2011 Campus Security Act Fire Safety Report
Statistics for each on-campus housing facility, during the most recent calendar years for which data are available, concerning each of the following:
|
Date |
Location |
Cause |
Damage Amount |
Injuries |
Deaths |
|
11/18/09 |
Parklawn |
Unintentional - Cooking |
$7,000.00 |
0 |
0 |
|
8/20/09 |
Hawkeye Court |
Unintentional - Cooking |
$150 |
0 |
0 |
|
1/21/09 |
Mayflower |
Unintentional - Cooking |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
10/30/08 |
Burge Hall |
Intentional |
$5,000.00 |
0 |
0 |
|
08/25/08 |
Burge Hall |
Unintentional - Other |
$5,000.00 |
0 |
0 |
|
08/12/08 |
Parklawn |
Unintentional - Cooking |
$300.00 |
0 |
0 |
|
07/02/08 |
Hillcrest |
Unintentional - Cooking |
$2,000.00 |
0 |
0 |
|
06/13/08 |
394 Hawkeye Ct. |
Unintentional - Cooking |
$26,000.00 |
0 |
0 |
|
02/01/08 |
Quadrangle |
Unintentional - Cooking |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
01/20/08 |
Mayflower |
Unintentional - Cooking |
$5.00 |
0 |
0 |
|
12/10/07 |
Mayflower |
Unintentional - Cooking |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
11/19/07 |
Hawkeye Drive |
Unintentional - Cooking |
$12,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
10/21/07 |
Mayflower |
Unintentional - Cooking |
$150 |
0 |
0 |
|
9/9/07 |
Rienow |
Unintentional - Electrical |
$10 |
0 |
0 |
|
8/29/07 |
Hawkeye Drive |
Unintentional - Cooking |
$114 |
0 |
0 |
|
3/30/07 |
Parklawn |
Undetermined |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Descriptions of each on-campus student housing facility and their fire safety systems
Burge Hall
Burge Hall is a 5 story residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 939 students. The building is constructed with fire resistive building materials. The building is protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system and the exit stairways are equipped with wet-manual fire department use only standpipe system. Both systems are supplied by an electric fire pump. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. Portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building. Fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible alarm. 13 - UL300 listed kitchen hood fire suppression systems are also installed in the Burge dining & kitchen area. The building is equipped with on-site diesel powered emergency generator, which provides electrical power to all fire / life safety systems in the building, should the normal power fail. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Currier Hall
Currier Hall is a 4 story residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 618 students. The building is constructed with fire resistive and ordinary types of construction materials and approaches. Presently, only the building’s attic space and trash rooms on all floors are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system which is supplied by an electric fire pump. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. Portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building. Fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible alarm. The building is equipped with on-site diesel powered emergency generator, which provides electrical power to all fire / life safety systems in the building, should the normal power fail. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Daum Hall
Daum Hall is an 8 story “high rise” residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 293 students. The building is constructed with fire resistive building materials. The building is protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system and the exit stairways are equipped with wet-automatic fire department use only standpipe system. Both systems are supplied by an electric fire pump. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. Portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building. Fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible alarm. Due to the height of the building, the exit stairways are pressurized by fans connected to a smoke control system which activates on a general fire alarm condition. The building is equipped with on-site diesel powered emergency generator, which provides electrical power to all fire / life safety systems in the building, should the normal power fail. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Hillcrest
Hillcrest is a 5 story residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 802 students. The building is constructed with fire resistive building materials. Presently, only renovated / new portions of the building are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system with some of the exit stairways having wet-automatic fire department use only standpipes. Both systems are supplied by an electric fire pump. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. Portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building. Fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible alarm. 6 - UL300 listed kitchen hood fire suppression systems are also installed in the Hillcrest dining & kitchen areas. The building is equipped with on-site diesel powered emergency generator, which provides electrical power to all fire / life safety systems in the building, should the normal power fail. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Mayflower Hall
Mayflower is an 8 story “high rise” residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 1009 students. The building is constructed with fire resistive building materials. The building is protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system and the exit stairways are equipped with a wet-automatic fire department use only standpipe system. Both systems are supplied by an electric fire pump. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. A 5# multi-purpose (ABC) dry chemical fire extinguisher is located within each kitchenette area which is located between 2 dormitory rooms throughout the building. Additional portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building and fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible. Due to the height of the building, the exit stairways are pressurized by fans connected to a smoke control system which activates on a general fire alarm. The building is equipped with on-site diesel powered emergency generator, which provides electrical power to all fire / life safety systems in the building, should the normal power fail. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Parklawn
Parklawn is a 4 story residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 98 students. The building is constructed of an ordinary-protected type of construction. The building is protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system and the exit stairways are equipped with a wet-manual fire department use only standpipe system. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. A 5# multi-purpose (ABC) dry chemical fire extinguisher is located within the kitchenette area of each dormitory room. Additional portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building and fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible. All exit signs and emergency lighting units in the building are supported by individual battery back-up features which will provide up to 90 minutes of illumination should normal power fail. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Quadrangle
Quadrangle is a 3 story residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 358 students. The building is constructed of an ordinary-protected type of construction. The building is protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. Portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building. Fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible alarm. The building is connected to an on-site emergency generator, which provides electrical power to the exit signs and lighting, should normal power fail. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Reinow Hall
Reinow Hall is a 12 story “high rise” residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 477 students. The building is constructed with fire resistive building materials. The building is protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system and the exit stairways are equipped with a wet-automatic fire department use only standpipe system. Both systems are supplied by an electric fire pump. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. Portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building. Fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible alarm. Due to the height of the building, the exit stairways are pressurized by fans connected to a smoke control system which activates on a general fire alarm. The building is equipped with on-site diesel powered emergency generator, which provides electrical power to all fire / life safety systems in the building, should the normal power fail. A Halon 1301 system protects a telephone switch room in the basement of this building. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Slater Hall
Slater Hall is a 12 story “high rise” residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 499 students. The building is constructed with fire resistive building materials. The building is protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system and the exit stairways are equipped with a wet-automatic fire department use only standpipe system. Both systems are supplied by an electric fire pump. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. Portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building. Fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible alarm. Due to the height of the building, the exit stairways are pressurized by fans connected to a smoke control system which activates on a general fire alarm. The building is equipped with on-site diesel powered emergency generator, which provides electrical power to all fire / life safety systems in the building, should the normal power fail. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Stanley Hall
Stanley Hall is a 10 story “high rise” residential / dormitory occupancy which houses 384 students. The building is constructed with fire resistive building materials. The building is protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system and the exit stairways are equipped with a wet-automatic fire department use only standpipe system. Both systems are supplied by an electric fire pump. The building is equipped with a Notifier brand intelligent fire alarm system providing complete smoke / heat detection coverage, “protected” manual pull stations, and occupant notification having voice capabilities throughout the building. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector having a local “sounder” base and each detector is monitored by the building’s fire alarm system. Portable fire extinguishers are located and spaced accordingly throughout the building. Fire extinguisher cabinets in public areas are equipped with a local audible alarm. Due to the height of the building, the exit stairways are pressurized by fans connected to a smoke control system which activates on a general fire alarm. The building is equipped with on-site diesel powered emergency generator, which provides electrical power to all fire / life safety systems in the building, should the normal power fail. All fire protection systems are monitored off-site by UI Police communications.
Hawkeye Drive Apartments
Hawkeye Drive Apartments are 14 – 2 story individual buildings, having a total of 170 individual apartments. These buildings are constructed with fire resistive construction materials and all apartments have interior access. Each apartment building is equipped with a zoned fire alarm panel providing smoke and heat detection, manual pull stations, and occupant notification throughout the public spaces of each building. Each apartment is equipped with single station residential style smoke alarms having an individual battery back-up should normal power fail. Each building is equipped with 5# multi-purpose (ABC) dry chemical fire extinguishers in the public corridors and are spaced accordingly. All exit signs and emergency lighting units in the building are supported by individual battery back-up features which will provide up to 90 minutes of illumination should normal power fail.
Hawkeye Court Apartments
Hawkeye Court Apartments are 54 – 2 story individual buildings, having a total of 427 individual apartments. These buildings are constructed with fire resistive construction materials and all apartments have exterior access. Each apartment is equipped with single station residential style smoke alarms having an individual battery back-up should normal power fail. Each apartment is equipped with a 5# multi-purpose (ABC) dry chemical fire extinguisher for apartment’s kitchen area.
Regular mandatory supervised fire drills
Two fire drills are conducted each academic year per student housing facility (dormitory). The first fire drill for each academic year is conducted within the first 2-3 weeks of school; which is observed by Public Safety and the Iowa City Fire Dept. The second is conducted shortly after the winter break by the RAs and professional staff only.
Policies regarding portable electrical appliances, smoking, and open flames in resident halls (dormitory).
Cooking Appliances
In an attempt to keep the residence halls as safe as possible, the types of appliances that are allowed for cooking are limited. Only those appliances that do not:
- Have an exposed heating element;
- Use cooking greases;
- Or have an open flame are allowed. We also highly recommend using appliances that have an auto shut-off feature.
- Electric grills (i.e., George Foreman), pizza cookers, and toaster ovens are NOT allowed. Residence hall rooms with a kitchen provided (Mayflower) may use toaster ovens in the kitchen area only.
Electrical Appliances
All appliances must be in good working order. Do not overload electrical outlets with adapters or extension cords. All extension cords must be UL approved. Rooms are not wired to permit the use of any large electrical appliances including room air conditioners (unless supplied by the University), large refrigerators (over five cubic feet or drawing more than 9 amps), space heaters, etc. Halogen lamps are also prohibited. For safety reasons, we recommend using only appliances with an auto shut-off feature.
Explosives and Or Combustibles
The possession, use or distribution of any type of fireworks, ammunition/gun powder, fuses, or any explosives/combustibles of any kind is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. Propane tanks may not be stored in residence halls.
Halogen Lamps/Bulbs
Halogen lamps/bulbs are considered a fire hazard and therefore are prohibited in the residence halls.
Open Flame
Incense, candles (lit or unlit), and any open-flame items are fire hazards and are therefore prohibited. Any incense or candles found may be confiscated, destroyed and disciplinary sanctions may be imposed. Storage of these items is prohibited; residence life staff will not store these items for you.
Smoking
The University of Iowa Residence Halls are substance-free environments. Therefore the use of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco products, and legal smoking products are prohibited in residence hall student rooms and in public areas. Public areas include hallways, stairways, elevators, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, etc. Students over 18 years of age may possess and are allowed to store tobacco and legal smoking products but may not use them in the halls. Under the Smoke Free Air Act, smoking is banned on the entire University of Iowa campus.
Evacuation procedures in residence halls (dormitory)
University Housing staff provides residents with fire evacuation procedures and will hold fire drills to prepare residents in case of a fire. Each fall semester, University Housing sponsors "Fire Safety Week" to increase students' awareness of the importance of fire safety.
If you discover a fire:
- Immediately pull the corridor fire alarm.
- Call 911 to report the fire and give as much information as possible.
- The fire alarm will alert people to evacuate the building; don't attempt to rescue others unless you can do so safely.
- Standards of student behavior in the residence halls require students to follow adopted emergency procedures specific to University Housing. Any persons found not leaving or attempting to re-enter the building during an alarm may face disciplinary charges.
Evacuation from fire area
- Feel the door from top to bottom. If it is hot, do not proceed; go back.
- If the door is cool, crouch low and open the door slowly. Close the door quickly if smoke is present; smoke inhalation can be deadly.
- If the area is smoke-free, exit via the nearest stairwell. Stay low if smoke conditions exist.
- NEVER USE ELEVATORS when there is a fire!
- If you encounter heavy smoke in a stairwell, go back and try another stairwell or fire escape.
- If you are trapped in a room, do the following:
- Stuff wet towels or clothing under the door to keep smoke out.
- Open the windows. Wave something out the window to attract attention, and yell for help.
- If possible, dial 911; report your situation and location.
- Keep a soaked towel over your head.
- Stay low; breathe fresh air near the windows.
Policies regarding smoking and open flames in University Apartments
Smoking Policy
Under the Smoke-Free Air Act, smoking is banned on the entire University of Iowa campus which includes University Apartments. The use of smoking products is prohibited inside the apartments, in the apartment public areas, on the grounds, bus stops, and parking lots. The public areas include hallways, stairways, lobbies, restrooms, laundry rooms, etc.
Open Flames
Incense, candles (lit or unlit), and any open-flame items are fire hazards and are therefore prohibited. Any incense or candles found may be confiscated and destroyed. Storage of these items is prohibited.
Fire Prevention and Protection for University Apartments
Safety in the Home
- Incense, candles (lit or unlit), and any open-flame items are fire hazards and are therefore prohibited. Any incense or candles found may be confiscated and destroyed. Storage of these items is prohibited.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets with adapters or extension cords.
- If small children are around the apartment, insert plastic covers into outlets that aren’t being used. These can be found at hardware stores.
- Store lighters and matches up high where children can’t reach them. Be sure to fully extinguish matches before throwing them away.
- Unplug any extra hair appliances when not in use (e.g. curling irons, flat irons, etc.).
- Keep cords and electrical appliances away from any water source. Do not use electrical appliances when wet or while touching any standing water.
- Keep flammable objects away from open heat sources, including household heaters.
- Do not use portable space heaters with open heating elements.
- Halogen lamps/bulbs are considered a fire hazard and therefore are prohibited in the apartments.
Safety in the Kitchen
- Always be alert and attentive when cooking.
- Wear tight sleeves when you cook. Loose fitting garments can catch fire easily.
- Do not store flammable objects (e.g. potholders, towels) on the stove or in the oven.
- Turn pot handles in so they can’t get pulled down by small children or bumped by you while cooking.
- Be careful when cooking with grease. If a grease fire starts, cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames and turn off the burner immediately. NEVER pour water on a grease fire, it will cause the burning grease to fly up and burn you or spread the fire.
- Never leave cooking unattended. Always turn off burners when done using them.
- Keep your stove and oven clean; grease and food particles can catch fire
Hawkeye Court Apartments Fire Equipment
Each apartment has a fire extinguisher mounted in the coat closet. The fire extinguisher is located in the closet. If the extinguisher is used, it should be returned to the University Apartments Office immediately for a replacement. If the needle indicates undercharged or overcharged, return it to the University Apartments Office immediately for a replacement.
A smoke detector alarm is located on the ceiling between the bathroom and bedroom(s). The alarm should be tested monthly. You may test the alarm by pushing a pen or a similar object into the small test button. A loud, piercing noise should be heard. If it is not loud or beeps intermittently, the battery needs to be replaced. You may purchase your own replacement battery at any hardware store or bring the old battery to the University Apartments Office for a replacement. To replace the battery follow these instructions:
- Remove the cover.
- Slide the battery away from the snap-on terminals until it is disconnected.
- Rotate the battery to remove it from the battery clamps. Be careful not to break the clamps.
- Install the new battery by rotating it into the battery clamps. Make sure the terminals are properly matched. Slide it into the snap connectors.
- Replace the cover.
To avoid false alarms be sure to close the bathroom door while you are showering or bathing as the steam from the shower is likely to set off the alarm. If there are continual false alarms it is likely that the detector needs to be cleaned or the battery needs to be replaced and you should call the University Apartments Office immediately. DO NOT remove the detector from the ceiling.
Hawkeye Drive Apartments
Each building is equipped with a fire extinguisher mounted in the hallway that should only be moved in the case of fire.
A photo-electronic smoke detector is installed in your apartment and located in the hall near the bathroom. The smoke vents located around the outside of the detector should be vacuumed yearly.
False alarms may be caused by insects, dust, etc. If you experience problems with false fire alarms contact the University Apartments Office immediately. DO NOT attempt to disassemble or alter the detector yourself as this may cause it to malfunction.
Fire Procedures for University Apartments
Fires have the ability to completely engulf an apartment in mere seconds, causing tragic loss and even death. The apartments provide numerous combustible materials for fires to feed off (e.g. paint, furniture, etc.), therefore it is important to follow the Fire Prevention and Protection guidelines listed below. You should always have a plan of evacuation for you and the people living with you in the event that a fire does occur.
In the event of an actual fire, follow these procedures:
Hawkeye Court
- Evacuate the building immediately. Don’t attempt to rescue others or gather belongings. Fires can spread in seconds and even lead to deadly explosions.
- Call 911; give as much information as possible.
- Notify your neighbors if possible.
- Stand as far away from the building as possible. Flying debris and fumes from the fire can be very dangerous.
- If inside a bedroom in your apartment, feel bedroom door from top to bottom. If it is hot, do not proceed; go back.
- If door is cool, crouch down and open door slowly. If you open the door and smoke is present, close it quickly so you don’t inhale it.
- If no smoke is present, exit through the front door. If smoke is present, stay low and proceed with caution—avoid inhaling smoke.
- If trapped in an apartment, do the following:
a) Stuff wet towels or clothing under the door to keep smoke out.
b) Open windows. Wave something out a window and yell for help.
c) If possible, dial 911 and report your situation and location.
d) Keep a soaked towel over your head.
e) Stay low and breathe fresh air near the window.
Hawkeye Drive
- Evacuate the building immediately. Don’t attempt to rescue others or gather belongings. Fires can spread in seconds and even lead to deadly explosions.
- On your way out of the building, pull the corridor fire alarm.
- Call 911; give as much information as possible.
- Notify your neighbors if possible.
- Stand as far away from the building as possible. Flying debris and fumes from the fire can be very dangerous.
- Before leaving your apartment, feel door from top to bottom. If it is hot, do not proceed; go back.
- If door is cool, crouch down and open door slowly. If you open the door and smoke is present, close it quickly so you don’t inhale it.
- If no smoke is present, exit through the nearest door or stairway. If smoke is present, stay low and proceed with caution—avoid inhaling smoke.
- If you encounter heavy smoke in a stairwell, go back and try another exit.
- If trapped in an apartment, do the following:
a) Stuff wet towels or clothing under the door to keep smoke out.
b) Open windows. Wave something out a window and yell for help.
c) If possible, dial 911 and report your situation and location.
d) Keep a soaked towel over your head.
e) Stay low and breathe fresh air near the window.
Remember, it is required that all persons exit the building during a fire alarm.
Fire Safety Education and Training Programs
Each fall, a joint effort between UI Residence Life, Department of Public Safety (DPS), University Housing and the Iowa City Fire Dept presented an annual Resident Assistant (RA) Fire Academy to some 140 RAs and Housing professional staff. Individuals are trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers, hazard recognition in dorm rooms, past case history of campus fire incidents in America, and the evacuation of students through a smoke (simulated) filled hallway. After the winter break, the RAs and professional staff reconvened for a refresher of the training from the previous fall.
In addition to the RA fire academy, Community Assistants (CA) and the Apartment Coordinator in the University Apartment community, receive additional “live fire” training using fire extinguishers installed in the apartment facilities.
Faculty and staff are reminded, via email, to review the University’s Critical Incident Management Plan (CIMP) which provides the basic information on how to react/respond to various emergencies that could occur on the campus. The plan also includes a “user guide” to the operation of portable fire extinguishers.
UI Public Safety conduct fire extinguisher and fire safety training to groups, when the training is requested, approx. 65 times a year with an average total attendance of 3,000 persons.
Reporting Fires
Fires should be reported to the following departments:
University of Iowa Dept. of Public Safety 335-5022
Iowa City Fire Department 356-5255
Plans for Future Improvements in Fire Safety
In 2010, the UI Facilities Management and the Department of Public Safety continued to its update of a central fire alarm network to receive enhanced information from "intelligent" fire alarm systems and provide emergency alerts to building occupants.
UI Public Safety continues to provide fire extinguisher training to those campus groups who are required by regulations (OSHA, fire code, etc.) or are interested in the training. This training is provided using a digital fire extinguisher training system; with dry chemical and CO2 extinguishers, and allows the training to be brought to the interested group any time of the day.
