Q: How many fires have occurred on campus in the past year?
A: The following is a breakdown of fire incidents between January 1, 2011 and May 17, 2011: Brush fires–0; Vehicle Fires–0; Dumpster or Trash can fires (outside of structure)–2; Building Fires-0
Q: How many fires have occurred on campus in the past two years?
A: The following is a breakdown of fire incidents between January 1, 2008 and May 17, 2010: Brush fires-3; Vehicle Fires-1; Dumpster or Trash can fires (Outside of structure)-2; Dryer Fires in structure-1; Overheated Light Ballast-1; Grease Fire in structure-1.
Q: How many students have been injured on campus, as a result of fire in the past five years?
A: Zero
Q: How many students have been killed on campus as a result of fire in the past five years?
A: Zero
Q: Are all of the residence halls equipped with complete fire sprinkler systems?
A: No, two of the newest residence halls, Lenape Hall and Esopus Hall, have complete automatic fire sprinkler systems in place as does Gage, Bouton, and Scudder. As of the end of Summer 2011 Crispell will have entire building sprinkler coverage. All other remaining residence halls were built prior to 1984, and therefore have limited sprinkler coverage that includes the basement recycling areas.
Q: Are there any plans for the installation of fire sprinkler systems to those residence halls that don’t currently have them?
A: Yes, Plans as of this year is to add full sprinkler coverage to Le Fevre in 2012.
Q: Does every student’s room have a smoke detector?
A: Yes. Each room has a smoke detector, and each suite area has a smoke detector. In addition, there are more than 5,000 other smoke detectors located in buildings across campus.
Q: Do all of the smoke and heat detectors automatically send an alarm notification to a 24-hour dispatch center for Fire Department dispatch?
A: Yes, all alarm activations are automatically reported via electronic notification to the New York State University Police Station on campus. New York State University Police then notify 911 to have the Fire Department dispatched, as well as respond with a New York State University Police Officer.
Q: How many false fire alarms have occurred in the residence halls in the last year?
A: Between January 1, 2011 and May 17, 2011 there have been 32 false alarm activations, 7 of which were a result of malicious false pull boxes.
Q: Is the Fire Department immediately dispatched to all fire alarm activations on campus?
A: Yes, every fire alarm activation requires a response from the Fire Department, as per campus policy.
Q: Are smoking, candles, incense, and halogen lamps prohibited in the residence halls?
A: Yes, the danger of fire caused by these items is too severe and students are informed to not bring these items with them to school. Smoking is the leading cause of fires in residence halls.
Q: What Electrical Power strip is approved for use on campus?
A: The power strip manufacturer/models approved for use on campus are Tripp-lite Models TLM615NC,TLM615NCRA,TLM606NC,TLM406NC and TLM306NC which all have heavy duty 15-amp circuit protection and heavy duty cords. These can be purchased by the using departments at many on-line stores.
Q: Does the school require electrical appliances be tested and certified as safe and reliable before being permitted in the residence halls?
A: SUNY New Paltz requires all electrical appliances to be UL listed. UL, (Underwriter’s Laboratory), tests and certifies electrical equipment and issues a UL Hologram which is affixed to the cord prior to sale. Products without this hologram, or with forged holograms, are prohibited on campus.
Q: How much fire prevention training does the residence hall staff receive?
A: Residence hall staff receive annual fire extinguisher training, as well as annual fire safety training, as per the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control Training Guidelines.
Q: How often are fire drills conducted?
A: Fire drills are conducted twice a semester in each residence hall; one during the daylight hours and one during the nighttime hours; and once a semester in all other academic buildings.
Q: What is the school’s disciplinary policies towards students that cause false fire alarms, fail to evacuate during drills or alarms, or tamper with portions of a fire safety system such as a fire extinguisher or a sprinkler system?
A: The school takes fire safety very seriously and any act that compromises the health and safety of students, staff, or visitors will result in strict disciplinary action, possibly including suspension, dismissal, or arrest.
