<\/p>\n
Environmental Health and Safety Fire & Life Safety Update<\/strong> Life Safety Inspections<\/strong> When deficiencies are found, EHS works closely with academic departments or Physical Plant to ensure issues are resolved. Whenever possible, EHS schedules inspections and testing during periods when there are few or no classes to minimize disruption to faculty and students.<\/p>\n State Fire Marshal Inspection<\/strong> If EHS has brought an issue in your space to your attention, please take the time to correct it now. All employees should take a few minutes to check their spaces for any life safety concerns. The EHS Fire Safety Checklist for Offices and Workspaces provides additional information for all employees: http:\/\/www.hvcc.edu\/ehs\/fire\/office-guidelines.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fire Drills and Evacuations<\/strong> Anytime you hear the fire alarm or a verbal evacuation announcement, please follow these guidelines:
\n September 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe Environmental Health and Safety Department was busy this summer completing projects and conducting inspections to support Fire and Life Safety on campus. Inspections are conducted by EHS, Physical Plant and outside vendors to ensure critical equipment is available and functioning properly to protect the safety of Hudson Valley Community College faculty, staff, students and visitors.<\/p>\n
\nNow that classes are back in session, EHS is busy conducting fire drills and getting ready for the annual State Fire Marshal Inspection starting the week of Sept. 18. Some of the Life Safety concerns frequently found by EHS and the Fire Marshal include:
\n\u2022 Refrigerators and space heaters plugged into power strips or extension cords
\n\u2022 Extension cords used in place of permanent wiring
\n\u2022 \u201cDaisy chaining\u201d of extension cords and power strips
\n\u2022 Combustible materials placed on or close to space heaters or other heat sources
\n\u2022 Excessive accumulation of papers and combustible materials
\n\u2022 Exit paths in offices blocked by stored materials
\n\u2022 Fire doors propped open when space is not occupied<\/p>\n
\nAs required by New York State Fire Code, Hudson Valley Community College holds fire drills three times per year. The purpose of the drills is to make all building occupants familiar with how to evacuate as quickly and orderly as possible.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Immediately gather your personal belongings and go to the nearest exit.
\n\u2022 Follow exit signs and do not use the elevators
\n\u2022 Do not leave your class behind. Make sure all students exit the building
\n\u2022 Once outside, move away from the entrance
\n\u2022 Do not re-enter the building until the alarm has been silenced and you are told that it is safe by the Fire Department, Public Safety or EHS.
\n\u2022 If you have any information about the fire or emergency, or if you see someone needing extra assistance, report to a Public Safety Officer or other emergency responder.<\/p>\n