In addition, I have directed Peter Eliason, director of facilities for SAS, to review with Don King, director of community development, all of our current safety and educational procedures. Strong is especially concerned about the human element, which is often the most critical element. The Campus Code of Conduct and the terms and conditions of students' housing contracts mandate that all persons leave a building in response to fire alarms. When the fire erupted in Sperry Hall last week. Cornell has a very active fire prevention program.
Emphasis is placed on education, testing and inspection.
Training covers building evacuation procedures, building fire protection equipment including alarms and smoke detectors, and use of portable fire extinguishers. In 1999, Cornell hired an independent engineering firm to conduct a survey of safety systems in residence halls. Campus officials are reviewing the report and will make recommendations for improvements in building safety systems where necessary. A major upgrade of the campus fire alarm systems was undertaken a couple of years ago to reduce the number of false alarms in residence hall buildings. Older alarm systems can be triggered by dust or insects.