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Unfortunately for all Americans, life has forever changed after September
11, 2001. Fordham University’s priority is the safety and well being of those who live,
study and work at the University, and the Office of Security works closely with and
obtains information from the New York Police Department on a continuing basis. In
the highly unlikely event that an act of terrorism was to occur on campus, we would
obviously rely on police, fire and the Office of Emergency Management for guidance
and resources.
New York City has essentially been operating at the United States
Department of Homeland Security national security alert level orange since 9/11/01.
Should an incident away from campus cause a change in the security alert level or
other action, the University will relay the appropriate information that impacts our
campus through established channels of communication such as Security Alerts, or
residence hall floor meetings. Please be aware of the following safety guidelines:
• Be aware of suspicious or unusual behavior such as unanticipated
deliveries, people asking directions to sensitive areas such as utility rooms or
HVAC systems, or people asking questions regarding security force
capabilities.
• Do not accept packages from strangers or leave personal belongings
unattended. Report unusual behavior and suspicious packages to the security
department by dialing 2222 from any campus phone.
• If you receive a telephone call regarding a suspicious package or explosive
device, get as much information from the caller as possible and relay the
information to the security department.
• In the event of a chemical or biological attack, follow instructions as whether
to remain inside or to evacuate. In most instances, you will be instructed to
remain in your residence hall, academic building or other shelter. If the
appropriate response is evacuation, we will follow the evacuation procedures
as outlined below.
If evacuation from the campus becomes necessary, it will likely involve
many more people outside of Fordham, and we will work closely with emergency
responders to maintain safety for our students, faculty, and staff.
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| Fire Safety And Prevention |
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Every member of the University community has an obligation to be
prepared for emergencies. It is important for all resident students to familiarize
themselves with the location and use of fire extinguishers, fire alarm boxes,
emergency exit routes, and alternative exits. At the very moment a fire alarm sounds,
the building must be evacuated in an orderly manner. Students may wish to keep a
coat, a pair of shoes, and a flashlight readily available for such emergencies. |
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| What To Do In Case Of Fire |
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If the combustion is confined to a wastebasket or trash can, you should use a
fire extinguisher located in a student suite or a corridor. Follow the instructions found
on the outside of the extinguisher.
If the fire is not limited to such a container, sound the alarm and call
Security at ext. 2222. Off-campus residents should call both the Fire Department at
911 and Security at ext. 2222. Students should then proceed to leave the building
while alerting all the people in the immediate area of the danger. If there is sufficient
time and human life (including one's own) would not be endangered, one may
attempt to extinguish the fire with whatever equipment is available.
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Care must be taken in operating a fire extinguisher properly. Fire
extinguishers are generally operated by pulling out a locking pin, aiming the nozzle
at the base of the fire, and squeezing the handle. An explanation of each
extinguisher's operating instructions is located on the nameplate of the extinguisher.
Note that there are two types of extinguishers available in the residence halls: (1)
large, silver-colored Type A for trash and paper fires only and (2) smaller, red Type
ABC for grease, electrical, chemical, and trash fires.
When a fire extinguisher is discharged, even partially, do not return it to its
place. Report the matter to the Office of Facilities Operations at ext. 4848 and your
residence hall staff. The unit will be recharged and returned.
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A fire drill is an exercise in discipline that requires a prompt, complete,
controlled, and orderly response. New York State law requires a minimum number of
fire drills for University buildings each academic year. The time and date of the first
fire drill will be announced. This trial run introduces residents to their building's
evacuation procedures. At the sound of the alarm, it should be assumed that an
emergency exists and the signal should not be taken as a sign of a practice drill or
false alarm. If the alarm stops ringing after having already sounded, students should
continue to evacuate. No one is permitted to remain in the residence hall during a fire
drill. Failure to evacuate the building will result in a $25 fine and possible further
judicial action. |
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The Office of Security tests each residence hall fire alarm system daily.
During the daily tests, the alarm rings once and students are not required to evacuate.
The Office of Facilities Operations also tests the fire alarm systems on a monthly basis
and students are not required to evacuate. Students are notified in advance of all
testing. |
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Housekeeping efforts are most important in the prevention of fires. Do not
allow ordinary combustibles to accumulate in any area. Students shall remove old
papers, rags, wood, and packing materials as soon as they are finished with them.
Students should remove garbage from rooms, apartments, and suites on a daily basis.
Keep all corridors and fire doors free of debris, furniture, bicycles, and other
obstructions at all times. Residents should refrain from resting or sleeping in hallways
or other areas not intended for this purpose.
Flammable liquids such as gasoline and paint thinner are not permitted in
the residence halls. Candles, kerosene lamps, space heaters, and incense are proven
fire hazards and are therefore also prohibited.
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| General Steps For Evacuation |
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Evacuate Immediately.
When the fire alarm goes off, all Fordham students must evacuate unless
previously notified the alarm is being tested. You will not know if someone has
pulled a false alarm or if it’s a real emergency.
Do not take chances on it being a false alarm. If you fail to evacuate, you
will face serious judicial action.
Things to do.
Feel the door. If it’s hot (or if there’s too much smoke in the hallway to
evacuate) put a wet towel or blanket at the bottom of the door and wait. Open or
break the window to attract the attention of firefighters and admit fresh air. Stay
close to the floor and wrap a wet towel around your head to avoid smoke inhalation.
If you evacuate, grab a coat and shoes to wear, close the windows and lock the door
behind you. As you exit via the nearest exit/stairwell, knock on doors as you leave to
alert neighbors. Never use the elevator in a fire or drill. Exit the hall and gather with
other Residents where your RA, RD, or Security instructs you to go. Every time the
alarm goes off (unless there’s a real fire), residence hall staffs are required to check
every room, so there may be a wait to re-enter the hall.
Stop the false alarms.
False alarm pulls make the hall less sensitive to real alarms, interrupt sleep,
work, and study for hundreds of people. For some reason, some among us continue
to pull them. If you know this is happening, please alert your RA or RD. If not, at
least take some responsibility and speak to the person who pulled the alarm yourself
about what he or she is doing before someone gets hurt.
Be careful.
If you are throwing away cigarettes, extinguish them in water or in a
receptacle designed for butts. Toasters, toaster ovens, candles, incense, halogen
lamps, and electric appliances with open heating elements are not allowed for a
reason. Keep these fire hazards out of your room. How are you going to explain it if
one of them burns down the hall?
Questions?
Speak to your Resident Assistant or Resident Director. Or you can call the Office of
Residential Life at Rose Hill at extension 3080.
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| General Evacuation Information for Residence Halls |
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Each residence hall’s evacuation plan is updated on an annual basis.
Building exits are listed below. All residents must be familiar with their primary
assigned exit and alternate exit. They must also be prepared to ensure the safety and
cooperation of their guests by directing them to the proper exits. Security, your
residence hall staff, and the New York City Fire Department will observe exit
procedures. Persons failing or refusing to participate will be removed as necessary
and will be subject to fines and/or other judicial action.
Alumni Court, North and South: Students should use the stairwell closest to their
rooms and assemble in the courtyard. In case of heavy smoke or fire in the courtyard,
assemble in front of Queen's Court.
Queen's Court Residential College: Exit via the nearest stairwell. It is preferable, if
safety and time permits, to exit through doors facing the courtyard. Assemble in the
courtyard area closest to Collins Hall. If students exit the building through doors
facing Martyrs' Court or Alumni Court, proceed at a distance from the building to the
Collins Hall side of the courtyard.
Hughes Hall: Students should use the stairwell closest to their rooms and exit
through the main entrance doors in the lobby, assembling on the lawn near the
Administration building.
Finlay Hall: Use the stairwell closest to your room. Exit through the doors in the
lobby and assemble across from the main entrance. Basement residents must evacuate
through the rear door onto the terrace and assemble alongside Walsh Hall.
Martyrs' Court: Students should use the stairwell closest to their rooms and exit
through one of the main entrance doors on the roadside of the building. Assemble
across the street.
Belmont Community Housing (Off-Campus): Exit by the nearest door (either front
or back door). Assemble directly opposite the front of the house.
Tierney Hall Residential College: Students should use the stairwell closest to their
rooms and exit through the main entrance doors in the lobby, assembling on the front
lawn between Spellman Hall and Tierney Hall.
Walsh Hall: Using the stairwell closest to their apartments, students should descend
to the lobby and basement. Go out the main doors to the sidewalk across from 191st
Street. Do not use the elevators.
O’Hare Hall Residential College: Use the stairwell closest to your room. Assemble
on the lawn in front of the building.
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