills. Complete evacu­ations are conducted during the fire drills and participants are advised of safety requirements and the assembly loca­tion for evacuees. The students are informed that they are required to participate and evacuate the building when the fire alarm sounds.

Residence Life staff conduct inspections of residence hall rooms to make sure that the smoke detectors are operational and that there are no fire hazards. Campus security and facilities employees check fire extinguishers on campus and inspect exits to assure that none are blocked and could pose a fire hazard.