As part of the event, Fire Safety Coordinator Michael Weisberg, in coordination with Student Center Building Director, Julie Fleming, organized a surprise fire drill for the entire building. Only select employees were aware of the drill, ensuring a realistic evacuation scenario. Student Fire Safety workers Ethan Angst, Alex Padula, Justin Weisberg, and Mike Coyle were stationed throughout the building and outside to observe and assist.

The Town Hall began at 2 p.m., with John Keane playing the famous fire drill scene from The Office, setting the stage for an engaging discussion on fire safety. At 2:04 p.m., the fire alarm sounded, initiating the evacuation. In an impressive 7 minutes and 21 seconds, the entire building was successfully cleared.

Following the drill, attendees reconvened for a Q&A session with SGA and Fire Safety personnel. One student inquired about the absence of smoke detectors in Student Center restrooms, to which the team explained that the Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Construction Code do not require them in buildings constructed before certain regulations—such as the Student Center, built in 1971.

Students shared their reflections on the experience, emphasizing the importance of fire preparedness. Nicole Russo remarked, “I was caught off guard when the fire alarm went off during the video. It made me realize that I didn’t fully understand why we meet in staging areas, but now I do.” Similarly, Matt Faris praised the initiative, stating, “I think this was a great idea because it made people recognize the importance of fire safety.”

The success of this event highlights the ongoing efforts of the Fire Safety office and the SGA to educate students and improve campus safety. Organizers hope to build on this initiative with more interactive events in the future.

In addition to the death, the firms have collectively received four reports of fires involving the HALO 1000 Portable Power Station, including two reports of smoke inhalation one of which included burn injuries.

ZAGG, ACG and retailer QVC sold about 5,740 units of the portable power stations from October 2021 through March 2022 for between $1,000 and $1,300.

The portable power stations are high-capacity lithium-ion battery power banks with three USB-A charge ports, a USB-C fast charge port, three AC outputs, two DC outputs, a DC socket, an LCD display, a built-in flood light, and a collapsible handle. The following HALO 1000 Portable Power Stations are included in this recall:

Product Description/Color Model Number SKU UPC
Stone Gray PS-1000 801108111 840056145528
Carbon PS-1000 801108112 840056145535
Desert Sand PS-1000 801108113 840056145542
Midnight Blue PS-1000 801108114 840056145559
Woodland Green PS-1000 801108115 840056145566

The model number, SKU number and UPC are located on the bottom of the product. Units sold by QVC subject to the recall were sold under QVC item number E235474.

Consumers are urged to stop using the portable power stations immediately, cut the power cord, and contact the firm for a free replacement.

Note: Recalled lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of in accordance with any local and state ordinances, following the procedures established by your municipal recycling center for damaged/defective/recalled lithium batteries, because these potentially hazardous batteries must be handled differently than other batteries. Do not throw this recalled battery in the trash. Do not deposit this recalled battery in used battery recycling boxes found at various retail and home improvement stores.

The portable power stations were imported by ZAGG and manufactured by Shenzhen DBK Electronics Co. Ltd., of China.

CPSC urges consumers to report any related incidents to the agency at www.SaferProducts.gov.

More information about this recall is available on the .

�������������� ����������������

In conjunction with Gourmet Dining and the Office of Residence Life, the Office of Fire Safety�� hosted its first-ever “Friends Cooking Safety” program on Tuesday, November 19th at Bloomfield College of �鶹��ý���� (BCMSU) in Deacon’s Den. This program brought out residents from the 460 Franklin Street, 225 Liberty, and Schwitzer Residence Halls to learn how to prepare a festive dish along with some fire safety cooking tips in the kitchen. The holiday dish- pomegranate bruschetta with brown butter sage sauce- acclimated residents with using different types of kitchen cooking appliances such as an air fryer and a stove top.���� Student chefs learned different types of oil smoke points, along with other tips such as never leaving your meal unattended, using a timer to prevent smoke or fires, heat oils slowly, and most importantly to never put water on a grease fire. When it comes to cooking fires, the participants were reminded that, when in doubt, smother it out!

Special thanks to Community Director Alexis Cobb, BCSMU Director of Dining Services Ashley Hinkson, �鶹��ý���� campus Dietitian Sheridan Wheeler, and Student Fire Inspector Justin Weisberg, who were integral to the success of this program.

Starbucks

Complete renovation of Cafe Diem to Starbucks Cafe. Need we say more? We have a Starbucks on campus!

Starbucks Seating

Starbucks Seating

Starbucks Service Area

Sprague Library

New study furniture has been installed throughout the library. Check it out!

Sprague Library

Sprague Library

Schmitt Hall

• Room 327 – New lounge furniture for your lounging pleasure.

Schmitt Hall Room 327

• Room 329 – CSAM Innovation & Design Lab – Refresh of the existing space includes new paint, lighting, furniture & 3D printing equipment.

Schmitt Hall Room 329

1515 Broad Street

Two new Neuroscience Labs have been installed as well as new shared office support space.

1515 Broad Street Lab

University Police Department Headquarters��

Structural repairs and interior renovation of the University Police Headquarters including both locker rooms, new shower room, new ADA unisex bathroom, new larger and fresher breakroom, and a new armory.

University Police Department Breakroom

University Police Department Locker Rooms

CarParc Diem��

Waterproofing and concrete repairs have been made to the roof level of CarParc Diem as well as the power washing of the exterior facade.

Lot 17 Sidewalk

New temporary walkway at Lot 17 will accommodate the upcoming Webster Hall demolition (projected for Summer 2025).

Lot 17 Sidewalk

Yogi Berra Stadium��

Renovation of Yogi Berra Stadium includes new synthetic turf and locker room improvements.

Yogi Berra Field

Yogi Berra Stadium Locker Room

Panzer Gym��

• New LED lighting was installed in the fitness center as well as the main lobby.
• Replacement of the old scoreboard with new LED scoreboard, shot clocks and scorer’s table!
  

  Panzer Gym Scoreboard

  

  Panzer Gym Scorer’s Table

Webster Hall��

Environmental abatement completed in preparation for building demolition in Summer 2025.

Sinatra Hall

Replacement of the original lobby reception desk with a beautiful new custom millwork desk to comfortably seat two staff members along with new carpet.

Sinatra Hall Reception Desk

Cole Hall��

The AV system in Cole 340 was upgraded to include a projector and screen, better positioned monitors, ceiling microphones, and two cameras with Sound Control Technologies.

Bohn Hall��

Replaced Section C roof on the 11th floor of Bohn Hall.

Bohn Hall Roof Repair

Red Hawk Deck��

A substantial fire in the Red Hawk Deck left parts of the deck in disrepair. These areas were blocked off for safety and security. All repairs were completed, certified, and inspected, and the area was put back in service on June 28, 2024.

Campus Accessibility Map

Significantly-revamped information is now on the accessibility map. This map is for campus community members and visitors highlighting accessible parking, routes, building entrances, automatic door openers, and transit options.

Campus Accessibility Map

Cole Hall – Provost Suite Renovation

Renovated the Provost Suite to include additional private office space for staff.

An Office in the Provost’s Office Suite

Count Basie Facade Repair

Exterior facade repairs and recoating were completed.

Count Basie Facade Repair

Richardson Hall

Room 374 was converted from a storage room into a new chemistry lab including lab casework and fume hood with dedicated exhaust fans on the roof.

Richardson Hall Lab

Student Center South Entry Stair Repair

The former stairs of the Student Center were removed, cleaned and restored with granite stair treads and new steel pipe railings were installed.

Student Center Stair Repair

Student Center Pub

The transformation of the Rathskeller into the 1908 Pub is underway. The new entertainment space will include a bar, Top Golf suites, video games, pool table and lounge seating.

Student Center Pub Under Construction

Richardson Hall��

Refresh to the existing Room 120 lecture hall – new carpet, paint, acoustical panels, seating, AV & whiteboards have been installed to enhance your learning experience.

Richardson Hall 120 Lecture Hall

Bohn Community Kitchen

A New Kitchen in Bohn Hall for students who live in Bohn Hall to cook, socialize, relax, and study.

Bohn Hall Community Kitchen

Bohn Hall Community Kitchen

Irvin D. Reid Hall

Replacement of eight roofs on different levels of Irvin D. Reid Hall was completed.

Irvin D. Reid Hall Roof Repair

Bloomfield Sprinkler Installations at College and Westminster Halls

Installation of basement sprinkler protection in both Westminster Hall and College Hall.

Hawk Crossings Fire Alarm Replacement

Upgrades to the fire alarm system at Hawk Crossing (Building 100).

University Hall��

Updated electrical power, paving improvements and new furniture in the existing Waichungo Family Courtyard has transformed this Zen space.

Waichungo Family Courtyard

Waichungo Family Courtyard

Waichungo Family Courtyard

Campus Signage��

Many signs around campus have been updated to make finding your way around campus even easier. Some of these improvements are:

• Street Signs: Carlisle Avenue / College Avenue
• University Police Department: room ID signs��
• Sprague Library: main floor and 2nd floor signage
• Freeman Hall stair signs��
• Red Hawk Deck: Directory signage

Campus Map in Red Hawk Deck

Red Hawk Trail

Development and trail blazing the first phase of a new multimodal walking and hiking trail in the wooded area between Skyline Walk and Valley Road is underway.

Red Hawk Trail

��

Lithium-ion batteries present a heightened fire safety hazard.�� They store a lot of energy in a small amount of space. When that energy is released in an uncontrolled manner, it generates heat, which can turn certain internal battery components into flammable and toxic gases. Lithium-ion battery fires happen for a variety of reasons, such as physical damage (e.g., the battery is penetrated, crushed or exposed to water) or electrical damage (e.g., overcharging or using charging equipment not designed for the battery). Some of the dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires include heat, smoke, the release of toxic gases, and the potential for explosions.

The Fire Safety presenters gave advice to the capacity audience and offered tips about buying products with lithium-ion batteries, such as purchasing products that are only listed by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory (and labeled accordingly), stopping the charge once it is full, and only using the charging equipment that is supplied with the device. Students were also advised to stop using their devices if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color; and to have all repairs performed by a qualified professional.

This presentation also covered in detail the adopted by the University on March 21, 2023, which state the limitations and permitted areas where an EV can be utilized on campus. Storage of EVs within academic buildings and residence halls on campus is strictly prohibited due to their increased fire hazard.

The full news release may be found on the .

The University prioritizes the safety of the campus community and is providing guidance for the safe operation, storage, charging and of all personal electric vehicles (e-scooters, e-bikes, e-hoverboards ,etc) while permitting students, faculty and staff to benefit from the ease and convenience these devices provide.�� Please refer to “Campus Guidelines for Personal Electric Vehicle Operation” (3/21/23) for reference.

Storage of these vehicles inside any �鶹��ý���� owned or operated building or other facility is strictly prohibited due to the risk of fire and/or explosion. This includes stairwells, hallways and common areas.

Charging of these vehicles inside any �鶹��ý���� owned or operated building or other facility is strictly prohibited due to the risk of fire and/or explosion.

Bringing an e-scooter or e-bike (all personal electric vehicles) inside any University owned building or facility for any amount of time is strictly prohibited.

Shocking Electric Scooter Fire Explosion While Charging Inside Room

https://youtu.be/HBUGEFErXxA?si=J2PhBS3pS6h985VE

Questions about PEV use on campus may be directed to the Office of Fire Safety.

Shawn Simons & Alvaro Llanos share their story of how they survived after their freshmen residence hall was set on fire in a fraternity prank gone wrong. Their story is one of perseverance, hope, inspiration, courage, and friendship.

Not only will you learn fire safety tips, they also aim to inspire and motivate their audience to persevere over life’s many obstacles by drawing strength, knowledge and motivation from those around you. With these tools, they prove that there is life “After the Fire.”

The presentation includes a viewing of their powerful documentary, a reading from their New York Times Best-Selling book, and a Q&A discussion.�� Join us on March 30, 2023, at 7 p.m., on the 7th Floor of University Hall.

This is NOT your average fire safety presentation!

This event is sponsored by the �鶹��ý���� Office of Fire Safety in conjunction with the Office of Residence Life, University Facilities, Greek Life, the Delta Chi Fraternity, and the Student Government Association.

Despite the many advantages associated with the lithium-ion battery, there are drawbacks. One of the most dangerous being the all too real possibility that these batteries can overheat, catch fire, and in extreme cases explode. This is normally caused from “thermal runaway.” Thermal runaway is when the temperature inside the battery reaches the point that causes a chemical reaction. ��Energy stored in the battery is released very suddenly creating extremely high temperatures and off gassing.

Fires involving lithium-ion batteries have been increasing at an alarming rate and have resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities. Even when the initial cause of a fire was not the lithium-ion device, the involvement of lithium-ion batteries in a fire can increase the intensity and magnitude of the fire. Recently, a high-profile fire in Manhattan involving lithium-ion batteries required New York City Firefighters to rescue trapped occupants. The firefighters were lowered by a rope and removed the victims out of a window on the 20^th��floor.

What is the problem:

• When a battery is defective or damaged; it can overheat, catch fire, or explode.
• Once the battery ignites, it burns extremely hot and lets off toxic gases.

Signs of a problem:��

• If the battery changes shape or color.
• If the battery begins to leak or gives off an unusual odor.
• If the battery feels hot to the touch or begins to smoke.

Safety Tips for Lithium-Ion Batteries:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and chargers that have been listed by a nationally recognized testing lab.
• Only use batteries and chargers specifically designed for the device.
• Do not store batteries in direct sunlight.
• Do not use extension cords or power strips to charge multiple devices at one time. Plug the charger directly into the wall receptacle and only charge one device at a time.

Additional Information:

“This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign capitalizes on its milestone anniversary, celebrating all we’ve accomplished in reducing the public’s risk to fire over the past hundred years,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of the NFPA Outreach and Advocacy division. “At the same time, the theme, ‘Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,’ addresses challenges that remain.”

According to NFPA data, home��—��the place people feel safest from fire — is actually where they are at greatest risk, with three-quarters (74��percent) of all U.S. fire deaths occurring in homes. When a home fire does occur, it’s more likely to be serious; people are more likely to die in a home fire today than they were in 1980.

“Today’s homes burn faster and hotter than they used to, minimizing the amount of time they have to escape safely,” said Carli. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to get out from the time the smoke alarms sounds.”

The Fire Prevention Week 2022��theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” promotes potentially life-saving messages that can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Developing a home escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it regularly ensures that everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds and uses that time wisely.

Following are key messages behind this year’s “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape” theme:

• Make sure your home escape plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

As the biggest annual campaign at NFPA, Fire Prevention Week works to educate people about the leading risks to home fires and ways they can better protect themselves and their loved ones. Local fire departments play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year and spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, its 100^th��anniversary, and this year’s theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” visit��.