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Annual Fire Report

Clarion University — Venango fire safety and statistical report

Clarion University's Venango College 2016 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Clarion University's 2016 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

As required by federal and state law, the annual report includes statistics for the previous three calendar years (2013 to 2015) on reported crimes that occurred on campuses or at degree program locations; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by Clarion University; and on public property within, immediately adjacent to, and accessible from those locations. The report also outlines campus safety and security policies on alcohol and drug use, crime prevention education and awareness, the reporting of crimes, and sexual assault support services.

As required by federal law, the annual report includes statistics concerning fires in on-campus housing facilities for the calendar years (2013 to 2015).  The report also summarizes the university's fire safety policies and emergency procedures.

A printed copy of the report can be requested by calling university Police at X2111 / (814) 393-2111, by email to police@clarion.edu, or forwarding a written request to:

Clarion University Police, 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214-1232.

Clarion University is committed to provide a safe environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. It is the University's intent to protect members of the campus community against avoidable and undue risks of injury or death due to fire. Fire prevention measures also minimize loss of property due to fire. It is the intent of the University to provide a safe environment with respect to fire and emergency safety by following the International Fire Code (IFC).

FIRE SAFETY STATISTICS

This report complies with the Clery Act and the Campus Fire Safety Right-To-Know Act, and is based on reporting documents which includes housing affiliated with the Venango College campus.

PROCEDURES IN CASE OF FIRE OR A FIRE ALARM

  • If a fire alarm is heard or seen, immediately begin evacuation of the building.
  • Close all windows and doors behind you.
  • If a fire or smoke is discovered, sound the building fire alarm.
  • Dial 911.
  • Close the window to your room.
  • Proceed quickly to the nearest exit, closing room and stairwell doors as you leave (do not lock doors). Closing doors helps to confine the fire by reducing oxygen flow.
  • DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
  • Alert others as you leave.
  • Activate the fire alarm as you leave the building.
  • If you encounter smoke, stay near the floor and below the smoke.
  • Exit the building and assemble in the area established by your Residence Staff. Do not leave the area as you must be accounted for. If you do not know where your designated area is located, contact your GA.
  • If unable to leave your room due to heat, smoke or fire, call 911 to give your location so firefighters may find you. If possible, hang a brightly colored towel or article of clothing out your window to signal for assistance.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by an authorized university official.

GENERAL FIRE SAFETY

Refrigerators, microwaves, hot pots, hot-air popcorn poppers, and coffee makers with automatic shut-off features are allowed in dorm rooms. All other cooking appliances are prohibited. There may be additions to the restrictions placed on what students may bring into the residence halls as deemed necessary by the Residence Life Services office.

Be aware of the possible primary and secondary emergency exit routes, fire alarm pull stations, and emergency procedures of your place of residence. Those with physical disabilities should notify Residence Life, in advance, to plan for an evacuation. If you become temporarily disabled due to an injury or illness, Residence Life should also be informed.

Become familiar with the fire exits nearest your room and the evacuation plans posted on each floor of your building. Generally speaking, you should use the closest stairwell to your room; but you should also be aware of a secondary exit in the event your primary exit becomes unusable.

FIRE DRILLS

In compliance with state regulations, Venango College Student Affairs conducts fire drills (evacuations) a minimum of four times annually. In addition, Venango College conducts one fire drill per semester in academic and administrative buildings. Drills shall be held at random and are conducted during all hours of the day to avoid distinction between drills and actual fires. All building occupants are required to evacuate during fire drills. Individuals who ignore fire alarms and required evacuations may face disciplinary action or criminal charges. Fire drill documentation will be maintained in Frame Hall.

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING A FIRE

Students, faculty and staff are instructed to call 911 to report a fire emergency.

Clarion University is required to disclose statistical data on all fires that occur in on-campus student housing facilities. The fire should be reported to:

Public Safety Office Dispatch Center - 814-393-2111

Safety Inspector - 814-393-2009

If you find evidence that a fire may have occurred, after the fact (e.g. evidence that something burned), please notify Public Safety at 814-393-2111 as soon as possible. Do not attempt to remove or clean up any debris until the situation has been assessed.

FIRE DETECTION AND PROTECTION

All residence halls and suites are equipped with fire alarm systems, including smoke detectors, manual pull stations and automatic sprinkler systems.

Automatic Sprinkler System Information:

  • The sprinkler systems installed in the apartments are "wet-pipe" sprinkler systems. This means that there is enough water throughout the pipes in the system right up to each sprinkler head.
  • Sprinkler heads are heat sensing devices. They are set to activate once the area around the sprinkler reaches a predetermined temperature. Sprinkler heads do not sense smoke.
  • Each sprinkler head operates individually. In other words, the activation of one sprinkler head will not cause the entire system to operate.
  • Never hang on sprinkler pipes or hang anything on a sprinkler head. Tampering with sprinkler pipes and sprinkler heads can cause significant flooding and water damage.
  • Do not cover or otherwise obstruct sprinkler heads, smoke detectors and or other fire detection and suppression equipment.
  • Never tamper with any fire protection equipment or block any fire protection devices or other fire protection.
  • Do not open windows during the winter months. Some areas are not heated well enough to prevent water from freezing in the pipes. This can cause leaks and flooding from broken pipes.

The automatic sprinkler systems and fire detection systems installed in the residence halls are there for your protection. Please do not tamper with them or use them for any other purpose. Your cooperation is needed to help insure that these systems. Tampering with fire protection/detection equipment is considered to be a crime and could be subjected to disciplinary action. Your cooperation is appreciated.

USE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Properly trained and competent residence hall staff may attempt to put out fire using fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are not meant to fight large or spreading fires.

Apply the following guidelines when using a fire extinguisher:

  • Only trained personnel should use a fire extinguisher.
  • Activate a fire alarm prior to using a fire extinguisher.
  • Always position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back before using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire.
  • If the fire is producing large amounts of smoke that you may inhale fighting it, do not try to extinguish it.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Residence Hall Faculty and Staff participate in (live-burn) fire extinguisher training and classroom fire safety training at a minimum of once a year.

Topics addressed during this training include:

  • Fire prevention in the residence halls
  • What to do in the event of a fire
  • How to report a fire or other emergency
  • How residence hall fire safety systems operate

Additional fire safety training and education programs for residence hall students are coordinated by Community Assistants. Students, faculty and staff may request fire training at any time by calling 814-393-2009.

FIRE LOG

A fire log is maintained in the Frame Administrative office and is available for public inspection. The log includes:

  • Nature of the fire
  • Date/Time fire occurred
  • Date/Time fire reported
  • General location of the fire

PLANS FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE SAFETY

Clarion University and Venango College continues to monitor trends related to residence hall fire incidents and alarms to provide a fire safe living environment for all students. New programs and policies are developed as needed to help insure the safety of all students, faculty and staff.

Last Updated 8/15/22