Q: How many students have been injured on campus as a result of fire in the past five years?
A: Zero
Q: Which residence halls are equipped with complete fire sprinkler systems?
A: Shawangunk, Ashokan, Minnewaska, Esopus, Lenape, Gage, Scudder, and Bouton Halls all have complete fire sprinkler coverage.
Q: Does every student’s room have a smoke detector?
A: Yes. Each room has a smoke detector which automatically report a fire alarm condition to University Police who in-turn notify the New Paltz Fire Department to respond.
Q: The fire alarm panel in my building is beeping. Is that OK?
A: Fire alarm panels go through a self diagnosis periodically and report minor issues in the form of a series of audible beeps at the panel. Also renovations and construction on campus can cause panels to beep. To silence the panel please call Facilities Operations at x3301 or submit a Facilities Work Request.
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 to allow them, 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 type of power strip is approved for use on campus?
A: All power strips must have a "RESET" switch. They allso must be grounded (three prong plug), be listed (UL listing), and be plugged directly into an outlet.
Q: How often are fire drills conducted?
A: Fire drills are conducted four times per calendar year in all buildings. Residence Halls receive at least one building after sunset and before sunrise. Fire drills are prohibited from being scheduled with the occupants.
Q: What are the school’s disciplinary policies toward students who 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, and arrest.
