Fire Safety

Sprinkler systems suppress fires and keep them from spreading. According to the Center for Campus Fire Safety, “Automatic fire sprinklers are one of the most effective methods of controlling a fire and protecting the occupants of the building from the smoke and fire.”

Located throughout the entire campus community, exit and emergency lights are a vital aspect of life safety. Exit signs point the way to safety and emergency lights allow individuals to see where they are going when the electricity fails.

Overall, the above preventative measures help save lives. However, maintaining a safe campus requires the cooperation of the entire University community; therefore, the University has established strict fire safety guidelines that all members of the campus community must follow.

In the event of a fire alarm, do the following things:

1. Leave the building immediately–use the stairwells, not the elevator.
2. If you are a mobility-impaired person on an upper floor, proceed to the stairwell landing on your floor and instruct someone to notify emergency response personnel of your location.
3. NO personnel will be allowed to re-enter the building without permission of Montclair State University Campus Police or the Local Fire Department.

In the event of a fire, do the following things:

Assist any person in immediate danger to safety, if it can be accomplished without risk to yourself.

Immediately activate the building fire alarm system. This will sound the fire alarm bells or horns to evacuate the building and will automatically notify the Campus Police and Local Fire Departments. It is best to have these agencies respond and not be needed than it is to have them arrive too late for a potential rescue.

If the fire is small enough, use a nearby fire extinguisher to control and extinguish the fire. Don’t fight the fire if these conditions exist:

• The fire is too large or out-of-control.
• If the atmosphere is toxic.
• If the first attempts to put out the fire do not succeed, evacuate the building immediately.
• Doors and, if possible, windows should be closed as the last person leaves a room or area of a lab.
• Do not use elevators–use building stairwells.

When they hear the fire alarm sound, all personnel in the affected areas shall evacuate the building immediately.
Upon evacuating the building, personnel shall proceed to the designated meeting area (at least 150 feet from the affected building) where the supervisors are responsible for taking a head count and accounting for all personnel.

NO personnel will be allowed to re-enter the building without permission of Montclair State University Campus Police or the Local Fire Department.

You must report all fires to of Montclair State University Campus Police.

All large fires will be investigated by NJ State Fire Marshal.

A minimum of two fire drills are conducted in all residence halls per year. An announced drill is held early in the Fall semester and an unannounced drill is held during the Spring semester.

Smoking and/or vaping in residence halls is expressly prohibited at all times.

Prohibited Appliances/Items:

• Hot Plates/hot pots and any appliance with exposed heating elements.
• George Foreman Grills (Permitted only in The Village and Hawk Crossings, one per apartment.)
• Electric Heaters or Space Heaters
• Halogen, Torchier, or Lava Lamps
• Coffee Pots (One permitted, only with automatic shut off features.)
• Toasters (One Permitted only in the Village apartments and Hawk Crossings)
• Electric Frying Pans
• Popcorn Poppers (One permitted only in the Village and Hawk Crossings)
• Potpourri Pots
• Candlewax Warmers (BOTH ELECTRIC AND NON ELECTRIC ARE PROHIBITED!)
• Dishwashers (Except in the Village and Hawk Crossings, where they are provided by the University.)
• Window/Portable Air Conditioners
• Stoves
• Burners/Grills
• Deep Fryers
• Open Coil Plates
• Rice Cookers (Only Permitted in the Village)
• All smoking materials (Including Hookahs, Vape Pens, and Tobacco Products)
• Non-approved Lighting (Neon lights and signs, halogen lamps, lava lamps, torchiere lamps, plastic multi-headed octopus lamps)
• Personal Electric Vehicles (Hover Boards, e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.) are not to be stored in residence halls or any University building.  Please refer to “Campus Guidelines for Personal Electric Vehicle Operation” (3/21/23) for reference. 

Holiday Decorations Including:

• Live Christmas Trees and/or Wreaths
• Halloween/Fall corn stalks or hay bails

Combustible Items Including:

• Candles, incense, oil burners, and candle wax warmers are STRICTLY PROHIBITED  in all residence areas. Even if they are only decorative, in accordance with the State of New Jersey, Division of Fire Safety.
• Explosives, Fireworks, M80’s, bottle rockets, etc.
• Any and All Firearms, ammunition, BB Guns, Paintball Guns, knives or weapons of any type, even if they are presumed to be exclusively for decorative or collectible purposes.
• Gasoline and/or any type of gasoline powered items such as mopeds, motor scooter, motorcycles, portable generators, etc.
• Kerosene, Propane, Paint Thinner, Oil Lamps.
• All Flammable and combustible liquids.
• Kerosene Heaters.
• Additional Unapproved Furniture other than what is provided in the rooms, i.e. futons, chairs, mattresses, bed frames, desks, beanbag chairs, couches, etc.

Restricted Items:

• Microwave Ovens –  One microwave is permitted in each student room. The microwave must not exceed 700 watts of power. Larger microwave ovens are permitted in the apartment communities, but must not exceed 1,000 watts of power.
• Refrigerators –   One refrigerator is permitted in each student room. The refrigerator must not draw more than 1.5 amps and must not exceed 3 cubic feet. Mini-fridges are prohibited in the apartment communities since Montclair State provides a full refrigerator.
• MicroFridge Units – One MicroFridge unit is permitted in each student room. (For MicroFridge information, contact Campus Specialties at www.mymicrofridge.com or call 1-800-525-7307.)
• Power Strips –  Power strips with a built-in GFCI surge protector and circuit breaker are permitted and must be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Such power strips may not be connected one another or “daisy chained.”

Any and all electrical equipment brought into the residence halls by a resident must bear the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal of approval and must be used for the purpose for which it was designed. Items found not meeting these standards, or in violation of any other fire safety regulations, will be confiscated and returned at the end of the semester/academic year.

Please note that this compilation is not an exhaustive list of the violations for which you may be cited.  For additional information, please visit the Office of Residence Life.

Smoke and heat detectors are installed in every residential room. Whenever there is a dangerous presence of smoke or heat, the detectors send a signal to the fire alarm control panel which activates the fire alarm. This life safety system lets students know when to evacuate their room/building and ensures that they are quickly relocated to a safe area. 

The local fire departments (Montclair, Little Falls, and Clifton) respond to all fire alarms.

Sprinklers are an important part of the fire protection system in all University residence halls and many other campus buildings. All older residence halls have now been retrofitted with up-to-date fire alarms and sprinkler systems. Like fire alarms, these systems are checked on a regular basis. Their purpose is to suppress a fire and keep it from spreading. Water flowing in the system triggers the fire alarm. Please report any leaking sprinkler equipment to the Director of Fire Safety at 973-655-5401.

A popular activity in some buildings, “hall sports” (throwing objects like balls and Frisbees in hallways) can damage fire sprinkler system equipment. Designed to be sensitive to rising temperatures, sprinkler heads can be easily damaged when they are bumped. Likewise, hanging any objects or decorations from sprinkler heads and pipes can also cause damage.

Water from a sprinkler can leave oily stains on carpet and other furnishings. All repair costs due to negligence are charged to the department that sustained the damage. Residential Life is charged with any damage in residence halls–and will attempt to bill the person responsible in order to keep down costs.

Please Note: Failure to comply with the guidelines below will result in disciplinary action, which may entail removal from the residence halls.

1. There is to be NO SMOKING in any residence hall. This includes hallways, bathrooms, common areas, and every inch of space in between.
2. In the event of a fire alarm, STUDENTS MUST EVACUATE. Failure to evacuate can lead not only to disciplinary action, but to loss of life.
3. Students MAY NOT TAMPER WITH ANY LIFE SAFETY SYSTEM. Deactivating fire alarms, tampering with exit signs and emergency lights, and touching sprinkler systems is strictly prohibited.
4. CERTAIN ITEMS AND ACTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED in the residence halls due to fire safety regulations. Please refer to Section J. of the Residence License and Dining Services Agreement for a complete list of prohibited and restricted items/actions. It is important that you read through the entire document carefully.

Hi everyone. I’m writing to tell you what happened at my dorm since some of you want to know the story.

It was 4:30 a.m. and I was about to go to sleep. My roommate Becky was already sleeping. The fire alarm went off so I tried to wake her up, although we never go out for them because we have so many fake ones. I had a feeling about this one because it was out of the blue. Also, we had a floor meeting a few days before and my RA said that they are gonna check every room to make sure everyone goes out. I had to fight with Becky to go outside. She said that she was gonna hide in the closet. Eventually, she got up, went to the bathroom and changed her clothes. When she was in the bathroom she looked outside to see if there were any people outside and she said that there weren’t so she wasn’t going. So I played mommy making sure that she had her coat, gloves, shoes and of course. cigarettes. Then I went to my friends’ room across the hall and banged on their door, thinking they were already outside because I knew they were awake. Right before I was about to go outside, they opened the door. They were pretending to be sleeping. Then I told them off and told them to hurry up because it was real. Then I went to the next door and did the same thing.

When we were in the hallway of my floor about to go downstairs, we started to see a lot of gray smoke. I thought it was just someone stupid who lit a smoke bomb. Then we walked down the stairs to the third floor (I live on the 4th) and it was all black, I was in shock. Just standing there, looking at it and breathing it in. That’s when Becky became my mommy. She yelled at me to cover my face and keep walking. The smoke was so heavy that I became light-headed. I couldn’t imagine actually being where the fire was, I probably would have passed out.

Finally, we got outside and walked around the front of the building. That’s when it was the most scary. There were a few girls hanging out of their window screaming for help with a huge cloud of black smoke behind them. Becky said “Let’s get out of here, whatever we see is gonna be bad”. There weren’t any fire trucks here yet so we didn’t know how long they would last. Finally one came and a huge crowd of people jumped in front of it pointing at the girls. They were gonna go to the other side of the building and they yelled for anyone to help and a bunch of guys ran to assist them. Eventually they go the girls out. Then we just stood outside for hours in the cold worrying if everyone was ok. While standing there we talked to a kid who jumped out of a third floor window. He was limping and his clothes were all ripped. Also kids who got out early enough ran across the street to some man’s house and woke him up and he brought over a ladder which saved dozens of kids.

I was home for a week wearing only the clothes on my back. I had no money, no license, no make-up, nothing. I went home wearing slippers. Ironically I had to bring everything to school because we are moving out of my house. Everything I owned was at school.

Now I just got back to school and things are very different. A lot of people moved out and the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors north are in a hotel. It’s not ever gonna be the same. Luckily, none of my things are ruined. I actually think they cleaned up our room a little bit. I had beer in the room and it ended up hidden behind my bed and the window fan was out.

I just wanted to let you know to take the fire alarms seriously!!! Even if it is just a drill, on the news I heard about another alarm in another dorm on campus going off and some girl from Seton Hall said that the fire alarm went off and she looked out the window, saw no fire trucks so she went back to bed. Obviously, some people haven’t learned even when a real fire killed some people on her campus.

Thank you all for being so concerned. It means a lot. Feel free to forward this if anyone asks.

Lizzy

The fire alarm system was upgraded in 2013 to a Voice Activation System and room detectors were upgraded in 2015 from 110v smoke detectors, to wireless monitored device that now report to University Police.

The fire alarm was last upgraded in 2016 to a Voice Activation System with addressable room detectors that report to University Police.

The fire alarm was last upgraded in 2014 to an addressable fire alarms system that reports all alarms to University Police.

The fire alarm was last upgraded to an addressable fire alarms system that reports all alarms to University Police.

This facility was constructed in 2014 to include a Voice Activation System with addressable fire alarm systems that report all alarms to University Police.

This facility was constructed in 2011 to include a Voice Activation System with addressable room detectors that report to University Police.

This facility was constructed in 2011 to include a Voice Activation System with addressable room detectors that report to University Police.

In 2024, the fire alarm system at 100 Clove Road was upgraded to a fully addressable notifier system.

In 2020, the fire alarm system at 300 Hawk Crossings was updated to a fully addressable fire alarm system that reports to University Police.

The fire alarm is a fully addressable smoke detection system that reports to University Police.

Upgrade main fire alarm panels in this building to a Voice Evacuation Mass Notification system.

Upgrade main fire alarm panels in this building to a Voice Evacuation Mass Notification system

Upgrade each of the main fire alarm systems beginning in 2020.
Replace the wireless system installed in 2015 with a fully addressable Notifier System with Intelliquad carbon monoxide sensor detectors. One out of three residence halls are presently complete.

A false alarm is when a person intentionally sends in a false report of a fire. This causes emergency crews (Montclair Fire Department, Clifton Fire Department, Little Falls Fire Department and University Police) to expend time and effort in responding to a non-existing situation. False alarms kill. It has been documented by numerous fire agencies around the country that a number of fire departments responding to false alarms have been involved in accidents while responding to such reports, which resulted in firefighters being killed or injured, and vehicles and equipment damaged. Fire Department personnel may be delayed in responding to a real emergency where lives are at stake.

The fire detection systems in Montclair State University facilities are designed to respond to a condition of smoke and/or heat. How does a smoke detector work? When a foreign object or substance enters the inner chamber of a smoke detector, it activates the detector’s sensor, which sends a signal to the fire alarm control panel and sets off the fire alarm. However, a smoke detector cannot distinguish the differences in smoke, dust, insects, and water.
All fire alarm systems on campus are connected to a central receiving panel that is monitored 24 hours-a-day by the University Police Department. When a fire alarm goes off in a campus building, the dispatcher immediately knows in which building the alarm was activated. Each call is taken seriously and response is within a few minutes.

Fortunately, the cause of most fire alarms is not fire, but something else. Causes can be accidental (somebody bumping into a fire alarm device, a worker spray painting, sawing/sanding wood, or welding too close to a detector), unintentional (dust or insects the detector sees as smoke, or a smoke detector too close to a kitchen area, or water that leaks into a detector), mechanical (a malfunctioning system–usually when a new system is being installed, an electrical storm, or a faulty wire), or malicious (intentionally setting off the alarm).

The number of fire alarms on campus could be greatly reduced if we just pay more attention to our surroundings and what we are doing. Fire alarms disrupt campus life: classes, labs, special activities, office activity, sleep, etc. It is the goal of the Director of Fire Safety to reduce the number of fire alarms on campus through education, maintenance of alarm systems, and a smoke detector cleaning program.

There are over 2,500 fire extinguishers on campus. All fire extinguishers are tested once a year and are hydrostatically tested in accordance with the N.F.P.A 10. if you see a fire extinguisher with an old inspection tag please report the location to Fire Safety at X 5401.

Because we are a state agency, the State of NJ Division of Fire Safety inspects all campus property. Some buildings are inspected quarterly depending on their classification and use. Montclair State University Department of Fire Safety inspects the buildings throughout the year to ensure compliance with all State codes.

Testing of all life safety systems is done by an independent company to ensure compliance with all codes and standards. Copies of these reports are filed in the Fire Safety office.

Fire Drills are conducted four times a year in all residence halls. The first drill is scheduled within the first 10 days of the fall semester and all residents are told in advance. The other three drills are conducted during the spring and winter semesters with no advance warning. This brings a total of four drills per academic year with one of the drills being held after sunset.

Fire Drills were conducted at Montclair State University during Fall Semester 2024 on September 5, 2024 and November 6, 2024 (conducted after sunset). During Spring Semester 2024, drills were performed on January 23, 2024 and April 9, 2024.  Three additional Fire Drills were conducted on July 8, 2024, and July 15, 2024 for students residing on campus for summer programing in the Machuga Heights and Blanton Residence Halls.

Fire Drills were conducted at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University during Fall Semester 2024 on September 6, 2024 and November 25, 2024 (conducted after sunset).  During Spring Semester 2024, drills were performed on January 22, 2024 and April 17, 2024.

Inspections of all life safety devices are ongoing THROUGHOUT campus / all fire alarm systems are tested annually before the start of the fall semester. All fire alarms are monitored 24 hours a day at the University Police headquarters.

Sprinkler systems are tested annually during the summer months and inspected quarterly; all of the Resident Halls are fully sprinkled. Additionally, some of the academic buildings have sprinkler systems.

Cooking systems in all dining halls, diners, and classrooms are protected by hood suppression system. This is like a fire extinguisher that is hooked up to the hood above the stove. These systems are tested every six months.

The State of New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, for the following activities on campus, requires fire permits.  These are some of the required permits: Cooking, food trucks, open flame (bonfire or open fire) tents over 900 sq ft or over 30 feet in any direction, made up as one tent or mutable tents but together , welding cutting, fireworks, fumigation, insect fogging carnivals .

Permits are required to be processed a minimum of two weeks prior to the event, the Department of Fire Safety at Montclair State University, will apply for all permits with the state to streamline the process, outside vendors must fill out the permit applications and the departments shall include an account charge back number prior to the permit being processed.

• Request a Fire Permit Here
• NJ Uniform Fire Code Cooking Vendor, Tent & Canopy Guidelines

Please submit completed permit applications two weeks prior to the event to firesafety@montclair.edu

Outside Cooking Permits

Because barbecues present a hazard, a permit and an inspection by the Office of Fire Safety are required for campus groups, organizations, departments, offices, or other bodies to hold barbecues.

Enclosed Mobile Food Trucks Permitting & Inspection Requirements

The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety has determined that “Enclosed Mobile Food Truck” vehicles, once they are parked and operating, are “premises” and subject to ALL regulations and permit requirements contained in the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.

• NJ Department of Community Affairs Division of Fire Safety Food Truck Registration Portal
• Food Truck Registration and Permit Redesign Guide

Technical Requirements:

1. A food truck utilizing a cooking operation that, by way of cooking method or type of cuisine, creates grease laden vapors, must be equipped with an exhaust hood and a kitchen hood fire suppression system (NJAC 5:70-4.7(g))
2. The suppression system must be inspected/tested within previous 6 months by a company possessing a valid NJ Division of Fire Safety Contractor Permit (if the truck is registered in another state, such as PA or NY, then it must have been inspected within the last 6 months, but the inspection does not have to be performed by a company having a NJ Division of Fire Safety Contractor Permit). (Section 904.5.1, 2006 IFC, NJ Ed.)
3. The operator must have a copy of the actual fire suppression system inspection report in the vehicle (not just the cylinder tag).
4. The truck must be equipped with a “K” type portable fire extinguisher, if the truck is equipped with deep fat fryers. (Section 906-4, 2006 IFC, NJ Ed.)
5. Propane cylinders must be inspected for rust, damage, dents, leaks, alterations. (NFPA 58-5.2.2.1)
6. Propane hoses, exposed portions, must be inspected for general condition and leaks. (NFPA 58-6.18.2)
7. Maximum propane tank size is 125 lbs. (300 gal wc). (There is no maximum amount per vehicle) (NFPA 58-6.21.3.1(E))
8. Propane containers and regulators must be installed on the outside of the vehicle, unless in a cabinet that is vapor tight to the inside of the vehicle, accessible only from outside the vehicle, and properly vented to the exterior of the vehicle. (NFPA 58-6.21.3.3)
9. Propane cylinders must be attached to the vehicle-they may not be free standing, even if properly secured (NFPA 58-6.21.3.4)
10. Propane cylinder valves, regulators, hoses, etc., must be protected from damage from physical impact, stones, mud, etc. (NFPA 58-6.21.3(B))
11. Regulators must be installed so that the pressure relief valve is pointing downward and the vent must be protected to prevent dirt, mud, etc., from entering the vent (NFPA 58-6.21.4.2)
12. The entire vehicle is subject to full inspection for all other applicable requirements provided for “premises” in accordance with NJ Uniform Fire Code, sub –chapter 3

Barbecue Grill Safety Guidelines

• Obtain permission for barbecuing prior to your event from the Office of Fire Safety.
• Obtain a fire extinguisher from the Office of Fire Safety prior to your event and have it readily available during your event. Never take an extinguisher from a building, unless an emergency necessitates it.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
• Watch your food! Always pay attention to your food to prevent it from burning.
• Use long-handled grilling tools, to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking food.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill, so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Use only outdoors! If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, barbecue grills pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to carbon monoxide.

Charcoal Grills

• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
• Starter fluids are prohibited from being stored within any campus building.
• After you are done cooking, place coals in a metal container and fill the container with water, to ensure that the coals are completely extinguished.

Propane Grills

• Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
• If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame:
  • Turn off the propane tank and grill.
  • If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
  • If the leak does not stop, call University Police at 973-655-5222.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call University Police at 973-655-5222. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.
• Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
• Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages.

Hot Work Permits

Many departments and contractors have to perform “hot work” as part of their duties on campus. This work creates a possible hazard to not only the workers, but also to the building occupants. Because of this, the Office of Fire Safety strictly controls all “hot work” performed in the buildings and grounds of Montclair State University, with the exception of hot work performed by physical plant staff. Depending on where the work is performed, what type of work is being performed, and what the University is statutorily required to do, additional costs may be incurred for this work. The requesting department may be billed for services rendered due to these obligations.

Red Tag Permits

Red Tag Permits are used when components of the University’s fire sprinkler systems are disabled for construction, renovations, and other similar work. Because of the nature of this permit, the applicant must demonstrate an absolute need for the impairment of these systems. Additionally, it is important that as much time as possible is allotted for these permits to be issued, as the Office of Fire Safety is responsible for coordinating the system shut downs with various University and external departments and agencies. Depending on where the work is performed, what type of work is being performed, and what the University is statutorily required to do, additional costs may be incurred for this work. The requesting department may be billed for services rendered due to these obligations.

Tent Permits

When tents are erected on our campus, they are often subject to inspection by the State Division of Fire Safety or from various code compliance offices within Montclair State University. The purpose of the tent permit application is to determine whether the tent will require an inspection from the State, our department, or another department; it is also intended to aid the requester in the obtainment of a permit from the State Division of Fire Safety, should one be needed, as the permit application supplies all the information that we need. In the event that the State of New Jersey is not obligated to perform a tent inspection, the University’s Office of Fire Safety will perform the inspection. As a result of a State or other inspection, additional fees may be incurred for the erection of a tent; this permit application will help the campus community in determining the level of inspection and any associated fees required. To help us in coordinating your tent permits, this application should be filed at least 20 days prior to your event.

Theatrical Permits

In an effort to comply with the Office of Fire Safety’s obligation to ensure the safety of our campus community and to comply with the request from the State Division of Fire Safety that we ensure that all theatrical performances are inspected, we have developed this application to streamline the notification and inspection process.

Montclair State University has access to 24 hours-a-day, seven day a week response to any fire alarm or report of burning odors. Our duty is to assure the safety of everyone on the Montclair State University Campus.

However, fire alarms alone do not ensure any person’s safety unless that person knows how to safely exit a building when the fire alarm sounds.

Fire drills are conducted twice a year in all residence halls. The first drill is scheduled early in the fall semester and all residents are told in advance. The second drill is conducted sometime during the spring semester with no advance warning.

If residents do not evacuate a hall in a reasonable amount of time, the drill is repeated until emergency officials are satisfied with the evacuation time. All repeat drills are unannounced.

Fire drills are also conducted on a regular basis for the University Health Center and the Child Care Centers. Drills for other campus buildings are not conducted unless requested and scheduled by the building’s occupants.

When the fire alarm sounds, you should leave the building immediately–even if someone else tells you it is a false alarm. Do not use the elevator and do not assume it is an alarm test (unless a test has been announced)–fire alarms should never be taken lightly.

You may go back into the building when emergency personnel tell you it is safe to re-enter.

Montclair State University emergency personnel responds to any fire alarm (24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year) to assist the Fire Department with building and room entry. They can also provide information about a particular area due to their familiarity with the fire alarm system and practice of inspecting buildings. They help locate the alarm area for the Fire Department by checking and operating the fire alarm control panel. While trained in fire-fighting techniques, Montclair State University Emergency personnel do not fight fires unless the Fire Department asks for their assistance.

A. List of Prohibited Items

Items Not Permitted In Residence Rooms

Smoking and/or vaping in residence halls is expressly prohibited at all times.

Prohibited Appliances:

• Hot plates/hot pots and any appliance with exposed heating elements.
• George Foreman Grills (permitted only in The Village, one per apartment.)
• Electric heaters
• Halogen, torchier, or lava lamps
• Coffee pots (One permitted, only with automatic shut off features.)
• Toasters (One permitted only in the Village apartments
• Electric frying pans
• Popcorn poppers (one permitted only in the apartments.)
• Potpourri pots
• Candlewax warmers (BOTH ELECTRIC AND NON-ELECTRIC ARE PROHIBITED!)
• Dishwashers (Except in the Village, where they are provided by the University)
• Window/portable air conditioners
• Stoves
• Burners/grills
• Deep fryers
• Open coil plates
• Rice cookers (Only permitted in the Village)

Holiday Decorations Including:

• Live Christmas trees and/or wreaths
• Halloween/Fall corn stalks or hay bales

Combustible Items Including:

• Candles, incense, oil burners and candle wax warmers are STRICTLY PROHIBITED in all residence areas. Even if they are only decorative, in accordance with the State of New Jersey, Division of Fire Safety.
• Explosives, fireworks, M80s, bottle rockets, etc.
• Any and all firearms, ammunition, BB guns, paintball guns, knives or weapons of any type, even if they are presumed to be exclusively for decorative or collectible purposes.
• Gasoline and/or any type of gasoline-powered items such as mopeds, motor scooter, motorcycles, portable generators, etc.
• Kerosene, propane, paint thinner, oil lamps.
• All flammable and combustible liquids.
• Kerosene heaters.
• Additional unapproved furniture other than what is provided in the rooms, i.e. futons, chairs, mattresses, bed frames, desks, beanbag chairs, couches, etc.

Restricted Items:

• Microwave Ovens – One microwave is permitted in each student room. The microwave must not exceed 700 watts of power. Larger microwave ovens are permitted in the apartment communities, but must not exceed 1,000 watts of power.
• Refrigerators – One refrigerator is permitted in each student room. The refrigerator must not draw more than 1.5 amps and must not exceed 3 cubic feet. Mini-fridges are prohibited in the apartment communities since the University provides a full refrigerator.
• MicroFridge Units – One MicroFridge unit is permitted in each student room. (For MicroFridge information, contact Campus Specialties at www.campusspec.com or call 1-800-525-7307.)
• Power strips – Power strips with a built-in GFCI surge protector and circuit breaker are permitted and must be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Such power strips may not be connected to one another or “daisy chained.”
• Storage and charging of all personal electric vehicles (e-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, etc.) are prohibited in all campus buildings.

Any and all electrical equipment brought into the residence halls by a resident must bear the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal of approval and must be used for the purpose for which it was designed. Items found not meeting these standards, or in violation of any other fire safety regulations, will be confiscated and returned at the end of the semester/academic year.

Please note that this compilation is not an exhaustive list of the violations for which you may be cited. For additional information, please visit the Office of Residence Life.

B. Smoking Policy

Montclair State University is fully smoke-free, tobacco-free, and vapor-free. This complete ban applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors across all campus grounds.

Current state law and University policy prohibits smoking and/or use of tobacco, vapor or similar products* inside any campus building.

Any member of the campus community may ask an individual to comply with the provisions of this regulation or may file a complaint with University Police, who may issue a summons. 

Any individual who fails to comply is subject to a fine as determined by the local court where the summons is filed (typically ranging $25-$200).

C. Evacuation Procedures

All members of the Montclair State University Community are, by State law, required to review the Fire Evacuation Plan and to review the staging areas and building evacuation maps for the building in which the community members work, attend class, and/or reside; this information is available under Section XI, Staging and Accountability, of this fire evacuation plan. This is required to be done by all campus community members on an annual basis. 

D. Use of Space Heaters

During the winter months, some members of the University community feel that space heaters are needed to provide them with warmth. The use of space heaters should be avoided by contacting the Facilities Service Desk (973-655-5444) and requesting that Facilities increase the heat temperature in the respective space. This, however, may not be an option in areas such as the front desks of residence halls due to the constant flow of people into and out of the building. In these limited cases, the following space heater safety tips must be followed.

• Keep all space heaters at least three feet away from any combustibles.
• Use space heaters only as a supplementary source of heat. These devices are not intended to replace the building’s heating system.
• Do not use extension cords with space heaters; plug them only into electrical outlets.
• Inspect the heater’s cord periodically to look for frayed wire or damaged insulation.
• Do not use a space heater with a damaged cord.
• Check periodically for a secure plug/outlet fit. If the plug becomes very hot, stop using the space heater.
• Heaters should be placed on a flat, level surface.
• Do not place heaters on furniture since they may fall and become damaged or this could break parts in the heater, posing a fire hazard.
• Do not place heaters on shelves or in cabinets, where they may fall or where heat may accumulate and cause damage or, worse yet, a fire.
• Do not use in damp, wet areas.
• Look for the UL mark on your electric heater. This means representative samples of the appliance have met UL’s stringent safety standards.

Anyone with questions about the use of space heaters should contact the Department of Fire Safety at 973-655-5401.

Fire Safety Links:

• Center for Campus Fire Safety
• NJ Division of Fire Safety
• Subtract Stupidity

Fire Safety Resources:

• Government Organizations
  • National Fire Academy
  • NJ Division of Fire Safety
  • Smokey Bear Homepage
  • US Fire Administration
• International Organizations
  • International Code Council
  • International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
• National Organizations
  • National Association of State Fire Marshals
  • National Council on Fireworks Safety
  • National Electrical Safety Foundation
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  • National Fire Sprinkler Association
• Training/Preparedness Resources:
  • Building and Fire Research Laboratory
  • Fire Protection Publications
  • Fire Service Training
  • Wildfire News

• OSHA’s Final Rule on Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention Plans
• Candle Safety (NFPA Fact Sheet)
• College Students’ Guide to Fire Safety and Education (firescience.org)
• Fire and Burn Prevention Publications (Collection from CPSC)
• Fire Doors (Qualified Hardware)
• Fire Extinguishers (Oklahoma State)
• Fire Safety in Public Assembly Buildings (NFPA)
• Fire Safety in the Workplace (OSHA)
• First Aid, A Parent’s Guide (ACLS)
• Flammable and Combustible Liquids (Northeastern University)
• History of Fire Safety Legislation (University of Texas, at Austin)
• Hotel/Motel Fire Safety ( U.S. Fire Administration)
• Parents’ Guide to Safety (ACLS)
• Workplace Fire Safety (OSHA)

The objective of this document is to provide the campus community access to a comprehensive emergency evacuation procedure for the evacuation of buildings with activated fire alarms, and, in doing so, to comply with the International Fire Code, as adopted by the State of New Jersey in effect as of February 2009.

This document is applicable to all persons on the campus of Montclair State University, including faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

1. Emergency Evacuation

• Become familiar with your work area and exit locations in advance of an emergency. Always know at least two ways out of a building.
• If a fire alarm sounds, prepare to evacuate immediately.
• Do not panic. Walk quickly to the closest emergency exit.
• Do not use elevators. If power is disrupted, elevators will stop working.
• Walk in a single file. Stay to the right when walking through corridors and stairwells.
• Avoid unnecessary talking and keep the lines moving.
• Individuals requiring assistance in an evacuation should proceed to a stairwell entrance area and wait for assistance.
• If smoke is encountered, drop to the floor and crawl along the wall to the nearest exit.
• When approaching a closed door, feel the door with the back of your hand. If the door is cool, carefully open the door and, if safe, proceed with the evacuation.
• No one is to return to the building until permission is granted by the local fire department or University Police.

2. Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities:

• Be aware that faculty, staff and students with disabilities may need individual assistance. Assist them whenever possible. A list of students with disabilities, which is updated each semester, is available for emergency responders in the event of an emergency. All faculty and staff with disabilities may contact the Department of Fire Safety at 973-655-5401 or ferrarar@montclair.edu with their work schedule if they would like to be placed on this list.
• If evacuation cannot be done safely, contact University Police at 973-655-5222 and provide them with your name, location (including floor and stairwell), the reason why you are unable to evacuate, and if immediate assistance is required. This information will be relayed to responding emergency personnel.
• Students with visual and physical disabilities (whether permanent or temporary) are permitted to await the arrival of emergency personnel at the stairwell landing from which they called. However, the student must contact the University Police Department, if opting to shelter in place.
• We advise students with permanent and temporary disabilities to contact Meghan Hearns in the Disability Resource Center (hearnsm@montclair.edu) at 973-655-5308 to be placed on the disability list and for other guidance.

3. Hearing and Visual Impairments:

• Assist people with these disabilities by notifying them of the emergency and assisting them out of the building.

4. To Evacuate People with Permanent and Temporary Mobility Disabilities:

• Individuals at ground floor locations may be able to exit without help.
• Assist and accompany them to the evacuation site, if possible.
• Proceed to the stairwell or area of refuge.
• Notify emergency responders of the mobility impaired person’s location, by calling University Police at 973-655-5222.
• Stay with the mobility impaired person, if possible.

5. In the Event of a Fire Alarm Activation:

• Leave the building immediately–use the stairwells–not the elevator.
• If you are a mobility-impaired person on an upper floor, proceed to the stairwell landing on your floor and instruct someone to notify emergency response personnel of your location.
• No personnel will be allowed to re-enter the building without permission from University Police or the local fire department.
• Assist any person in immediate danger to safety, if it can be accomplished without risk to yourself.

6. To Report a Fire:

• Signs of fire include: smelling smoke, seeing smoke, or seeing actual fire; these are emergencies and need to be reported.
• If you encounter signs of a fire, immediately activate the building fire alarm system. (Note: Pull stations are shown on building evacuation plans. Pull stations are located by stairwells and exit doors). This will sound the fire alarm bells or electronic horns to evacuate the building and will automatically notify University Police. It is better to have these agencies respond and not be needed than it is to have them arrive too late for potential rescue.
• Notify University Police of the location and size of the fire by calling 973-655-5222 or by using an emergency telephone (which connects directly to University Police).
  Always call from a safe location (i.e. from outside the building).
• When a fire alarm sounds, all personnel in the affected areas should evacuate the building immediately. However, if the fire is small enough and it is safe to do so, use a nearby fire extinguisher to control and extinguish the fire. Don’t fight the fire if the fire is too large or out-of-control, if the atmosphere is toxic, or if you do not feel comfortable doing so.
• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
  • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
  • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
• If the first attempt to put out the fire does not succeed, evacuate the building immediately.
• If possible, doors and windows should be closed as the last person leaves a room.
• Do not use elevators–use building stairwells.
• Upon evacuating the building, personnel shall proceed to the designated staging area.
• NO personnel will be allowed to re-enter the building without permission of University Police or the local fire department.

7. To Report an Outdoor Fire:

• Notify University Police of the location and size of the fire by calling 973-655-5222 or by using an emergency telephone (which connects directly to University Police). Always call from a safe location.

• Review the fire evacuation procedure for the room(s) in the building(s) in which you are assigned to conduct class(es) and/or in which you have an office. Locate all exit routes, secondary exit routes, and staging areas. During the first week of class or when a new student transfers to the class, review the evacuation plan, routes, and staging area with the students.
• In the event of an alarm, escort/lead students out of the building and report to the staging area. Upon arrival at the designated staging area, account for your students and report any missing students to the building manager. For further information on building managers, see page 6 of this plan.

• Review the fire evacuation procedure for the room(s) in the building(s) in which you are assigned to work. Locate all exit routes, secondary exit routes, and staging areas. In the event of an alarm, immediately leave the building and report to the staging area. Managers and department heads are responsible for designating a person to be responsible to account for the persons in their department or area(s) in the event that an emergency evacuation must occur. This person will take a head count (henceforth, “accountability”) and report any unaccounted-for individuals to the building manager.
• Staff members have the responsibility to ensure that, in the event of a fire alarm, all visitors and contractors are escorted out of their area of control, while the staff member is exiting the building. In larger areas, such as in dining facilities, libraries, retail stores, and bookstores, employees shall perform a sweep of their area while exiting. The staff members are to direct visitors and contractors to the designated staging areas, to await instructions from emergency responders. If any individual is not accounted for, such findings shall be reported immediately to the building manager.

• Community Directors are ultimately responsible for the fire evacuation procedure (Section III of this plan) in their respective buildings. It is the Community Director’s responsibility to make sure that each Community Assistant, Desk Assistant, and resident is familiar with the fire safety plan for his/her respective building(s).
• During their initial floor meeting each semester, Community Assistants will give fire safety information to the students who reside in their area of responsibility. If a resident has a guest in their residence hall, that resident is responsible for escorting his or her guests out of the building, in the event of an emergency evacuation.
• Upon a fire alarm activation, Community Assistants, Service Assistants, and Community Directors are to evacuate the building along with the students, guests, and/or residents and report to their designated staging area. Once at the staging area, the Community Assistants, aided by the Service Assistants, are to account for their residents. Any abnormalities (e.g. missing or otherwise unaccounted for students, staff, and/or guests) are to be immediately reported to the Building Manager or to University Police. Under no circumstance should any student, student employee, guest, or staff member remain in a building during a fire alarm activation, unless expressly directed to do so by emergency personnel.

Notification

Assembly Use Groups are buildings or areas used for the public to assemble. Examples of such buildings or areas on our campus include Kasser Theater, Memorial Auditorium, Student Center Ball Rooms, University Hall Conference Center, etc. When these areas are used for public gatherings (e.g. not for a class) an audible announcement shall be made not more than ten minutes prior to the start of each program to notify the occupants of the location of the exits to be used in the event of a fire or other emergency and the location of the building’s staging area.

Training

Those employees assigned to evacuate persons from assembly use groups shall receive training in fire safety, exit and evacuation plans, and their duties during an emergency. They shall receive this training at their orientation and annually thereafter.

As with all groups staying overnight on the Campus of Montclair State University, Summer Camps and other related groups will be responsible for their emergency evacuation and accountability. The person responsible for the entire group (henceforth, the “Supervisor”), is responsible for ensuring that all of his or her campers or building occupants are aware of this plan. In the event that the “Supervisor” has counselors, or other similar staffing to whom this duty may be delegated, he or she may delegate this duty to those individuals.

“Supervisors,” and/or their delegated counselors, are to review the emergency egress plan with the building occupants. (Section III of this plan) Please take note that the way you enter a building is not necessarily the closest exit. Familiarize yourselves with the building before an emergency occurs. Additionally, all occupants should be aware of the designated staging areas prior to the occurrence of an emergency.

In the event of an alarm, all building occupants are to immediately exit the building. Elevators are not to be used. Upon exiting the building, all occupants are to gather at the designated staging areas. Once the occupants are staged, accountability, in the form of a head-count, is to be taken. If counselors are taking accountability, their findings must be reported to the “Supervisor” immediately. Any discrepancy is to be immediately reported to the University Police Department, by either reporting to an officer upon his or her arrival on scene or by dialing campus police at 973-655-5222. It is important to remember to always err on the side of caution.

In the event that an individual is unable to exit the building, whether because of a physical impairment or due to a fire condition in the hallway, that person is to remain in his or her room and notify University Police at 973-655-5222. As a general practice, any group staying overnight should have the University Police Department’s telephone number programmed into their cellular telephones.

Finally, a fire drill will be conducted within 24 hours of each group’s arrival; participation in this drill is mandatory.

At no time should an employee of Montclair State University remain in a building when an alarm is sounding. The only exceptions to this are emergency personnel (e.g. the police department or a representative of the Department of Fire Safety). In the event that an unsafe condition exists, all such persons are to leave the building immediately.

Those employees who, as part of their job, are tasked with assignments which pose a fire hazard are to receive fire safety and extinguisher training. Examples of such employees include, but are not limited to, plumbers, welders, electricians, and employees assigned to conduct or oversee “hot work.”

All employees will report to the building’s staging area, in the event of a building evacuation. It is the responsibility of the hall directors, managers, and department heads to identify a responsible person (or persons, such as in the case of the residence hall directors) and a backup person (or persons) to account for all employees, faculty, staff, students, and guests in their area at all times. This person will establish a meeting area within the staging area designated for each building, where, in the event of an emergency, his or her employees will meet. At the staging area, this person will account for all employees that are in his or her work area and report his or her findings to a Building Manager or an Assistant Building Manager. A Building Manager and Assistant Building Manager will be assigned to each building by the Dean or Vice President who is in charge of said building. The Building Manager is to remain at a centralized area within the staging area until accountability is taken and reported. In the event that a Building Manager is unavailable, the Assistant Building Manager will act as the Building Manager. Once all departments have checked in with the Building Manager, he or she will report to the front of the building and give his or her findings to a University Police officer.

Emergency aid (including emergency medical, fire, and rescue needs) will be provided by the University Police Department, the University Emergency Medical Services, and local fire departments. To receive services from these organizations, contact University Police at 973-655-5222.

In the event that a building needs to be evacuated and no fire condition exists, emergency responders may activate the fire alarm system to signal the need to evacuate the building. Notification may also be made through electronic voice communication systems (located in several of the University’s buildings), the campus text message alert system, and through e-mail. In the event that a fire exists in a building, the automatic alarm system will notify the occupants of the hazard. Manual pull stations may also be used to activate this system.

All fire alarm systems and campus-wide emergency phones are monitored at University Police headquarters. In the event of an activated fire alarm, the University Police Department will contact the appropriate fire department via phone or local police and fire radio frequencies. After they evacuate, assuming they have pertinent information, employees, students, or others are asked to contact University Police in the event of a fire. The additional data that can be gathered through your phone calls greatly helps responders in their response to our campus.

For further information and explanation of the duties under this plan, you may contact Robert Ferrara, Director of Fire Safety, at 973-655-5401.

The objective of this document is to provide the campus community access to a comprehensive emergency evacuation procedure for the evacuation of buildings with activated fire alarms, and, in doing so, to comply with the International Fire Code, as adopted by the State of New Jersey in effect as of July 1, 2018.

This document is applicable to all persons on the campus of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, including faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

1. Emergency Evacuation

• Become familiar with your work area and exit locations in advance of an emergency. Always know at least two ways out of a building.
• If a fire alarm sounds, prepare to evacuate immediately.
• Do not panic. Walk quickly to the closest emergency exit.
• Do not use elevators. If power is disrupted, elevators will stop working.
• Walk in a single file. Stay to the right when walking through corridors and stairwells.
• Avoid unnecessary talking and keep the lines moving.
• Individuals requiring assistance in an evacuation should proceed to a stairwell entrance area and wait for assistance.
• If smoke is encountered, drop to the floor and crawl along the wall to the nearest exit.
• When approaching a closed door, feel the door with the back of your hand. If the door is cool, carefully open the door and, if safe, proceed with the evacuation.
• No one is to return to the building until permission is granted by the local fire department or Campus Security.

2. Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

• Be aware that faculty, staff and students with disabilities may also need individual assistance. Assist them whenever possible. A list of students with disabilities, which is updated each semester, is available for emergency responders in the event of an emergency. All faculty and staff with disabilities may contact the Department of Fire Safety at (973) 655-5401 or at ferrarar@ montclair.edu with their work schedule if they would like to be placed on this list.
• If evacuation cannot be done safely, contact Campus Security at (973) 655-2525 and provide them with your name, location (including floor and stairwell), the reason why you are unable to evacuate, and if immediate assistance is required. This information will be relayed to responding emergency personnel.
• Students with visual and physical disabilities (whether permanent or temporary) are permitted to await the arrival of emergency personnel at the stairwell landing from which they called. However, the student must contact Campus Security, if opting to shelter in place.
• We advise students with permanent and temporary disabilities contact the Associate Director of the Disability Resource Center at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, Margaret Adams (adamsmar@montclair.edu/973-655-2964) to be placed on the disability list and for other guidance.

3. Hearing and Visual Impairments

Assist people with these disabilities by notifying them of the emergency and assisting them out of the building.

4. To Evacuate People with Permanent and Temporary Mobility Disabilities

• Individuals at ground floor locations may be able to exit without help.
• Assist and accompany them to the evacuation site, if possible.
• Proceed to the stairwell or area of refuge.
• Notify emergency responders of the mobility impaired person’s location, by calling Campus Security at (973) 655-2525.
• Stay with the mobility impaired person, if possible.

5. In the Event of a Fire Alarm Activation

• Leave the building immediately–use the stairwells–not the elevator.
• If you are a mobility-impaired person on an upper floor, proceed to the stairwell landing on your floor and instruct someone to notify emergency response personnel of your location.
• No personnel will be allowed to re-enter the building without permission from Campus Security, Fire Safety Personnel, or the local fire department.
• Assist any person in immediate danger to safety, if it can be accomplished without risk to yourself.

6. To Report a Fire

• Immediately activate the building fire alarm system. (Note: Pull stations are shown on building evacuation plans. Pull stations are located by stairwells and exit doors). This will sound the fire alarm bells or electronic horns to evacuate the building and will automatically notify Campus Security. It is better to have these agencies respond and not be needed than it is to have them arrive too late for potential rescue.
• Notify Campus Security of the location and size of the fire by calling (973) 655-2525 or by using an emergency telephone (which connects directly to Campus Security). Always call from a safe location (i.e. from outside the building).
• When a fire alarm sounds, all personnel in the affected areas should evacuate the building immediately. However, if the fire is small enough and it is safe to do so, use a nearby fire extinguisher to control and extinguish the fire. Don’t fight the fire if the fire is too large or out-of-control, if the atmosphere is toxic, or if you do not feel comfortable doing so.
  • To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
    • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
    • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
    • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
    • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
• If the first attempt to put out the fire does not succeed, evacuate the building immediately.
• If possible, doors and windows should be closed as the last person leaves a room.
• Do not use elevators–use building stairwells.
• Upon evacuating the building, personnel shall proceed to the designated staging area.
• NO personnel will be allowed to re-enter the building without permission of University Police or the local fire department.

Review the fire evacuation procedure (Section III of this plan) for the room(s) in the building(s) in which you are assigned to conduct class(es) and in which you have an office. Locate all exit routes, secondary exit routes, and staging areas. During the first week of class or when a new student transfers to the class, review the evacuation plan, routes, and staging area with the students. In the event of an alarm, escort/lead students out of the building and report to the staging area. Upon arrival at the designated staging area, account for your students and report any missing students to the building manager. For further information on building managers, see page 6 of this plan.

• Review the fire evacuation procedure (Section III of this plan) for the room(s) in the building(s) in which you are assigned to work. Locate all exit routes, secondary exit routes, and staging areas. In the event of an alarm, immediately leave the building and report to the staging area. Managers and department heads are responsible for designating a person to be responsible to account for the persons in their department or area(s) in the event that an emergency evacuation must occur. This person will take a head count (henceforth, “accountability”) and report any unaccounted-for individuals to the building manager.
• Staff members have the responsibility to ensure that, in the event of a fire alarm, all visitors and contractors are escorted out of their area of control, while the staff member is exiting the building. In larger areas, such as in dining facilities, libraries, retail stores, and bookstores, employees shall perform a sweep of their area while exiting. The staff members are to direct visitors and contractors to the designated staging areas, to await instructions from emergency responders. If any individual is not accounted for, such findings shall be reported immediately to the building manger.

Community Directors are ultimately responsible for the fire evacuation procedure (Section III of this plan) in their respective buildings. It is the Community Director’s responsibility to make sure that each Community Assistant, Desk Assistant, and resident is familiar with the fire safety plan for his/her respective building(s). During their initial floor meeting each semester, Community Assistants will give fire safety information to the students who reside in their area of responsibility. If a resident has a guest in their residence hall, that resident is responsible for escorting his or her guests out of the building, in the event of an emergency evacuation. Upon a fire alarm activation, Community Assistants, Service Assistants, and Community Directors are to evacuate the building along with the students, guests, and/or residents and report to their designated staging area. Once at the staging area, the Community Assistants, aided by the Service Assistants, are to account for their residents. Any abnormalities (e.g. missing or otherwise unaccounted for students, staff, and/or guests) are to be immediately reported to the Building Manager or to Campus Security. Under no circumstance should any student, student employee, guest, or staff member remain in a building during a fire alarm activation, unless expressly directed to do so by emergency personnel.

1. Notification: Assembly Use Groups are buildings or areas used for the public to assemble. (i.e. Westminster Hall.) When these areas are used for public gatherings (e.g. not for a class) an audible announcement shall be made not more than ten minutes prior to the start of each program to notify the occupants of the location of the exits to be used in the event of a fire or other emergency and the location of the building’s staging area.

2.Training: Those employees assigned to evacuate persons from assembly use groups shall receive training in fire safety, exit and evacuation plans, and their duties during an emergency. They shall receive this training at their orientation and annually thereafter.

As with all groups staying overnight on the Bloomfield College at Montclair State University, summer camps and other related groups will be responsible for their emergency evacuation and accountability. The person responsible for the entire group (henceforth, the “Supervisor”), is responsible for ensuring that all of his or her campers or building occupants are aware of this plan. In the event that the “Supervisor” has counselors, or other similar staffing to whom this duty may be delegated, he or she may delegate this duty to those individuals.

“Supervisors,” and/or their delegated counselors, are to review the emergency egress plan with the building occupants. (Section III of this plan) Please take note that the way you enter a building is not necessarily the closest exit. Familiarize yourselves with the building before an emergency occurs. Additionally, all occupants should be aware of the designated staging areas prior to the occurrence of an emergency.

In the event of an alarm, all building occupants are to immediately exit the building. Elevators are not to be used. Upon exiting the building, all occupants are to gather at the designated staging areas. Once the occupants are staged, accountability, in the form of a head-count, is to be taken. If counselors are taking the accountability, their findings must be reported to the “Supervisor” immediately. Any discrepancy is to be immediately reported to the Campus Security, by either reporting to an officer upon his or her arrival on scene or by dialing campus security at (973) 655-2525. It is important to remember to always err on the side of caution.

In the event that an individual is unable to exit the building, whether because of a physical impairment or due to a fire condition in the hallway, that person is to remain in his or her room and notify Campus Security at (973) 655-2525. As a general practice, any group staying overnight should have Campus Security’s telephone number programmed into their cellular telephones.

Finally, a fire drill will be conducted within 24 hours of each group’s arrival; participation in this drill is mandatory.

At no time should an employee of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University remain in a building when an alarm is sounding. The only exceptions to this are emergency personnel (e.g. campus security, the police department personnel, fire department or a representative of the Department of Fire Safety). In the event that an unsafe condition exists, all such persons are to leave the building immediately.

Those employees who, as part of their job, are tasked with assignments which pose a fire hazard are to receive fire safety and extinguisher training. Examples of such employees include, but are not limited to, plumbers, welders, electricians, and employees assigned to conduct or oversee “hot work.”

All employees will report to the building’s staging area, in the event of a building evacuation. It is the responsibility of the hall directors, managers, and department heads to identify a responsible person (or persons, such as in the case of the residence hall directors) and a back-up person (or persons) to account for all employees, faculty, staff, students, and guests in their area at all times. This person will establish a meeting area within the staging area designated for each building, where, in the event of an emergency, his or her employees will meet. At the staging area, this person will account for all employees that are in his or her work area and report his or her findings to a Building Manager or an Assistant Building Manager. A Building Manager and Assistant Building Manager will be assigned to each building by the Dean or Vice President who is in charge of said building. The Building Manager is to remain at a centralized area within the staging area until accountability is taken and reported. In the event that a Building Manager is unavailable, the Assistant Building Manager will act as the Building Manager. Once all departments have checked in with the Building Manager, he or she will report to the front of the building and give his or her findings to a Campus Security officer.

Emergency aid (including emergency medical, fire, and rescue needs) will be provided by the, trained members of Campus Security, Emergency Medical Services, and local fire departments. To receive services from these organizations, contact Campus Security at 973.655-2525.

In the event that a building needs to be evacuated and no fire condition exists, emergency responders may activate the fire alarm system to signal the need to evacuate the building. Notification may also be made through electronic voice communication systems (located in several of the University’s buildings), the campus text message alert system, and through e-mail. In the event that a fire exists in a building, the automatic alarm system will notify the occupants of the hazard. Manual pull stations may also be used to activate this system.

In the event that a building needs to be evacuated and no fire condition exists, emergency responders may activate the fire alarm system to signal the need to evacuate the building. Notification may also be made through electronic voice communication systems (located in several of the University’s buildings), the campus text message alert system, and through e-mail. In the event that a fire exists in a building, the automatic alarm system will notify the occupants of the hazard. Manual pull stations may also be used to activate this system.

For further information and explanation of the duties under this plan, you may contact Robert Ferrara, Director of Fire Safety, at 973-655-5401.