Fire Safety Report

This annual Fire Safety Report is prepared and issued each year by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services to comply with the fire safety-related requirements of the federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA). The Act requires that certain information pertaining to on-campus student housing facility fire safety be made available to the public. This section summarizes the reporting components required by HEOA. Key fire safety policies and procedures are highlighted below. The UIC Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) and Campus Housing are responsible for reporting the fire safety components required by the HEOA.

UIC Campus Housing

UIC Campus Housing consists of UIC-owned and -operated on-campus student housing facilities on both the Chicago Campus East and Chicago Campus West. UIC Campus Housing on Chicago Campus East includes the following facilities: Academic and Residential Complex; James J. Stukel Towers; Marie Robinson Hall; Student Residence and Commons Courtyard; Student Residence and Commons North; Student Residence and Commons West; and Thomas Beckham Hall. Chicago Campus West UIC Campus Housing includes the following facilities: Polk Street Residence Hall and Single Student Residence. UIC does not own or control on-campus student housing facilities for the UIC School of Law, Peoria Campus, Rockford Campus, Springfield Campus, nor Urbana Campus.

Fire Safety Policies

In accordance with the UIC Campus Housing Resident Student Code of Conduct, any related activity that compromises or could compromise the safety of the building or others, including, but not limited to, tampering with, disabling, or misusing emergency equipment (e.g., smoke alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire/emergency exit doors), or possessing items that could lead to health and safety concerns is strictly prohibited. In the event of a fire alarm activation, all students must evacuate the building immediately.

Prohibited Conduct

• Propping any exterior door open as well as bathroom doors.
• Failure to evacuate a building immediately upon a fire alarm activation or instruction of Residence Life Staff or other emergency response personnel.
• Tampering with, disabling, or misusing fire alarms, smoke detectors, or other fire/safety related equipment. Such conduct will be referred for judicial action up to and including residence hall termination and may result in a fine up to $500.
• Misuse of emergency exits. Misuse of an emergency exit may result in a fine starting at $100.
• Starting a fire of any kind inside a student residence, including but is not limited to lighting candles, incense, or fireworks.
• Intentionally or unintentionally damaging property by fire or explosives or the result of activation of any fire/safety procedures. Any resident found in violation of this provision could face fines, including restitution for damages.
• The use of tobacco products (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes, chew, electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and smokeless tobacco products) or smoking of any other substances in residence halls, university buildings and vehicles.
• Creating or contributing to an environmental hazard that is deemed to be a danger or threat to the health and/or safety of any individuals or the community at large.
• Possessing prohibited items (defined below) or other items deemed inappropriate by residence hall staff. Note: The Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act strictly prohibits firearms on university property, which includes residence halls. See 430 ILCS 66/65 for more information on prohibited areas.

Additional Fire Safety Policies

• Cooking: Cooking is only permitted in designated areas, including common area kitchens and apartment kitchen areas for apartment-style housing.
• Portable Electronic Appliances: All electrical equipment must be UL-approved and it is prohibited to overload circuits. Use of coffee makers and electronic hot water kettles is permitted. Air fryers, rice cookers, and crock pots may be stored in rooms but are only permitted to be used in kitchens. All types of microwaves (unless built into the apartment or part of a Microfridge unit) and other appliances with an external heating unit or open flame (e.g., hot plates, toasters, space heaters, and cooking appliances [except for those expressly permitted]) are prohibited.
• Burnable Materials: The addition of burnable materials to a room is to be kept to a minimum. Use of cloth, fish netting, paper, or any other burnable material to provide a false ceiling is prohibited. Natural vegetation of a combustible nature is not permitted. No more than 50% of wall space should be covered with burnable materials (paper, photos, cloth, etc.).
• Other prohibited items: Halogen bulbs, hoverboards, mercury thermometers/ other mercury-containing items, weapons, firearms, power tools, or other items deemed inappropriate by the residence hall.
• Fire Reporting: Failure to report any intentional or accidental fire is subject to the student conduct process and possible university police intervention.

Tailor Lofts

UIC Global, a third-party entity of the university, leases and coordinates housing for UIC Global international students at Tailor Lofts, a privately-managed housing complex located in the vicinity of Chicago Campus East. Tailor Lofts is not managed by UIC and follows its own fire safety rules.

Fire Safety Policies

Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is expressly prohibited:

• Smoking.
• Tampering with, interfering with, or damaging any fire alarm equipment and/or installation.
• Triggering or activating the fire sprinkler system without the danger of fire being present. Residents will be responsible for all damages caused by such an activation.
• Falsely pulling a fire alarm. Anyone found to falsely pull a fire alarm will be subject to criminal charges, a minimum fine of $300.0 and/or a default of their housing contract.

Additional Fire Safety Policies

• Open Flames: Items which require an open flame to operate, or which produce heat (e.g., Bunsen burners, lighted candles, alcohol burners, heating elements, irons, curling irons, halogen bulbs), must be supervised by resident at all times during use and can never be left on unattended. Items that are flammable, such as fuel and propane gas, may not be stored on the premises, in a resident’s unit or exclusive space, or any storage area.
• Portable Electrical Appliances: Extension cords must be UL approved, 16 gauge, and not exceed an un-spliced length of six feet with a polarized plug and a single outlet. Extension cords may not be placed under floor coverings or furnishings and may not be secured by penetrating the insulation. In-unit microwaves, refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are provided.

Current Fire Safety Systems

All on-campus student housing facilities (including Campus Housing and Tailor Lofts) are equipped with a full sprinkler system (i.e., sprinklers are located in both common areas and individual rooms), in-room/unit smoke detection, corridor smoke detection, fire extinguisher devices, and evacuation plans. Fire alarm monitoring for Campus Housing facilities is done on-site by UICPD, while fire alarm monitoring for Tailor Lofts is done by Advanced Fire.

Sprinklers

Sprinkler systems found in residence halls are for your protection. Residents should not touch, tamper with, or attempt to hang anything on sprinkler systems. Any tampering with or setting off sprinklers will result in disciplinary action and financial restitution for any damage caused.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers will be charged, available, and operable at all times. Tampering with fire extinguishers is a serious offense and could lead to dismissal from the university and/or termination of a resident’s housing contract.

Fire Extinguisher Procedures

If attempting to use a fire extinguisher, individuals should not put themselves in danger. It is important to address the immediate situation and be knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishers. It is also recommended to have another person present in case a problem occurs, and immediate help is required.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: P.A.S.S.

1. Pull the safety pin from the handle.

2. Aim at the base of the fire.

3. Squeeze the trigger handle.

4. Sweep from side to side at the base of fire.

Smoke Alarms & Smoke Detectors

Although they look alike, they are not; smoke alarms are found within dorm rooms, whereas smoke detectors are in common areas such as the hallways, and in newer facilities rooms that have been configured for persons with physical disabilities. A smoke alarm and smoke detector work the same in that they both sense smoke or products of combustion. When these devices sense smoke, a smoke alarm will provide an audible signal, while a smoke detector will send a signal to the fire alarm system, activating all audible alerts and flashing lights, as well as summoning the fire department. Students must submit a Request for Services to the area/hall office to report a damaged or faulty smoke alarm. Only residence hall staff may disconnect smoke alarms; the building maintenance inspector will replace damaged or faulty alarms.

Policy on Smoke Alarms and Detectors

A state statute provides that tampering with, removing, or destroying a smoke detector is a Class A misdemeanor. This equipment is in place for residents’ safety and for that of neighboring rooms.

Fire Safety Education and Training

UIC Campus Housing

Campus Housing provides employees with education on fire safety and information on how to report a fire, or evidence of a fire, to whom, and procedures to be followed when a fire alarm signals.

Each UIC building has fire evacuation plans and maps posted in common areas and on the backside of dorm doors. All employees and students are encouraged to become familiar with the escape routes for all buildings and floors and the locations of fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations, if equipped. In the event of a fire or evacuation, everyone should follow the fire safety evacuation route and immediately vacate the premises until the officials in charge declare the premises safe to re-enter. Exits and areas around fire extinguishers must be kept clear at all times.

Inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

Periodic unannounced fire safety inspections and evacuation drills are held to test equipment and procedures each term. The inspection is conducted by authorized UIC personnel. However, the inspection process is also used to educate residents on fire safety. The inspections include, but are not limited to, a visual examination of electrical cords, sprinkler heads, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and other life safety systems. The inspection is intended to identify violations of fire code and contracts. In addition, rooms are inspected for the presence of prohibited items (e.g., sources of open flames, such as candles; extension cords; halogen lamps; portable cooking appliances in non-kitchen areas; etc.) or prohibited activities (e.g., smoking in the room; tampering with life safety equipment; possession of pets; etc.). Any noted violations must be corrected, and follow-up inspections are conducted by Campus Housing or EHSO. Prohibited items will be immediately confiscated and given to the Campus Housing Director’s staff for disposal.

The EHSO Fire Safety staff arrange with the campus electricians and UICPD to be present at the evacuation drills. The campus electrician activates the fire alarm. The Residential Facility staff meets with the students and staff at the facility’s designated meeting area to ensure all students have evacuated. The staff also notes any facility malfunctions during the drill (doors not closing properly, alarm not sounding, etc.). After the alarm has been reset and put back into service, the Fire Safety staff gives the all-clear to re-enter the facility. The Fire Safety staff times the drill and conducts a critique of the drill immediately after the drill with the residential staff.

All Resident Directors, Resident Assistants, and Campus Residential Facility Staff Supervisors receive fire safety training each semester from the EHSO Fire Safety staff. All of the above then schedule floor meetings and staff meetings for fire safety training.

This training includes instruction on the types, causes, and how to prevent fires in campus residential facilities. This includes, but is not limited to: smoking materials, cooking, housekeeping, electrical fires, and fires caused during building maintenance activities. The training also includes building-specific training on exit locations and gathering areas for evacuating the facility. Staff members are advised of what to expect during the annual fire safety inspection process. Additionally, EHSO Fire Safety staff members are available throughout the year to advise staff on fire safety issues or concerns.

Students and staff with disabilities receive, as requested, one-on-one training, which is tailored to the individual’s needs by the EHSO Fire Safety staff.

Fire Alarms and Fire Drills

For resident safety, two fire drills will be conducted early in each semester, along with one additional drill during the summer session in occupied housing buildings. Therefore, there are a minimum of four fire drills each calendar year.

The UIC EHSO conducts the drills in coordination with the Campus Housing staff, campus electricians, and the UICPD. The residents are not notified in advance of the date or time of the scheduled drill. When the fire alarm system is activated, all residents are required to evacuate the building immediately. They are informed that a drill is taking place as they exit the building.

Tailor Lofts

Tailor Lofts residents are included in one fire drill annually to provide fire safety training to building residents. Residents are reminded to follow fire safety regulations when decorating and to avoid contact with sprinkler heads to prevent accidental activation.

Inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment

All the fire and life safety equipment in Tailor Lofts is tested annually, including the sprinkler system and building alarms.

Fire Alarms and Fire Drills

Tailor Lofts conducts one fire drill annually.

To Report a Fire Situation

For all active fires or situations posing an immediate threat to life: Call 911.

For the purposes of including a fire in the statistics of the UIC Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, fires should be reported to the UIC Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) and the UIC Police Department (UICPD) Crime Statistics Unit.

UIC Campus Housing

To report a fire occurring or evidence that a fire occurred and has been extinguished in a UIC Campus Housing student housing facility, contact:

• UICPD (Emergency): (312) 355-5555 or 5-5555 from a campus phone
• Director of the EHSO: (312) 413-9706
• Director of Housing: (312) 355-6320
• Campus Housing Resident Director of the student housing facility:

Chicago Campus East:

• Academic and Residential Complex (ARC): (312) 355-7804
• James J. Stukel Towers (JJST): (312) 355-6009
• Marie Robinson Hall (MRH): (312) 355-6007
• Student Residence and Commons Courtyard (SRCC): (312) 355-6503
• Student Residence and Commons North (SCRN): (312) 355-6506
• Student Residence and Commons West (SRCW): 312) 355-6506
• Thomas Beckham Hall (TBH): (312) 355-6007

Chicago Campus West:

• Polk Street Residence Hall (PSRH): (312) 355-6407
• Single Student Residence (SSR): (312) 355-6407

In accordance with the Resident Student Code of Conduct, failure to report any intentional or accidental fire will result in disciplinary action.

Tailor Lofts

To report a fire occurring or evidence that a fire occurred and has been extinguished in Tailor Lofts, residents should call 911.

Fire Log

The UICPD maintains a log of fire events that are reported to occur within on-campus student housing facilities. The log is available upon request by contacting the UICPD non-emergency number at (312) 996-2830.

General Procedures in The Event of a Fire

Fires can spread quickly and become life-threatening in minutes. By the time you notice a fire on your floor or hear an alarm, it may be too late to plan an escape. DO NOT waste time gathering valuables or making phone calls. Alert the people around you and evacuate immediately. Fire hazards may take the form of, but are not limited to:

• Obstructing or compromising adequate exit routes.
• Overloading electrical systems, faulty devices, or equipment.
• Improperly storing or using hazardous materials.
• Using devices or equipment improperly.

If You Discover Fire on Your Floor or in Your Room

RACE:

Rescue anyone in the immediate danger are if you can safely do so.

Activate the nearest pull station to engage the building fire alarm system.

Confine the fire by closing doors to the fire scene and securing potentially dangerous substances and/or equipment.

Evacuate the building by the nearest or alternate exit if possible. Do not use elevators during an evacuation! If you are not able to evacuate, go to a designated Area of Rescue Assistance or nearest stairwell if you can.

• Once you are safely outside the building, call 911.
• Alert authorities to those who may need assistance.
• DO NOT re-enter the building until you are informed by emergency response personnel that it is safe to return.

What to Do Once the Fire Alarm Is Activated

• Feel the doorknob or higher on the door with the back of your hand. If it feels hot, fire may be on the other side of the door, so keep it shut.

• Even if the door is cool, open it slowly. Stand low and to one side of the door, in case smoke or fumes seep around it.
• If heat and smoke come in, slam the door tightly, stuff clothing or towels in the door’s cracks to keep smoke out, and use an alternate way out.

• Those who are unable to evacuate the building rapidly, such as injured persons or those with disabilities, should proceed to the designated Area of Rescue Assistance or nearest stairwell.
• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll back and forth until the fire is out.
• DO NOT congregate in the building lobby.
• DO NOT use elevators unless instructed to do so by the Fire Department.

If You Are Caught in Smoke

• Drop to your hands and knees and crawl toward an exit, if you are able to do so.
• Stay low to the floor, as smoke rises to the ceiling level.
• Hold your breath as much as possible.
• Breathe shallowly, through your nose, and use a filter such as your shirt or a towel.

If You Are Trapped In A Room

• Place wet cloth material around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
• Signal someone outside, but DO NOT break glass unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Call 911.

Student Housing Facility Evacuation Procedures in Case of a Fire

UIC Campus Housing

It is your responsibility to be familiar with the safety procedures and to adhere to them fully when an alarm sounds. All residents should take note of the following:

• Know where fire equipment (including extinguishers), alarms, and exits are located.
• Keep fire doors (stairwell doors) and doors separating buildings closed so that smoke cannot get in your hall if there is a fire. Some doors have devices to ensure their closure when a fire alarm sounds.
• If you see a fire, pull the nearest alarm if possible, call UICPD at (312) 355-5555.
• If a fire starts in your room, and it is safe to do so, close the windows and door to keep the fire from spreading, and leave the room.
• Do not use elevators to exit the building when a fire alarm is sounding.
• The Office of the State Fire Marshal requires residents vacate a building during an alarm. Staff and emergency personnel will assist you in evacuating the building to a safe location. Failure or refusal to comply may result in disciplinary action.
• Single Student Residence (SSR) is equipped with a high-rise fire alarm system. The fire alarm will sound on the floor where the fire exists, the two floors above, and one floor below. The remaining floor alarms will not ring and will not be evacuated unless the alarm source cannot be contained.
• Smoke causes more injury than most fires and even small fires can grow quickly and become overwhelming.
• TREAT EACH ALARM AS REAL—YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE A FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY.

Any resident needing help in evacuating the building should contact the Central Housing Office at (312) 355-6300 or housing@uic.edu to be put on the evacuation list maintained by the UICPD. Failure to evacuate a building immediately upon a fire alarm or instruction of Residence Life Staff or other Emergency Response personnel is prohibited.

Tailor Lofts

In the case of a fire alarm sounding in the community, Tailor Lofts residents and their guests are required to evacuate the building. If a Resident sees smoke in the hallways, breezeways, or rooms, keep low to the ground while moving to the nearest exit. Once a resident is out of the building, move away from the building and do not block emergency personnel and equipment. Residents may not re-enter the building until they receive notification from local officials or Owner. Failure to evacuate may result in fines and/or a default of the housing contract.

• Stay calm
• Pull the nearest fire alarm
• Call 911
• All associates on duty should begin building evacuations by shouting “FIRE!” frequently and knocking on doors.

• Assist firefighters by keeping residents away from the buildings and by trying to determine if everyone evacuated safely
• Assist in entry to the building once an “all clear” is given by the fire department.

2024 Fire Statistics

Chicago Campus East & Chicago Campus West

Total Fires in CY 2024	Cause of Fire	Number of Injuries that Required Treatment at a Medical Facility	Number of Deaths Related to Fire	Estimated Value of Property Damage Caused by Fire	Number of Fire Drills in 2024
Academic & Residential Complex 940 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
James J. Stukel Towers 718 W. Rochford Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Marie Robinson Hall 811 W. Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Polk Street Residence Hall 1933 W. Polk Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Student Residence and Commons Courtyard 600 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Student Residence and Commons North 650 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Student Residence and Commons West 901 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Single Student Residence 809 S. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Thomas Beckham Hall 1250 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Tailor Lofts 315 S. Peoria Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	1

2023 Fire Statistics

Chicago Campus East & Chicago Campus West

Total Fires in CY 2023	Cause of Fire	Number of Injuries that Required Treatment at a Medical Facility	Number of Deaths Related to Fire	Estimated Value of Property Damage Caused by Fire
Academic & Residential Complex 940 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
James J. Stukel Towers 718 W. Rochford Street, Chicago, IL
1	Intentional*	0	0	$100-999
Marie Robinson Hall 811 W. Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL
1	Unintentional/ Open Flame	0	0	$50,000-99,999
Polk Street Residence Hall 1933 W. Polk Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Student Residence and Commons Courtyard 600 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
1	Unintentional/ Open Flame	0	0	$1,000-9,999
Student Residence and Commons North 650 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Student Residence and Commons West 901 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Single Student Residence 809 S. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Thomas Beckham Hall 1250 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tailor Lofts 315 S. Peoria Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
*Description of intentional fire: A resident of the on-campus student housing facility was found responsible for causing damage to a toilet seat in the housing facility from the use of open flames.

2022 Fire Statistics

Chicago Campus East & Chicago Campus West

Total Fires in CY 2022	Cause of Fire	Number of Injuries that Required Treatment at a Medical Facility	Number of Deaths Related to Fire	Estimated Value of Property Damage Caused by Fire
Academic & Residential Complex 940 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
James J. Stukel Towers 718 W. Rochford Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Marie Robinson Hall 811 W. Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Polk Street Residence Hall 1933 W. Polk Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Student Residence and Commons Courtyard 600 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Student Residence and Commons North 650 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Student Residence and Commons West 901 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Single Student Residence 809 S. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Thomas Beckham Hall 1250 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Tailor Lofts 315 S. Peoria Street, Chicago, IL
0	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A