Annual Fire Safety Policies and Report

Western utilizes the SimplexGrinnell fire detection and fire alarm system.  SimplexGrinnell provides an intelligent interface between Western fire detection and alarm panels, with direct notification to the Gunnison Fire Department and Gunnison Police Department.  The Mears Complex (Mears, Moffat, and Robidoux), Escalante Complex (Colorado, Crystal, Dolores, and Tomichi), The Pinnacles, and Chipeta Hall are all equipped with fire sprinkler and suppression systems.  These buildings also have fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit signs, and exit doors.  Prior to the start of fall semester classes, all fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems in on-campus housing facilities are tested and serviced.

Fire drills and/or training sessions are held once a semester for each student residence hall and campus apartment.  Fire drills are mandatory supervised evacuations of a building in the event of a fire. The fire drill is scheduled with Campus Security, the Residence Life staff, and the Gunnison Fire Marshall.  Everyone in the building must participate in the fire drill to the greatest extent possible.

All professional and para-professional residence life staff receive fire safety training prior to the beginning of the school year.  In turn, the staff provides basic fire safety instructions to all students living in residence halls and campus apartments at the beginning of the school year.

The presence of candles, propane, oil-burning lamps, incense, petruli oil, or any other freely burning agent is prohibited in student rooms, the residence halls, and student apartment complexes. Small, contained camping cylinders may be stored (not used) in residence halls/apartments upon approval and inspection by the residence life staff.

Due to the fire hazard posed by large batteries, the use, possession, and/or storage of e-bikes, hoverboards, Segways, IO Hawks, Skywalkers, battery-assisted skateboards, electric scooters, including pocket motorcycles and similar devices, is strictly prohibited in all residential facilities.

Students are strongly encouraged to utilize power strips instead of extension cords. Electrical outlets must not be overloaded.

For health and safety reasons, residents may not cook in their rooms, except in the apartments where kitchen facilities are available. Students are responsible for safe meal preparation to ensure that cooking fires do not jeopardize the welfare of the community. Hot surface and/or coil-resistant appliances such as electric frying pans, broilers, ovens, and hot plates, coffee makers, or anything that may create a safety hazard will not be allowed. The only exceptions to this are the use of Keurig coffee makers, Foreman grills, and microwave ovens. In addition, refrigerators larger than 4.5 cubic feet are prohibited.

Residence Life staff conduct periodic “Health and Safety” inspections and will address issues regarding the care of rooms and/or issues with fire safety.

Tampering with or misusing fire and safety equipment, such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and exit signs, or creating a false alarm pose a serious threat to life and property.  The University reserves the right to take disciplinary action through the appropriate University channels and/or local law enforcement agencies.

The following policies exist for safety purposes.  Violations of these policies may include disciplinary action, which could result in fines, probation, or suspension.

• Never tamper with smoke detectors.  If there is a question about whether a detector is working properly, immediately consult a residence life staff member or Campus Security Services.  If a smoke detector starts beeping occasionally, and there is no heat or smoke source, it probably needs a new battery.  Contact the Assistant Director (AD), Resident Director (RD), or Resident Assistant (RA).  After hours, contact Campus Security Services. NEVER REMOVE A SMOKE DETECTOR!
• Door closer mechanisms must always remain on doors.
• Don’t abuse fire safety equipment.  Report all non-functioning equipment to the residence life staff.
• Keep hallways free of debris and personal items.
• Do not hang anything on the ceiling or drape materials that can cover or block lights, smoke detectors, or sprinklers.
• Do not stack belongings or furniture where they can block the flow from a sprinkler.
• Do not store items where they may block a fire exit route.  This includes windows, windowsills, and hallways.
• Do not tamper with or spray fire extinguishers.  This will cause the release of a chemical that can set off the building's fire alarm.
• Do not burn any flammable items.
• Do not use or store flammable substances, such as gasoline, propane, sterno, and cleaning fluids, on or near residential living areas.
• Do not overload electrical outlets.  The University recommends only one appliance per outlet.
• Do not splice electrical wires or remove any outlet plates or light switches.
• Fire exit doors must remain closed when they are not being used as an exit in an emergency.  Residents are responsible for keeping the door closed and unpropped.
• Do not place micro-fridges or refrigerators in closets.  Allow for proper air circulation behind the unit.
• Do not leave electrical appliances unattended when turned on.
• Extension cords or decorative lights may not be routed under rugs or carpets, through doorways, or in any manner that could present a fall or trip hazard or impede egress.
• Dispose of trash as quickly as possible.
• Flammable decorations, such as live or excessive greenery, excessive amounts of paper, and large paper decorations, are prohibited.
• Keep all items at least three feet away from heating units.

• Due to the fire hazard posed by large batteries, the use, possession, and/or storage of e-bikes, hoverboards, Segways, IO Hawks, Skywalkers, battery-assisted skateboards, electric scooters, including pocket motorcycles and similar devices, is strictly prohibited in all residential facilities.

In The Event of a Fire

• Alert others in the immediate area and activate the nearest fire alarm on your way out.
• Call 911.  Then call Campus Security, 970.209.1020 or 970.901.9857 (24-hour on-call number).
• Don’t fight a fire if you have not been trained or are unsure about what type of fire extinguisher to use.  Most portable extinguishers are appropriate for only small, contained fires, such as a fire in a wastebasket.
• Remember to never fight a spreading or growing fire and never block your escape.
• Close doors to help prevent the fire from spreading.
• Advise emergency personnel regarding the size and location of the fire.
• Do not re-enter the building that is on fire.
• Advise emergency personnel if you know that someone is in the building.

If You Are Trapped or Unable to Exit

• Stay calm and take steps to protect yourself.
• Close the room door(s).
• Put a cloth at the bottom of the door(s).
• Call 911 and stay on the line, and indicate your location.
• If possible, move to a room with an outside window.
• Stay where rescuers can see you through the window and wave a light or light-colored item to attract their attention.
• If possible, open the window at the top and bottom.  Be ready to shut the window quickly if smoke rushes in.
• Be patient.  The rescue of occupants of large structures could take time.

Things to Remember

• Never put yourself in danger. If a doorknob is warm, there is smoke in the hallway, or you feel you may get trapped, evacuate the building immediately.  Your safety is most important.
• If flames or smoke are present, call 911 immediately.
• The Gunnison Fire Department will assume all evacuation procedures.  Upon hearing the fire alarm, stop what you are doing and exit the building.
• Students need to be at least 100 feet away from the building during a fire alarm.  The RD, Campus Security, and other RAs will help in moving students away from the building.
• In cold weather, Campus Security Services will allow students to evacuate to designated buildings.

Evacuation Locations

• Chipeta Hall: Students living in Chipeta Hall will evacuate to the Mears Complex.
• Escalante Complex: Students living in the Escalante Complex (Colorado, Dolores, Crystal, and Tomichi Halls) will evacuate to the University Center.
• Mears Complex: Students living in Mears Hall, Moffat Hall, or Robidoux Hall will evacuate to the University Center.
• The Pinnacles: Students living in The Pinnacles will evacuate to the University Center.
• Ute Hall: Students living in Ute Hall will evacuate to the Mears Complex.

Note: Any fires that were quickly extinguished or any evidence of recent fires must be reported immediately to Campus Security, who will document the incident as required.

Titles of each person to whom individuals should report that a fire has occurred:

• President
• Vice President, Finance and Administration/CFO
• Provost
• Vice President, Marketing Enrollment
• Vice President, Student Affairs
• Dean of Students
• Assistant Dean of Students – Risk Management and Security
• Director of Residence Life
• Director of Marketing
• Fire Marshall, City of Gunnison
• Chief of Police, Gunnison Police Department

There are ongoing fire safety education and training programs available for Western students, faculty, and staff.  Specifically, the residence life staff is required to participate in an intensive fire safety education and program on an annual basis.  Residence Life staff conduct periodic “Health and Safety” inspections in all residential areas and address issues regarding fire safety.  Also, the Gunnison Fire Department tours facilities and conducts on-campus training sessions on a periodic basis.

Western annually reviews the fire systems in the residence halls and academic buildings and will make upgrades, repairs, or revisions when problems are identified.  Additionally, there will be in-service training throughout the academic year for the residence life staff to ensure the ongoing education and awareness of proper fire safety protocol.

The fire log holds a record of all reportable fires in on-campus student housing facilities at Western. The log is available for inspection by the public for the most recent 60-day period and is in the Office of Campus Security. Any portion of the log older than 60 days will be made available within two business days of a request for inspection.

Elements included in the fire log are:

• Any fire that occurred in an on-campus student housing facility

• Date of each fire

• Time of each fire

• Nature of each fire

• General location of each fire