Crown College: Understanding and Adhering to Signage and Fire Safety Standards
Crown College prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. This commitment is reflected in its comprehensive signage and fire safety standards, designed to create a secure and informed campus environment. These standards are not merely a set of rules, but a framework for shared responsibility in maintaining a safe living and learning community.
Fire Safety Policies: A Foundation of Prevention and Preparedness
Crown College's Fire Safety Policies are based on guidance from the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. This federal law mandates that institutions with on-campus student housing issue an annual fire safety report. This report is designed to inform the entire Crown College community-students, prospective students, parents, faculty, and staff-about the potential impact of fires on campus residential facilities. It aims to provide a clear understanding of fire risks, preventative measures, and emergency procedures.
The annual fire safety report includes essential information such as:
- Statistics on the number and causes of fires on campus.
- The number of fire-related injuries or deaths.
- The value of property damages resulting from fires.
- Details of each on-campus student housing fire safety system.
- The number of regular mandatory fire drills conducted.
- Comprehensive fire safety policies.
- Descriptions of fire safety education programs.
- Plans for any necessary fire safety improvements.
Crown College developed this report to comply with the 2008 act and to better inform the Crown College community - students, prospective students, parents, faculty and staff - on how fires affect the campus residential facilities. It includes all of the required information on fires, preventative actions, campus guidelines and training that is conducted to reduce the likelihood and impact of campus fires.
Key Definitions: Understanding Fire Safety Terminology
To ensure clarity and consistency in its fire safety communication, Crown College adheres to the following definitions, derived from within the law:
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- Fire: Any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner.
- Fire Drill: A supervised practice of a mandatory evacuation of a building for a fire.
- Fire-Related Injury: Any instance in which a person is injured as a result of a fire, including an injury sustained from a natural or accidental cause while involved in fire control, attempting rescue or escaping from the dangers of the fire. The term person may include students, faculty, staff, visitors, firefighters, or any other individuals.
- Fire-Related Death: Any instance in which a person is killed as a result of a fire, including death resulting from a natural or accidental cause while involved in fire control, attempting rescues or escaping from the dangers of a fire, or deaths that occur within one year of injuries sustained as a result of the fire.
- Fire Safety System: Any mechanism or system related to the detection of a fire, the warning resulting from a fire or the control of a fire including; Sprinkler or other fire extinguishing systems, fire detection devices, stand-alone smoke alarms, and/or devices that alert one to the presence of a fire, such as horns, bells or strobe lights, smoke-control and reduction mechanisms, and fire doors and walls that reduce the spread of a fire.
- Value of Property Damage: The estimated value of the loss of the structure and contents, in terms of the cost of replacement in like kind and quantity, including contents damaged by fire, related damages caused by smoke, water and overhaul. However, it does not include indirect loss, such as business interruption.
- Fire Log: A fire log is kept at the Campus Security Team, open to the public during normal business hours.
Residence Hall and Apartment Fire Drills: Practicing for Safety
Fire drills are held once a semester for each residential facility. These drills are mandatory, supervised evacuations of the building for a fire. The fire drill is scheduled with the Department of Campus Safety and Residential Life. Violations are subject to citations and/or other disciplinary action.
Active participation in fire drills is crucial for all residents. These drills provide valuable experience in safely and efficiently evacuating buildings in the event of a real fire. Familiarity with evacuation routes and procedures can significantly reduce panic and improve response times during an emergency.
Electrical Appliance Guidelines: Preventing Electrical Fires
To minimize the risk of electrical fires, Crown College has specific guidelines regarding the use of electrical appliances in residence halls.
Students may utilize electrical appliances in residence halls, such as radio, television, personal computer, DVD/CD player, electric coffee pot, personal lamp, popcorn popper (in student rooms only), fan, shaver, portable hair dryer, other personal care appliances, clock, microwave oven and compact refrigerator. Heating or cooking appliances with open coils (e.g., hot plates, air conditioners, pop-up or oven style toasters, sun lamps, hot tubs and electric blankets) may not be used in student rooms. Touch lamps, either halogen or incandescent, are permitted for use in residents halls only with an approved safety cage covering the top of the fixture. Electric extension cords are not to be used in a manner that may create a fire hazard, such as running a cord under a rug/carpet or in a place where the insulation may be worn out. Students are cautioned to be very careful with electrical appliances and extension cords. Tampering with electrical systems, such as installing dimmer switches, ceiling fans or other alterations to wiring is prohibited for the safety of all residents and the general upkeep of the building.
Fire Safety Evacuation Instructions: Responding to Alarms
All students and guests are expected to respond appropriately whenever a fire alarm is sounded. Each person is expected to observe the fire safety guidelines. Violations may be issued citations.
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When an alarm is sounded - Leave lights on in the room, and close the door. All individuals must leave the building using the nearest exit. Remain outside until the staff gives the all-clear sign. Failure to leave the building during the sounding of a fire alarm is a violation of both state and college codes. Violations may be issued citations.
Fire Safety Equipment: Proper Use and Respect
Fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers and other fire and safety equipment are placed in the halls for the safety of the residents in the building. Misuse of the fire and safety equipment is a serious violation of both state and college codes.
Fire Marshal's Directives: Ensuring Compliance
Crown College is concerned about the safety and welfare of the students living in the residence halls and has both a legal and moral responsibility to see that the State Fire Marshal’s directives are met. Crown College cannot and will not play games with fire and safety standards, policies and procedures. The intent of these fire directives is very clear; to make Crown College residence halls as safe as possible. Students may not keep anything in the residence halls that will increase the risk of fire or explosion or which is contrary to the directives of the State Fire Marshal’s office, or the terms of the College’s insurance policies. Misuse of fire and safety equipment including, but not limited to, fire extinguishers and fire alarms, is a violation of both Crown College regulations and state laws.
The state Fire Marshal’s office has notified Crown College that the following cannot be allowed in students’ rooms:
- Carpeting and Carpet pad: Carpeting and carpet pads are permitted. Due to the concern of fires all carpet and pads must be cut to allow the door to open freely.
- Door Obstructions: Doors must be able to easily open to their full capacity. There must be a clear and easy exit from each room that may be readily located in the case of fire, smoke, sleepiness, intoxication, darkness or the confusion of an actual emergency.
- Flammable materials hanging from or draped across ceiling: The Deputy Fire Marshal has specifically banned any and all flammable materials hanging or draped from the ceiling, including hanging room dividers (whether hanging from the ceiling or suspended below it). The Deputy Fire Marshal has agreed to allow wall hangings (flat against the wall), but has suggested these be made of a fire resistant material.
Residential Sprinkling System: Understanding Activation and Liability
In residence halls with sprinkler systems, the sprinklers will activate either through the presence of fire or misuse. Should a student set off the sprinkler system as a result of misuse, whether within or outside their room, they will be held liable for all damages, plus a prescribed fine.
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Residents violating these directives are legally liable for both civil and criminal negligence should a fire or other related problems occur. Additionally, should Crown College discover violations, the student(s) responsible are subject to formal disciplinary action.
Smoking Policy: A Smoke-Free Campus
Smoking is prohibited on Crown College’s campus.
Fire/Life Safety Inspections: Maintaining a Safe Environment
Throughout the academic school year a Residence Life, Facility Management Services or Operations staff person will do a safety inspection of your room. Should a violation be found, you will be notified of what the violations were and you will be expected to immediately comply. If the violation(s) have not been corrected after an unannounced re-inspection, you and/or your roommate will be fined and will be subject to disciplinary action.
Some common violations are as follows: Daisy chained extension cords and multi-tap electric units or units without a breaker; items stored closer than 18 inches to a sprinkler head; blocking of electrical panels; blocking of egress (exit) paths; evidence of burning of candles, incense or tobacco products; covering a door with paper or other combustible material; use of electrical wiring, devices and/or appliances that are modified or damaged; use of an unapproved portable heater; tampered with smoke detector or CO detector; use of halogen lamp/lighting; unsafe lofting or raising of beds - including rooms with no guardrails; strings of lights, twinkle lights or holiday lights; any other situation deemed unsafe by the staff inspector.
Fire Log Summary and Data: Transparency and Accountability
Crown College maintains a detailed fire log, providing a transparent record of fire-related incidents on campus.
Fire Log Summary
| Fiscal Year | Total # of Housing Fires | Cause/Type | Number of Injuries | Property Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 1 | Plastic Garbage in Oven | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Fire Log Statistical Data
| Fiscal Year | Residential Facility | Date/Time | Cause of Fire | Number of Treatment Injuries | Number of Deaths | Value of Property Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Tewinkle | 11/30/21 - 4am | Oven | 0 | 0 | Oven |
| 2022 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Fire Log Residential Data
| Building | Sprinkled | Smoke Alarms Unmonitored by Building Mgmt. | Smoke Alarms Monitored by Building Mgmt. | Fire Ext. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In all instances, call Campus Safety (Ext. 5100 or 952-446-4101). Stay with the individual and do not attempt to move him/her unless they are in danger. Calmly allow emergency personnel to address the situation. |
Evacuation Procedures: Knowing What to Do
Crown College has established clear evacuation procedures for various emergency situations.
- Fire: IMMEDIATELY & SAFELY EXIT THE BUILDING: Move to the closest exit and proceed down the EXIT stairwell in a safe and orderly manner. Take immediate personal belongings with you.
- ASSIST OTHERS: Assist others that may have difficulty exiting the building.
- DO NOT RE-ENTER: Remain at a safe distance from the building. Do not go back into the building for any reason until an authorized Crown College official deems it safe to re-enter.
- ADDITIONAL ACTIONS:
- CONTACT SECURITY: Call Crown College Security at 952-446-4101 to report the evacuation.
- Refer all media inquiries to the Chief of Staff and Communications at 952-446-4359.
- Natural Gas Leak:
- Discontinue the use of cellphones, radios, two-way radios, and/or electrical devices.
- Evacuate the building using your Evacuation Plan.
- CALL 911 upon evacuating safely.
- CALL Crown College Facilities 952-446-4183 or 952-412-3659 after hours.
Information for Crime Victims about Disciplinary Proceedings
Crown College will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of any crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the College against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense.
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