Fire Safety
Fire Safety Training
Professional and student residence life staff are provided with annual fire safety training conducted by Mt. Vernon Fire Department. Annual training in fire evacuation procedures for residence life staff is provided annually. Resident fire safety education is conducted periodically.
Mandatory, Supervised Fire Drills
1 per academic year
Residence Hall Policies
Candles, incense and other flame producing accessories are prohibited in campus student housing.
The use of electrical appliances that have high surface temperatures or that in any other way may create a fire or shock hazard is not permitted in student rooms. The following electrical appliances are not permitted in residence hall rooms: microwave ovens, hot plates, coil heaters, cookers, electric woks, fry pans, irons, toasters, indoor grills, halogen lamps. These types of appliances may be used in a designated kitchen or utility room area where there is a minimum of hazard.
In accordance with the State of Iowa Smoke free Air Act, smoking is prohibited at Cornell College. All indoor and outdoor spaces are smoke free. More information is available at Cornell College's Smoke free Iowa Air Act.
Failure to abide by these policies will result in disciplinary action and fine.
Building Evacuation
The College expects all students to respect the fire safety systems that are in place. Students must exit the building immediately when a fire alarm sounds. Activating a false fire alarm will result in suspension and possible legal action.
Staff protocol
Once the alarm is sounding proceed to the fire panel. Never silence the alarm.
First Person To Panel:
This staff member is in charge of the evacuation procedures. Determine the location where the alarm has been activated. Do not leave the panel unless it is unsafe to remain in the building. Direct the RAs in the following order:
Second Person To Panel:
Call security at x333 and then report back to the panel.
Third Person To Panel:
Go to fire floor and attempt to find the reason the alarm went off (check smoke detector activation light and pull stations) If it is a real fire, get off the floor and call 9-911 as soon as you get to a telephone. Attempt to clear the floor at the same time if it is safe to do so. Report back to the fire panel and report reason for the alarm.
Fourth Person To Panel:
Knock on doors above the fire floor. Then report back to the fire panel.
Fifth Person To The Panel:
Knock on doors below the fire floor. Then report back to the fire panel.
Sixth Person To The Panel:
Clear all public areas not previously cleared.
All Other RAs
After building is cleared report back to fire panel then assist with crowd control.
Fire Systems
|
Building |
Sprinkler System |
Fire Notification System |
|
Clock Tower Hall |
Yes |
Building equipped with audible and visual alarms. Direct network connection from building to Campus Safety. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted by Campus Safety. |
|
Pfeiffer Hall |
Yes |
Building equipped with audible and visual alarms. Direct network connection from building to Campus Safety. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted by Campus Safety. |
|
Dows Hall |
No |
Building equipped with audible and visual alarms. Campus Safety alerted via exterior strobes and horn. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted by Campus Safety. |
|
Tarr Hall |
No |
Building equipped with audible and visual alarms. Campus Safety alerted via exterior strobes and horn. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted by Campus Safety. |
|
Pauley-Rorem Hall |
No |
Building equipped with audible and visual alarms. Campus Safety alerted via exterior strobes and horn. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted by Campus Safety. |
|
Olin Hall |
No |
Building equipped with audible and visual alarms. Campus Safety alerted via exterior strobes and horn. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted by Campus Safety. |
|
Merner Hall |
Yes |
Building equipped with audible and visual alarms. Campus Safety alerted via exterior strobes and horn. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted by Campus Safety. |
|
New Hall |
Yes |
Building equipped with audible and visual alarms. Campus Safety alerted via exterior strobes and horn. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted by Campus Safety. |
|
10th Ave apartments |
No |
Local smoke detectors. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted directly by residents. |
|
Harlan House |
No |
Local smoke detectors. Mt. Vernon Fire Department contacted directly by residents. |
Fire Safety Improvements
As residence halls are renovated or funds become available steps will be taken to equip buildings with sprinkler systems.
Fire Statistics
AY 2008-09: No residence hall fires
AY 2007-08: No residence hall fires
AY 2006-07: No residence hall fires
