ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT
ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DPS.OSU.EDU
The 2018 Annual Security Report begins on page 4.
The 2018 Annual Fire Safety Report begins on page 62.
The Fire and Life Safety Compliance Guide begins on page 84.
2 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
2018
ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT
2015 – 2017 Crime Statistics
4 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................................7
EMERGENCY NUMBERS...........................................................................................................................................7
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE DIVISION.................................................................................................8
SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION INITIATIVES....................................................................................................9
International Travel Safety
Built Environment Security
Security Planning Strategies
Crime Prevention and Safety Programs and Education
9
9
10
10
TITLE IX.................................................................................................................................................................... 13
TITLE IX TASK FORCE............................................................................................................................................. 14
PREVENTING DATING VIOLENCE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING.............................. 14
Buck-I-CARE 16
Buckeyes ACT
16
Sexual Misconduct Assessment and Response Team (SMART)
17
STUDENT CONDUCT.............................................................................................................................................. 17
STUDENT LIFE, UNIVERSITY HOUSING................................................................................................................ 18
OFF-CAMPUS AND COMMUTER STUDENT SERVICES....................................................................................... 18
BIAS ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TEAM (BART)............................................................................................ 19
STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES................................................................................................................................... 19
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES............................................................................................................................... 20
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS....................................................................................................................................... 20
STUDENT SAFETY SERVICE................................................................................................................................... 21
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION, RESPONSE, AND EVACUATION......................................................................... 22
Emergency Notification Procedures
22
Emergency Notification Systems
23
Emergency Evacuations
26
Shelter-In-Place 26
Testing and Exercises
27
STATEMENT OF POLICY ON TIMELY WARNINGS................................................................................................ 28
Timely Warning Procedure
Neighborhood Safety Notices
29
30
NOTIFICATION OF MISSING STUDENTS.............................................................................................................. 30
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 5
POLICIES - REPORTING CRIMES, PREPARING ANNUAL REPORTS, CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING................. 31
Reporting a crime
31
Confidentiality 32
Reporting Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, and Stalking
33
Protective Measures
33
University Disciplinary Procedures
34
Criminal and Civil Options in Addition to University Procedures
37
Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act Information
37
AREA AGENCIES......................................................................................................................................................37
REGIONAL CAMPUSES...........................................................................................................................................37
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS POLICY......................................................... 38
Important Facts
55
SAFETY TIPS AND CRIME PREVENTION INFORMATION................................................................................... 55
Parental Notification Guidelines for Alcohol and Controlled Substance Violations
56
PARTY SMART.........................................................................................................................................................57
Get the Facts!
One Drink per Hour
Alcohol Poisoning and Drug Overdosing
57
57
57
REPORTS AVAILABLE.............................................................................................................................................57
University Police
57
CRIME STATISTICS CHART.................................................................................................................................... 58
ARRESTS AND DISCIPLINARY REFERRALS......................................................................................................... 60
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CLERY DEFINITIONS......................................................................................... 60
Campus 60
Non-Campus 60
Public Property
61
Footnotes 61
6 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
YOUR SAFETY IS OUR CONCERN. IT ALSO MUST BE YOUR CONCERN. AS A UNIVERSITY, WE
WORK DILIGENTLY TO PREVENT CRIME, FIRE, ACCIDENTS, AND ILLNESS, BUT NOTHING WE DO
IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU DO - AND, IN SOME CASES, DON’T DO.
The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety, including University Police, Central Campus Security Services, and
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention, has primary responsibility for crime prevention, fire prevention, emergency
planning, and law enforcement services on campus. Other areas, such as Student Life, Transportation and Traffic
Management, Environmental Health & Safety, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Library Security, the Title IX
Coordinator, and many others, contribute to making this a safer place to study, work, and live.
This publication and website contain valuable information about how you can help us keep you safe, on and off campus.
Please pay special attention to the safety tips. Following them will help reduce the chances that you’ll be the victim of crime,
become injured, or lose valuables.
This report is intended to comply with the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and
Campus Crime Statistics Act. While we have sought to make this report a valuable resource of safety information, we
invite you to contact any of the departments or programs listed in this report for more information about our procedures or
resources. Reports for regional campuses of The Ohio State University are issued separately by those campuses.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
UNIVERSITY POLICE
Emergency
9-1-1
Non-emergency
614-292-2121
COLUMBUS POLICE
Emergency
9-1-1
Non-emergency
614-645-4545
REFERENCE AND REFERRAL LISTING
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)
614-253-7306
City of Columbus Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program
614-645-6839
Office of Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service
614-292-5766
Office of Student Life Student Advocacy Center
614-292-1111
Office of Student Life Student Health Services
614-292-4321
Office of Student Life Student Wellness Center
614-292-4527
Ohio State Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
800-678-6265
Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO)
614-267-7020
Student Safety Service
614-292-3322
Student Travel Safety
614-292-7677
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 7
THE OHIO STATE
UNIVERSITY POLICE
DIVISION
have police jurisdiction on all university property, provide
primary police services to The Ohio State University
Columbus campus, and provide police services at Ohio
State’s regional campuses located at Lima, Mansfield,
Marion, Newark, and Wooster.
Police officers of The Ohio State University are
designated by statute as the law enforcement officers for
the university. They are empowered to use investigative
authority on reasonable suspicion of crime, to search
and arrest as authorized by law, and to use reasonable
and necessary force to enforce law and protect property
on university land and as provided by mutual aid
compacts established with other jurisdictions. Their
oath of office is a personal commitment to the rule of
law and constitutional limitations of police authority.
University Police perform the same duties and have the
same authority as police departments in the cities in
Ohio. In addition, the University Police Division receives
annual in-service training that exceeds the mandatory
training required by public safety agencies that are
accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The University
Police Division follows the best recognized industry
practices. In 2016, the Division received its first CALEA
reaccreditation award and obtained state certification
from the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Agency
Certification program. They evaluate reported crimes
and conduct investigations to determine the responsible
party. University Police enforce laws regulating underage
drinking, the use of controlled substances, weapons,
and all other incidents requiring police assistance. They
The University Police Division has established a strong
working relationship with many local, state, and federal
law enforcement agencies, including a number of
agencies in jurisdictions near the university’s campuses.
Those agencies may notify the university of criminal
activity involving students at off-campus locations,
including noncampus locations and housing facilities
of student organizations officially recognized by the
university. These students may be subject to disciplinary
action under the university’s Code of Student Conduct
in addition to any appropriate criminal action. University
Police work cooperatively with these agencies and have
regular contacts with the Columbus Division of Police,
the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio State
Highway Patrol about matters of mutual interest and
concern. Additionally, the Columbus Division of Police
provides primary police services to portions of the South
Campus Gateway area. The University Police Division has
entered into agreements with the Cities of Columbus,
Bexley, and Upper Arlington; Clinton Township; and
the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, to allow University
Police to investigate criminal offenses and perform other
police functions in those jurisdictions under certain
circumstances.
8 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Through the agreement with the City of Columbus,
University Police officers engage in crime interdiction
and joint crime prevention projects in the Columbus
Police 4th Precinct and University District (see “Crime
Prevention and Safety Programs and Education”). In
addition, this agreement allows University Police to take
law enforcement action when they view certain criminal
activity while traveling through the City of Columbus
on university business and to provide assistance to the
Columbus Division of Police in the event of an emergency.
The University Police Division also has entered into a
joint agreement with Bowling Green State University,
Central State University, Cleveland State University,
Kent State University, Miami University, Ohio University,
Shawnee State University, University of Akron, University
of Toledo, Wright State University, Youngstown State
University and Columbus State Community College to
provide and receive mutual assistance and police services
upon request. Agreements with the Ohio State Highway
Patrol and the Ohio Investigative Unit provide for law
enforcement officers from these agencies to support the
operations of the University Police Division during football
games. The Ohio Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact law gives
Ohio State’s Police Division the ability to call upon any
law enforcement agency to provide mutual assistance or
aid for purposes of responding to and recovering from
a disaster, preparing for incidents, exercises, training
activities, planned events, or emergencies, any of which
require additional resources.
Police receive assistance in providing safety and security
services from other university departments. The Ohio
State University’s Wexner Medical Center Security office
provides security services directly to the university’s
medical complex, and Central Campus Security Services
officers support security needs in the Wexner Center
for the Arts and other campus facilities. These security
officers are non-sworn and do not have the arrest
authority given to law enforcement officers, but they play
an important role in promoting safety and security on the
campus.
Risk Manager maintains an emergency response protocol,
and travelers have access to a 24-hour international
response number, 614-292-6677. As part of the protocol,
the university maintains insurance to support health and
security response. Faculty and staff leading educationabroad programs receive annual training in incident
response.
Pre-travel health, safety, and security information is
available on Education Abroad website. Registered
student travelers are provided travel safety materials,
are advised to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), are enrolled
in insurance, and are registered in the incident response
protocol.
Student Life’s Risk and Emergency Management has
partnered with Central Campus Security Services to
provide nightly patrols of all residence halls and other
Student Life properties in and around campus. The
Student Safety Service provides free rides for workers
and students, especially appreciated by those who close
the dining halls late in the evening.
The University Police Division is located in Blankenship
Hall, 901 Woody Hayes Drive. University Police are
available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to receive
reports and investigate crimes that are reported to have
occurred on university property.
Emergency telephone service, 9-1-1, is available from
all campus phones, including more than 160 direct
emergency phones on and off campus in the university
district. Walk-in service is available every hour of every
day. Non-emergency phone contact also is always
available by calling 614-292-2121. Specific questions
may be directed to University Police through email at
police@osu.edu.
SAFETY AND CRIME
PREVENTION INITIATIVES
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SAFETY
The Office of International Affairs, Risk and Emergency
Management, and Student Health Insurance collaborate
on a travel risk management program. The International
BUILT ENVIRONMENT SECURITY
The Ohio State University implements numerous safety
precautions on its Columbus campus. Consistent lighting
is found throughout the campus, and the university
continues to implement additional lighting improvement
projects and consider public safety in maintaining its
buildings and grounds. In addition, construction and
renovation plans for university facilities are reviewed for
principles associated with Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED). Access to campus
buildings is restricted after normal business hours,
and current university identification must be shown to
gain admittance to many facilities. Residence halls are
locked 24 hours a day and require university BuckID
identification cards for access.
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 9
SECURITY PLANNING STRATEGIES
The university recognizes that the built environment
has an influence on criminal behavior and in promoting
an atmosphere of security and safety for our students,
faculty, staff, and visitors. For this reason, it is our desire
to implement in the design of our buildings, open spaces,
and campus as a whole, environmental elements that will
have a positive impact on security. To further that effort,
we focus on several safety and security considerations
and security planning principles as we design and
develop buildings and other areas of campus. These
include appropriate site selection, building placement,
and effective and appropriate use of signage, natural and
man-made security barriers, architectural elements and
landscape materials, access control methods, lighting,
and security cameras. By incorporating these elements
into the design of campus spaces, we aim to create a
safe and open atmosphere that promotes living, learning,
and working while at that same time effectively deterring
criminal activity and other inappropriate uses of campus
spaces.
community, (2) identifying real and/or perceived problems
that exist in the campus community, and (3) developing
programs that aid in the resolution of identified problems.
University Police use various modes of transportation to
patrol the campus, including bicycles, cars, a mounted
horse unit, and walking officers.
Joint Patrol Project: In 2008, the University Police
and the Columbus Division of Police expanded their
collaborative efforts with the creation of the Joint Policing
Program. This program combines resources in a manner
that improves the quality and availability of police services
to our student population. The policing team focuses
efforts on crime and disorder issues affecting students
living in the University District. By working together, the
team easily can move across the jurisdictional boundaries
that tend to slow down and restrict operational
effectiveness. They have well developed working
relationships with a variety of student and university
entities and City of Columbus departments that have an
interest in safety in the University District.
Crime Interdiction: Every fall and spring since 2004, the
University Police and Columbus Division of Police have
teamed up to focus on student safety in the off-campus
student neighborhoods, including non-campus locations
of registered student organizations. This area around
campus enjoys a vibrant and energetic night life, and it
is the mission of both agencies to create an atmosphere
that involves maximum deterrent to crime and instills
confidence in residents for their safety, ultimately
improving the good will among students and police.
The goal of this program is to combine resources in a
manner that improves the quality and availability of police
services. This joint effort is led and funded by The Ohio
State University Department of Public Safety and involves
many aspects of patrol, ranging from high-visibility
uniformed police patrols to other tactics designed to
provide safety and peace of mind to residents.
CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY
PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION
In addition, the university offers numerous crime
prevention and safety programs to the university
community. These programs are offered by various
university organizations and are available throughout
each academic year. Sponsors and their programs
include:
Community Policing: The University Police Division
utilizes a community policing philosophy with the goals
of (1) establishing positive contacts with the campus
10 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Student Safety Service: The Ohio State University
Central Campus Security Services employs students,
known as Student Safety Service (SSS) officers, to assist
in the detection and deterrence of criminal activity.
Additionally, SSS officers operate a Safe Ride program
that provides safe transportation for university community
members on campus and the immediate campus area
from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily. SSS officers are capable of
communicating directly with the Police Division over
their radio frequencies, have received CPR/AED/First Aid
training, and routinely collaborate with outside public
safety agencies to enhance the overall well-being of the
university community. SSS personnel also may be seen
on campus during key special events, such as football
games, basketball games, and concerts. For more
information, see page 21.
Community Crime Patrol: Through proactive patrols, the
Community Crime patrol is an off-campus safety program
that helps identify and report possible criminal activity for
the benefit of residents who live in the areas east, north
and south of the university campus (many of whom are
students). This program is supported by The Ohio State
University and the City of Columbus.
Emergency Phones: Located throughout the
university campus, these phones provide a direct line
of communication to a public safety dispatcher for
individuals in need of emergency assistance. Look for
the blue lights inside buildings, in parking areas and on
campus grounds. Campus phones also may be used to
dial 9-1-1.
Surviving an Active Shooter: The Department of
Public Safety, in partnership with the Office of Student
Life, released a 6-minute video that takes the viewer
through various scenarios utilizing the concept of Run,
Hide, Fight® and highlighting the university’s methods
of emergency communications. The university added
the “Surviving an Active Shooter” video to its 2017-2018
incoming freshman orientation checklist distributed to
more than 18,000 students. Closed captioning and audio
described versions can be viewed via YouTube. Since its
upload in September 2015, YouTube has recorded more
than 1,450,000 views of this Emmy-Award–winning video,
produced by WOSU Public Media. It has proven to be
a valuable resource beyond the university community.
go.osu.edu/active-shooter
Surviving an Active Aggressor: In August 2018, the
Department of Public Safety, in partnership with the Office
of Student Life, released a 9-minute video that provides
important updates to the original “Surviving an Active
Shooter” video. It, too, is on the incoming freshman
orientation checklist and, as of September 30, 2018, had
nearly 8,000 YouTube views.
go.osu.edu/active-aggressor
Run, Hide, Fight® is a registered trademark of the City of Houston.
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 11
Sexual Assault Survivor’s Rights: The University Police
Division has developed and implemented a “Sexual
Assault Survivor’s Rights” program, designed to protect
the rights of survivors of sexual assault and is a road map
to empower and inform survivors of sexual assault. Copies
of these materials are available at the University Police
Division.
Prospective and Current Student Crime Awareness
and Prevention Programs: The Police Division and
the Office of Student Life present information to
students and prospective students and their parents
about university safety programs and general campus
safety tips. Safety literature and displays are available
annually during orientation. Additionally, a Student Life
audiovisual presentation, including personal safety
information, is presented to students and parents, and
literature is distributed both on and off campus during the
academic year. Students and parents view a bystander
intervention video during orientation that is aimed at
preventing sexual assault. At various times throughout
the academic year, the Office of Student Life will partner
with the Department of Public Safety to offer training
or other safety programs such as “Smoke-Outs” and
Rape Aggression Defense. Information also is available
at various websites such as dps.osu.edu/police and
studentlife.osu.edu/resources/safety.
Other Crime Prevention and Safety Education
Programs for Students and Employees: The Ohio State
University Police Division provides crime prevention
programming for employees and students in a variety
of settings. Officers meet with staff members during
community events, while performing security surveys,
or in a training environment. During these events,
12 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
employees are given information about the Department
of Public Safety operations on campus and information
about historic and current crime trends. Examples include
table displays at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center
and other locations on campus during staff events, and
participation in workplace violence training and procedure
development. Representatives from Medical Center
Security attend every new hire orientation in the Wexner
Medical Center and review crime prevention, safety, and
other security-related topics.
Crime prevention information is shared with many
students in a classroom setting through programs
provided upon request by academic units and through
residence halls on campus. Students also get information
from police officers that are assigned to be the police
contact for their residence halls. Student Life’s Risk
and Emergency Management is involved in the training
program for Student Life staff who work in the residence
halls, allowing for general crime prevention information to
be shared directly with students.
The Police Division provides Rape Aggression Defense
(R.A.D.) courses to the campus community at no cost.
This nationally recognized self-defense course is
taught by police officers from The Ohio State University
Police Division. These courses are offered periodically
throughout the year.
Safety planning is conducted, when appropriate, for
staff and students when they have been affected by
someone in crisis or when they are the victim of a crime
with ongoing concerns for safety. Officers work with
the Office of Human Resources in support of workplace
violence policies and also work with Student Life in the
Consultation and Assessment Team to help address
situations involving disruptive behavior.
TITLE IX
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination
and harassment based on sex or gender. This may
include acts of sex- or gender-based discrimination,
sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual violence,
relationship violence, and stalking. The Title IX
Coordinator is the designated university official with
primary responsibility for coordinating the university’s
compliance with Title IX. This individual provides
leadership for Title IX activities; offers consultation,
education, and training; and helps to ensure that the
university responds appropriately, effectively, and
equitably to all Title IX issues. For more information, visit
titleix.osu.edu or contact the Title IX Coordinator or any
of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators:
• Kellie Brennan, Compliance Director and Title IX/
Clery Coordinator: 614-247-5838, 21 E. 11th Ave.
in the South Campus Gateway, titleix@osu.edu or
brennan.241@osu.edu
• Molly Peirano, Assistant Compliance Director and
Deputy Title IX Coordinator: 614-247-4113, 21 E. 11th
Ave. in the South Campus Gateway, titleix@osu.edu
or peirano.9@osu.edu
• Kelly Smith, Director of Student Conduct and
Interim Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students:
614-293-0748, 550 Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Dr.,
smith.4941@osu.edu
• Kristi Hoge, Lead Employee and Labor Relations
Consultant and Deputy Title IX Coordinator for
Employees: 614-292-0854, 3000 Gateway Building
C, 1590 N. High St., hoge.42@osu.edu
• Janine Oman, Senior Associate Athletics Director
and Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Athletics:
614-247-7678, Fawcett Center for Tomorrow, 2400
Olentangy River Rd., 10th floor, oman.7@osu.edu
Title IX Intake and Outreach Coordinators are available
to support Ohio State students and employees who
experience sexual misconduct in any form, including
connecting to campus and community resources for
confidential counseling and confidential advocacy
services. Intake and Outreach Coordinators assist
survivors of sexual misconduct in understanding their
rights and options, assist in filing reports with appropriate
law enforcement agencies, explain university policies
and procedures, and help promote their academic and/or
professional success and personal wellness by arranging
accommodations and interim measures as needed and
available. Intake and Outreach Coordinators can help
with:
• Knowledge of university and criminal reporting
procedures
• Assistance with accommodations such as change
of housing, living, transportation, working, and
other protective measures that are requested and
reasonably available for students and employees
• On- and off-campus confidential counseling and
advocacy services
• Options for legal assistance, including obtaining
protection orders
• Academic assistance, including contacting
instructors about missing time or assignments,
arranging leaves of absence or emergency
withdrawal, and retroactive withdrawal petitions
• Workplace accommodations, including
communicating with supervisors, schedule changes,
and missed time
Ohio State aims to educate students and the campus
at large, empowering the Buckeye Community to
help prevent sexual misconduct. The Relationship
Education and Violence Prevention Coordinators in the
Student Life Student Wellness Center are responsible
for the development, implementation, and evaluation
of evidence-based primary prevention efforts and
awareness campaigns and focus on initiatives that
will promote a positive shift in the culture. Prevention
workshops are provided to incoming students through
the First-Year Success Series (FYSS) and second-year
students through the Second-Year Transformational
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 13
Experience Program (STEP). Other programs available
to students include Sexual Violence and Intervention,
Masculinities, and Empowerment presentations, and
custom training by request. View descriptions of these
workshops. Programming efforts aim to help the Ohio
State community do the following:
• Recognize different types of sexual violence
• Understand that sexual violence is prohibited both
the university and Ohio law
• Debunk common rape myths
• Look at how sexual violence is portrayed in the
media and our culture
• Explore social constructs and cultural norms that
encourage sexual violence
• Reveal facts about sexual violence and its
relationship with alcohol and other drugs
• Understand sexual consent, coercion, and Ohio
State’s Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Build relationship skills and skills to communicate
sexual consent
• Understand and practice bystander intervention
methods
• Empathize with and support survivors of sexual
violence
• Know and be able to reference the campus and
local sexual violence resources
• Access information about bystander risk reduction
to decrease the likelihood of victimization and
recognize warning signs of abusive behavior
TITLE IX TASK FORCE
The Title IX Task Force, chaired by the university’s Title
IX Coordinator, is a multi-disciplinary group of students,
faculty, and staff representing more than 20 offices and
departments engaged in addressing sex- and genderbased discrimination. The Task Force has developed
workgroups focusing on assessment, engagement, and
awareness/prevention, identifying challenges and gaps in
the university’s proactive efforts to eliminate gender bias.
The task force focuses on creating a positive culture shift
through open dialogue and collaboration.
PREVENTING DATING
VIOLENCE, DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE, SEXUAL
ASSAULT, STALKING
The Ohio State University prohibits dating violence,
domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The code
of the State of Ohio does not define consent, but the
following definitions apply to all members of the university
community (faculty, staff, students, student employees,
graduate associates, appointees, volunteers), vendors,
and visitors under University Policy 1.15.
Consent – Permission that is clear, knowing,
voluntary, and expressed prior to engaging in
and during an act. Consent is active, not passive.
Silence, in and of itself, cannot be interpreted
as consent. Consent can be given by words or
actions, as long as those words or actions create
mutually understandable clear permission regarding
willingness to engage in (and the conditions of)
sexual activity.
A. Consent to any one form of sexual activity cannot
automatically imply consent to any other forms of
sexual activity.
B. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.
C. Previous relationships or prior consent cannot
imply consent to future sexual acts. This
includes “blanket” consent (i.e., permission in
advance for any/all actions at a later time/place).
14 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
D. Consent cannot be given by an individual
who one knows to be – or based on the
circumstances should reasonably have known
to be – substantially impaired (e.g., by alcohol
or other drug use, unconsciousness or blackout,
etc.).
1.
Substantial impairment is a state when an
individual cannot make rational, reasonable
decisions because she/he lacks the capacity
to give knowing consent (e.g., to understand
the “who, what, when, where, why, or how”
of their sexual interaction).
2. This policy also covers individuals whose
substantial impairment results from other
physical or mental conditions including
mental disability, sleep, involuntary physical
restraint, or from the consumption of alcohol
or other drugs.
3. Being impaired by alcohol or other drugs will
never function as a defense for any behavior
that violates this policy.
E. An individual cannot consent who has been
coerced, including being compelled by force,
threat of force, or deception; who is unaware that
the act is being committed; or who is coerced by
a supervisory or disciplinary authority.
Sexual Misconduct – Conduct of a sexual
nature or conduct based on sex or gender that is
nonconsensual or has the effect of threatening,
intimidating, or coercing a person. Includes sexual
harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence,
and stalking. Sexual misconduct is a form of sex- and
gender-based discrimination.
Sexual Violence – Sexual acts perpetrated against
an individual’s will or when an individual is incapable
of giving consent. All such acts of sexual violence
are forms of sexual misconduct.
Sexual Assault – Nonconsensual sexual contact
and nonconsensual sexual intercourse. All such acts
of sexual assault are forms of sexual violence and
therefore sexual misconduct.
Relationship Violence – Dating violence and
domestic violence.
Domestic Violence – Conduct that would meet
the definition of a felony or misdemeanor crime of
violence committed by the complainant’s current
or former spouse or intimate partner, a person
with whom the complainant shares a child in
common, a person who is or has cohabitated with
the complainant as a spouse or intimate partner,
an individual similarly situated to a spouse under
domestic or family violence law, or anyone else
protected under the domestic or family violence law
of the jurisdiction in which the offense occurred. An
individual need not be charged with or convicted of a
criminal offense to be found responsible for domestic
violence pursuant to this policy.
Dating Violence – Violence or threat of violence by
an individual who has been in a social relationship of
a romantic or intimate nature with the complainant.
Whether there was such relationship will be
determined based on the reporting party’s statement
and with consideration of the length and type of
relationship, and the frequency of interaction of the
people involved in the relationship.
Stalking – A course of conduct directed at a specific
individual that would cause a reasonable person
under similar circumstances and with similar identities
to the complainant to fear for her, his, or others’
safety, or to suffer substantial emotional distress.
A course of conduct includes two or more acts,
including but not limited to those in which the alleged
perpetrator directly, indirectly, or through third
parties, by any action, method, device, or means,
follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens,
or communicates to or about the complainant, or
interferes with the complainant’s property.
For purposes of eligibility to obtain a protection order, the
following Ohio Revised Code (ORC) definitions are used:
ORC §2919.25: Domestic Violence. (A) No person shall
knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm
to a family or household member. (B) No person shall
recklessly cause serious physical harm to a family or
household member. (C) No person, by threat of force, shall
knowingly cause a family or household member to believe
that the offender will cause imminent physical harm to the
family or household member.
ORC §3113.31. Domestic Violence. (1) “Domestic violence”
means the any of the following: (a) The occurrence
of one or more of the following acts against a family
or household member: (a)(i) Attempting to cause or
recklessly causing bodily injury; (b)(ii) Placing another
person by the threat of force in fear of imminent serious
physical harm or committing a violation of section
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 15
§2903.211 or §2911.211 of the Revised Code; (c)(iii)
Committing any act with respect to a child that would
result in the child being an abused child, as defined in
section §2151.031 of the Revised Code; (d)(iv) Committing
a sexually oriented offense. (b) The occurrence of one or
more of the acts identified in divisions (A)(1)(a)(i) to (iv) of
this section against a person with whom the respondent is
or was in a dating relationship.
ORC §2903.211 Menacing by stalking. (A) (1) No person
by engaging in a pattern of conduct shall knowingly
cause another person to believe that the offender will
cause physical harm to the other person or a family or
household member of the other person or cause mental
distress to the other person or a family or household
member of the other person. In addition to any other basis
for the other person’s belief that the offender will cause
physical harm to the other person or the other person’s
family or household member or mental distress to the
other person or the other person’s family or household
member, the other person’s belief or mental distress may
be based on words or conduct of the offender that are
directed at or identify a corporation, association, or other
organization that employs the other person or to which
the other person belongs. (2) No person, through the use
of any form of written communication or any electronic
method of remotely transferring information, including, but
not limited to, any computer, computer network, computer
program, r-computer system, or telecommunication device
shall post a message or use any intentionally written or
verbal graphic gesture with purpose to do either of the
following: (a) Violate division (A)(1) of this section:(b) Urge
or incite another to commit a violation of division (A)(1) of
this section.
The Ohio Revised Code does not have definitions for
Sexual Assault or Dating Violence.
The Ohio State University is committed to educating
the community, including all incoming students and new
employees, about domestic violence, dating violence,
sexual assault, and stalking, through a variety of primary
prevention programs and ongoing awareness campaigns
to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape,
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and
stalking. These modules include safe and positive options
for bystander intervention, risk reduction information,
procedures that victims should follow to make a report,
confidentiality information, on- and off-campus resources,
victim support options, disciplinary procedures, and
possible sanctions and protective measures the institution
may impose following a final determination of an
institutional disciplinary procedure. In addition to these
primary prevention educational modules, the university
offers a variety of instructor-led training to students
and employees about issues of sexual and relationship
violence.
BUCK-I-CARE
Buck-I-CARE is an initiative through the Office of Student
Life Student Wellness, focusing on creating a culture of
personal responsibility for each individual to care for
themselves and their partners, bringing awareness to the
issue of sexual violence by providing guidelines for sexual
experiences.
• Check – Check that your partner has the capacity to
make informed and sound decisions for themselves.
• Ask – Ask your partner for consent and ensure they
are actively and vountarily engaged.
• Respect – Respect your partner’s boundaries by
accepting when they do not want to engage in a
sexual activity.
• Empower – Empower your partner to make their
own decisions by communicating with CARE.
BUCKEYES ACT
Buckeyes ACT is Ohio State’s comprehensive plan to
combat sexual misconduct and relationship violence.
Buckeyes ACT combines new programs with existing
initiatives focusing on:
• Action-prevention efforts and bystander
intervention.
• Counseling-advocacy and support services.
• Training-awareness and prevention education.
16 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Specifically:
Action — Buckeyes ACT created a dedicated team for
investigating reports of student sexual misconduct and
relationship violence on campus, and a universitywide
task force, including students, staff and faculty, to identify
best practices and explore innovative approaches to
prevention and response.
Counseling — Buckeyes ACT increased the number
of advocates to support students and expanded the
capacity of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation
Services, including a counselor with dedicated expertise
in responding to trauma and sexual assault incidents.
Training — As part of Buckeyes ACT, Ohio State
implemented mandatory sexual misconduct and
relationship violence training for students in first-year
orientation, in the First Year Experience (FYE) program,
and in the Second-Year Transformational Experience
Program (STEP), launched for the incoming class of 2016.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ASSESSMENT
AND RESPONSE TEAM (SMART)
The Sexual Misconduct Assessment and Response
Team (SMART) meets regularly to ensure a prompt,
thorough, and appropriate response to all reports of
sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, relationship
violence, and stalking. SMART consists of the university’s
Title IX Coordinator, The Ohio State University Police
Division, Student Life Student Advocacy, Office of Legal
Affairs, Student Conduct, University Housing, and Human
Resources. SMART ensures proper coordination of efforts
in the areas of university investigation, law enforcement,
and survivor support services.
STUDENT CONDUCT
The primary focus of Student Life’s Student Conduct
group is to promote university community standards
through the administration of The Ohio State University
Code of Student Conduct. The office also serves as
an information source about student behavior, student
discipline, disciplinary hearings, appeals, and hearings.
The purpose of the university discipline system is to
promote student development by addressing behaviors
that are inconsistent with community standards and
expectations, as defined by the Code of Student Conduct.
The office conducts fair and impartial processes regarding
alleged violations of the Code and, when appropriate,
administers proactive and educational sanctions.
Student Conduct often coordinates its services with
other campus offices in an effort to serve students to the
fullest extent. Students are encouraged to communicate
individual concerns they have, including alcohol or drug
dependency, mental or emotional wellness, or potential
legal issues to Student Conduct. When appropriate,
referals will be made to other university offices in an effort
to best serve students. Whenever someone witnesses
what appears to be criminal activity or violations of
university rules under the Code, they are encouraged
to report it to University Police, the primary campus
investigative authority for such matters. When appraised
of activities by recognized student organizations that
allegedly are in violation of the Code of Student Conduct
(including criminal activity), Student Conduct may initiate
disciplinary proceedings against the student organization
and/or its members.
The office is located at 550 Lincoln Tower, 1800
Cannon Drive and can be reached at 614-292-0748.
For more information about Student Conduct, visit
studentconduct.osu.edu.
The Code of Student Conduct may be found at
studentlife.osu.edu.
Upon written request, the results of any disciplinary
proceeding conducted by the university against the
student who is the alleged perpetrator of a crime of
violence or a sex offense will be disclosed to the alleged
victim, as appropriate under applicable law. Student
Conduct will provide both the respondent and the accuser
with simultaneous written notification of any result of any
disciplinary proceeding that arises from an allegation of
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 17
dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or
stalking. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of a
crime of violence, Student Conduct will provide the results
of the disciplinary hearing to the victim’s next of kin if
requested.
protecting valuables during breaks, severe weather
response, spring break safety, and the Student
Safety Service Safe Ride program.
• Education programs in the halls may be offered
to specific communities based on the needs of
those communities or the demand of the student
community.
• Resident advisors attend a mandatory “train the
trainer” session providing them information about
the “Top Ten Safety Considerations” they are
required to review with their student residents. At
the same session, the residence hall staff are trained
on building-specific fire panel, severe weather
safety, emergency notifications, evacuation and
shelter-in-place procedures. Resident advisors
also are given the opportunity to participate in fire
extinguisher demonstrations.
For further information, call 614-292-3930 or visit
housing.osu.edu.
STUDENT LIFE,
UNIVERSITY HOUSING
Each year, this office offers safety and crime prevention
policies and information through its web-based Residence
Hall Handbook. In addition, each residence hall makes
safety instruction programs regularly available to its
residents in cooperation with other university programs.
Programs and services include:
• Each residence hall is assigned a team of
community policing liaisons with University Police.
The police liaisons offer a variety of community
outreach from walking rounds with staff, attending
events, speaking with students about concerns and/
or offering educational programming on such topics
as safety, alcohol awareness/OVI prevention and
drug awareness.
OFF-CAMPUS AND
COMMUTER STUDENT
SERVICES
Student Life’s Off-Campus and Commuter Student
Services’ mission is to serve off-campus and commuter
students by collaborating with stakeholders and providing
opportunities to foster involvement, civic engagement
and student success to enhance the extraordinary student
experience. These efforts include encouraging offcampus and commuter students to understand their rights
and responsibilities, while being actively engaged as a
neighbor and student, and being a committed participant
to one’s own personal safety. Through programming and
participation, students acquire necessary life skills to have
an extraordinary off-campus experience.
• Important messages related to security, elevator
safety, and severe weather are posted in public
areas of the residence halls, including but not
limited to elevators, lobbies, and hallways.
From assisting students in locating housing and/or
roommates, providing resources (such as free safety
devices), to encouraging safe practices in the off-campus
area, offering free home safety walk-throughs as part
of the Off-Campus Housing Excellence Program, and
supporting commuter students through the Commuter
Mentoring Program, Off-Campus and Commuter Student
Services supports all students, regardless of where they
choose to live.
• Residence hall staff post seasonal safety messages
based on relevant concerns during the year, such as
For further information, visit offcampus.osu.edu or call
614-292-0100.
18 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
BIAS ASSESSMENT AND
RESPONSE TEAM (BART)
STUDENT LEGAL
SERVICES
Bias Assessment and Response Team (BART) is an
initiative of the Office of Student Life. The team receives,
monitors, refers, provides consultation, and, as necessary,
coordinates university responses to hate- and bias-related
incidents that affect the university community. Incidents
may involve bias or hate grounded in age, ancestry,
color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic
information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national
origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran
status that occur in the university community. BART is not
intended to replace or subordinate any existing processes
for reporting and addressing acts of discrimination,
harassment, or violence, including but not limited to
processes of the Office of Human Resources, University
Police, and Student Conduct.
Student Legal Services (SLS) at The Ohio State University
is a non-profit law office employing legal professionals to
provide advice, representation, education, and resources
to eligible Ohio State students. Students in a degreeseeking program attending the Columbus campus
enrolled in at least one non-distance learning course
and who have not opted out of the SLS program are
generally eligible for services. Among other legal matters,
SLS assists student survivors regarding sexual assault,
intimate partner violence, and stalking. Depending on the
matter, SLS attorneys can represent (or when necessary
provide referral resources to) survivors in obtaining
protection orders and throughout the criminal process
and proceedings. Legal professionals are required to
keep clients’ information confidential (with very limited
exceptions). With a survivor’s permission, SLS can
coordinate closely with other campus and community
support services. To determine SLS eligibility and scope of
services, students should call 614-247-5853 or schedule
an appointment online at studentlegal.osu.edu.
For more information about BART or to report an incident,
visit studentlife.osu.edu/bias.
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 19
STUDENT HEALTH
SERVICES
Student Life’s Wilce Student Health Center (Student
Health Services) at Ohio State is an accredited, outpatient
facility providing a variety of health-care services to the
student population.
Medical services include primary care, dental, sports
medicine, physical therapy, preventative medicine,
optometry, gynecology, and allergy. Support services
include radiology, laboratory, and injection therapy.
The Wilce Student Health Center also has a full-service
pharmacy with prescription and over-the-counter
medications.
Services for survivors of sexual assault are provided by
Student Health Services regardless of the duration of time
since the assault occurred. If the sexual assault occurred
within the last 72 hours, the student is encouraged to
seek care at the hospital emergency department where
evidence can be collected. If the student chooses to be
seen at Student Health Services, evidence will not be
collected, but the student will be referred to the Sexual
Violence Support Coordinator and other appropriate Ohio
State support services, and the resource support packet is
provided. Concerns about sexually transmitted infections
and pregnancy will be addressed and a plan for followup care is made. Student Health Services also provides
testing for drugs of incapacitation. If a student suspects
that they were drugged, urine testing for drugs can be
done within 96 hours of the suspected drug ingestion. For
more information, call 614-292-4321, email shs@osu.edu,
or visit shs.osu.edu.
20 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS
If an individual is uncertain about whether or not they
want to report what has occurred, they can still get
evidence collected. In cases of sexual assault or severe
injuries, the hospital will call the Police. The survivor can
decide if they want to speak with the police at that time to
officially report what has happened.
While evidence may be collected anonymously (i.e.,
without the survivor’s name attached to it) and/or when
there is no report made to police, these cases are
handled differently. A discussion about the merit of
collecting evidence “anonymously” and in instances
where the survivor does not want to report should be
discussed with medical personnel and/or an advocate.
At local emergency departments, the evidence collection
exam may be performed by a physician, nurse practitioner,
or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), with specialized
education, training, and experience in the evaluation
and treatment of the sexual assault patients. In cases of
sexual assault, within the first 96 hours of an assault is
the best time for evidence to be collected. Under certain
circumstances, it may be collected after this time frame.
It is not necessary for evidence to be collected for a case
to be reported. It is easier to investigate and prosecute
cases that have physical evidence, but it is not impossible
to go forward without it.
If an individual wants to have evidence collected, it is
best not to bathe and to take the clothes that they were
wearing at the time of the assault to the hospital with
them. It is also recommended to avoid eating, drinking,
smoking, and going to the bathroom, but a lot of people
do all of these things before going to the hospital, and
evidence can still be collected.
The sexual assault evidence collection exam is paid
for by a fund within the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
Other medical care may be needed, and in that instance
insurance will be billed or an individual can arrange
to self-pay. Assistance with additional medical bills
may be provided through accessing Victims of Crime
Compensation and/or through the Sexual Violence
Assistance Fund. For more information about these
options, individuals may contact the Title IX Office at
614-247-5838 or find more information at titleix.osu.edu.
More information about Victims of Crime Compensation
can be found at the Ohio Attorney General’s website.
Follow-up medical care can happen at an individual’s
doctor, Student Life’s Wilce Student Health Center, or
another medical facility, including Ohio State’s Wexner
Medical Center.
All university hospital employees are required to display
hospital identification badges that are monitored and
maintained by a computerized access system. The
Medical Center Security division provides biweekly
orientation programs for new employees and offers
workplace violence in-services to all employees. The
in-services include verbal de-escalation techniques and
tips about crime prevention and personal safety. There
is security staff on duty 24/7. Security provides foot and
vehicle escorts, responds to emergency calls, and patrols
the facilities. For further information, call 614-293-8500.
STUDENT SAFETY
SERVICE
Student Safety Service provides university community
members – students, faculty, and staff – with safe
transportation in the general campus area during evening
and early morning hours year ’round.
Trained uniformed students will drive community
members to or from their destination within the service
area and carry radios for direct contact with University
Police. This crime prevention tool eliminates the risk of
walking alone for approximately 22,000-25,000 students,
faculty, and staff a year and places four to five marked
Student Safety Service vehicles in the public for eight
hours a night to serve as a visual deterrent for potential
criminals.
The service is available through the TapRide mobile
application or by calling 614-292-3322 year ’round.
Rides are provided from 7:20 p.m. to 2:40 a.m. and are
scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. The Student
Safety Service does not provide rides on any universityhonored holiday or, under special circumstances, during
some large events on campus that require additional
Department of Public Safety personnel.
University Police employ students to identify and advise
police of observed criminal or suspicious activity, report
general safety issues/concerns on campus, and assist
with the dissemination of crime prevention information
to Ohio State students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Student
Safety Service employees also receive CPR/AED/First Aid
training to provide them with the skills necessary to assist
community members during medical emergencies.
During special events, Student Safety Service officers can
be seen assisting visitors of The Ohio State University.
Their intricate knowledge of the campus and its history
allow them to serve as ambassadors, contributing to
the high standard of excellence the university maintains
toward all its interactions with the community. Student
Safety Service officers assist with staffing the annual
orientation program, providing crime prevention
information and general safety tips to incoming first-year
students, transfer students, and their family members.
Student Safety Service officers also assist the University
Police with their crime prevention programming.
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 21
EMERGENCY
NOTIFICATION,
RESPONSE, AND
EVACUATION
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION
PROCEDURES
The Department of Public Safety assumes the role of
issuing emergency notifications to the campus community.
As defined, an emergency notification is the process of
immediately notifying the campus community upon the
confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous
situation involving an immediate threat to the health or
safety of students or employees occurring on campus.
The Ohio State University will, without delay and taking
into account the safety of the community, determine the
content of the notification and initiate the notification
system(s), unless issuing a notification will, in the
professional judgment of responsible authorities,
compromise the efforts to assist a victim or to contain,
respond to, or otherwise mitigate an emergency.
Emergency notifications may be authorized by the
Director of Public Safety, the Chief of the University Police
Division or other Police Division personnel, the Director
of Emergency Management and Fire Prevention, the
Director of Central Campus Security Services, the Director
of Communications and Security Technology, the Director
of Wexner Medical Center Security, the designee of any of
these individuals, or Public Safety Dispatchers.
The process of issuing an emergency notification
begins by confirming there is a significant emergency
or dangerous situation. Public Safety personnel verify
information about a potential significant emergency
or dangerous situation. This occurs by collecting and
assimilating information from a variety of possible
sources, including but not limited to firsthand accounts
from the public or uniformed officers in the field, and
through the use of security technologies such as alarm
and surveillance systems. Alarm systems are monitored
by the Department of Public Safety 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. In some locations, cameras can be reviewed in
the event of an emergency.
In some circumstances, other Ohio State departments
or local, state, or federal agencies may notify the
Department of Public Safety of a possible emergency
and may provide information or guidance to be used in
verifying whether a significant emergency or dangerous
22 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
situation exists. For example, the Columbus Public Health
Department will determine whether there is an outbreak
of serious illness. Ohio State may contact or be contacted
by external law enforcement agencies, emergency
management agencies, public health agencies, or other
agencies with expertise in the type of situation affecting
the campus. These departments or agencies may provide
assistance and guidance in confirming the presence
of an emergency or dangerous situation. Ohio State
departments that become aware that an emergency or
dangerous situation may affect the campus will contact
the Department of Public Safety to report the incident.
Upon confirming that an emergency or dangerous
situation involving an immediate threat to the health
or safety of students or employees is occurring on the
campus, Department of Public Safety personnel will begin
the process of issuing an emergency notification.
The Department of Public Safety is responsible for
determining the content of an emergency notification,
based on the circumstances and the manner in which
the situation is impacting campus. The content of the
notification message is designed to provide instruction
to the university community that promotes the safety
and well being of those impacted. To alert the campus
community as quickly as possible, messages may state
simply that an emergency has occurred on campus
and advise the community to be observant and take
necessary action as appropriate. In those situations, the
Department of Public Safety will provide timely updates
to keep the community informed as more information
about the emergency becomes available. At other
times, messages may recommend specific protective
action, information about an area of campus to avoid, or
recommendations or information about the nature of the
incident itself. A message may be directed to the entire
campus community or to specific areas or segments of
the campus, depending on the nature of the incident.
Upon determination of the notification’s content, systems
utilized to transmit emergency notifications are selected
and activated to deliver the desired content relating
to the emergency to the end user within the university
community. These systems are described in the next
section.
Delivery of an emergency notification may occur
within minutes of the initial confirmation of a significant
emergency or dangerous situation, depending upon
the time of day, the methods chosen to disseminate
information, and the successful activation and
performance of technologies used to issue notifications.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS
To report an emergency or dangerous situation, dial
9-1-1.
Once the Department of Public Safety is aware that an
emergency situation may exist, response agencies such
as Police, Fire, or a Health Department can initiate a
response and, if appropriate, Public Safety can begin the
process of notifying our campus community.
Before or while Department of Public Safety personnel
confirm the existence of an emergency or dangerous
situation, Department of Public Safety Communications
Center personnel will notify first responders and will
request their assistance at the scene. First responders
called to a scene typically are the University Police.
Depending on the nature of the incident, other Ohio State
departments or other local, state, or federal agencies
could be involved in responding to the incident. Ohio
State will work in cooperation with these agencies to
manage the incident.
General Information
In the event of an emergency, the Department of Public
Safety will determine the appropriate emergency
notification systems to be used to deliver the emergency
notification message to the campus community. Ohio
State may use any or all communication resources to
disseminate information, depending on the nature of the
emergency and the surrounding circumstances.
Information pertaining to incidents and emergencies
on campus will be disseminated to the larger public via
media organizations through University Communications
or individuals involved in emergency response on
campus, as designated by the Director of Public Safety.
Emergency notifications may be sent to the entire
campus community when a situation has the potential
to affect a large portion of the campus, or they may
be sent to specific buildings or areas of the campus in
circumstances where the impact of the situation may be
limited. The Department of Public Safety will evaluate the
information known about the situation and will determine
the appropriate areas of campus to be notified. As the
situation progresses, the Department of Public Safety
will continue to assess the circumstances and may notify
additional segments of the campus community if it is
warranted.
Based on the circumstances involved in the emergency
or dangerous situation, the Department of Public Safety
will develop a notification designed to aid in protecting
individuals from harm, in preventing an incident from
escalating into a larger or more complex emergency, and
in preserving and maintaining law enforcement and other
public safety operations.
Buckeye Alert
Buckeye Alert is a multi-modal, all-hazards emergency
notification system that includes all of the communications
methods listed below. Based on a variety of factors,
Ohio State Public Safety officials will determine which
method or combination of methods should be utilized to
communicate with the university community during an
emergency.
Each event/emergency is unique. The message for each
event/emergency also will need to be unique. Public
Safety leadership will determine the final message before
activation.
If there is a situation on campus that threatens the health
and safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors,
Ohio State Public Safety officials will warn our campus
community using one or more of the following methods:
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 23
• emergency.osu.edu web page
• osu.edu webpage
• Text messages
• Email
• Building Alarm/Speaker Systems
• Facebook
• Ohio State’s Cable Television Crawl
• Ohio State’s Cable Television Voice-Over
• Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center OneSource
• Ohio State’s traffic information radio 1650 AM
• Newspaper
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Outdoor Warning Speakers
• Radio
• Severe Weather Alerts
• Television
• Twitter
• Two-Way Radios
• Vehicle Public Address Speakers
• Voicemail on all campus telephones
• Voice messages to campus telephones
• Voice messages to cell phones
• WOSU Radio 89.7 FM
Additional information or follow-up instructions may
be provided through any of these resources if the
Department of Public Safety determines that providing
such information would be helpful to promote safety or to
respond to the situation.
Guests to the Columbus campus can choose to opt-in
to receive BuckeyeAlerts during their time on campus.
Guests may text the phrase “OSUGuest” to 67283
to receive BuckeyeAlerts for the next 24 hours, or
“OSUGuest2” to 67283 to receive BuckeyeAlerts for the
next 48 hours. Messages are not case sensitive.
Note that Timely Warnings, a/k/a Public Safety Notices,
are issued by the University Police. These alerts are
distinct from Buckeye Alerts. Timely Warnings/Public
Safety Notices provide information about crimes that have
already occurred but still pose a serious or continuing
threat. The Buckeye Alert emergency notification system
will be activated only if the campus community is under
an immediate threat from a significant emergency or
24 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
a dangerous event and must take immediate action to
remain safe and secure. Timely Warnings/Public Safety
Notices will be issued to make the general public aware
of a crime or series of crimes to help them be better
informed and more vigilant of potential dangers on and
near campus. See page 28
for the “Statement
of Policy on Timely Warnings.” The Ohio State University
encourages the university community to pay close
attention to both Public Safety Notices and Buckeye Alert
text messaging alerts to remain informed of crime activity
and emergencies on campus.
Buckeye Alert Text Messaging Alerts
buckeyealert.osu.edu
Timely Warning/Public Safety Notices
dps.osu.edu/police/psn
Rave Guardian App
Ohio State’s Department
of Public Safety offers a
free safety app for
students, faculty, and staff.
Rave Guardian, available
for download inside the
Ohio State app, offers
many benefits, including
faster delivery of Buckeye
Alerts and safety notices via push notifications.
Users can select friends or family as a “virtual guardian”
to follow them via GPS tracking as they travel on and
around campus. The virtual guardian is shown a timer,
based on the person’s destination. If time expires, the
virtual guardian will be alerted and encouraged to make
appropriate follow-up.
Severe Weather
The Ohio State University is officially StormReady,
according to the National Weather Service. The
designation highlights Ohio State’s commitment to
alerting the campus community about severe weather.
The criteria involve having methods for both receiving and
communicating information about severe weather and
engaging community members in education. Ohio State is
one of 245 colleges or universities nationwide to achieve
a StormReady designation (weather.gov/stormready/
communities).
In the event the National Weather Service issues a
Tornado Warning that is likely to impact campus, the
Buckeye Alert system automatically will be activated and
will send a text message to all registered users on the
Columbus campus.
websites. Ohio State’s Emergency Management also
can utilize its website, emergency.osu.edu, to provide
information and updates to the campus community.
WOSU Radio 89.7 FM
WOSU radio is an Ohio State-affiliated radio station that
can be used to relay emergency messages during an
emergency. This method can be accessed through Ohio
State’s University Relations.
Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety will
communicate and coordinate the message or warnings
needed with University Relations.
Social Networking
Social networking websites offer the opportunity to reach
out to members of our community during an emergency
in a manner that interfaces with the modern trends of
communicating.
Text Messaging
Text messaging is a simple, reliable way to quickly send
and broadcast messages to as many students, faculty, and
staff as possible. It is an emergency notification method
that will send an alert to a registered user’s cell phone
in the event of an emergency. Text message alerts are
designed for all-hazards emergency notifications. Faculty
and staff will automatically be enrolled if their cellular
phone number is in the Ohio State Human Resources or
Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center database. Likewise,
if a student has provided the university with their cell
number via BuckeyeLink, they automatically will be
enrolled to receive emergency text messages.
Students, faculty and staff have the capability to add up
to two additional cell phone numbers to the system by
visiting buckeyealert.osu.edu. This provides the ability to
add parents, spouses, or significant others. Others who
regularly have business on campus, such as contractors,
can request to be added to the system by sending
an email to Ohio State’s Emergency Management at
emergencymanagement@osu.edu.
Bulk Email Alerts
A mass email can be sent to everyone who has an email
account on the osu.edu system. This email is distributed
by the Internal Communications office upon notification.
This email would be accessible to any account holder
whether they are accessing it from campus or remotely.
Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety maintains
social networking sites to provide immediate emergency
information.
Emergency Management
• facebook.com/OSUEmergency
• twitter.com/OSU_EMFP
OSU Division of Police
• facebook.com/OSUPD
• twitter.com/OSUPOLICE
Student Safety Service
• facebook.com/OSU.SSS
• twitter.com/OSU_SSS
Media Outlets: TV, Radio, Print
The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety,
in collaboration with University Relations, will provide
advisories to the media through a formal media advisory,
a news release, or in response to media inquiries.
Once the activation of mass communication system is
initiated and the public becomes aware of a situation
occurring at the university, the media often begin to
inquire about the nature of the emergency.
Ohio State will provide relevant information to the media
to help ensure that the campus community and the public
are informed about the emergency.
The Ohio State University Website
An emergency message can be posted on the home page
of Ohio State’s website, osu.edu, and on departmental
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 25
Emergency Response
Ohio State departments are responsible for developing
continuity of operations plans for their staff and areas of
responsibility. These plans are coordinated out of Ohio
State’s Office of Risk Management. Building Emergency
Action Plans are coordinated out of Ohio State University
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention (EMFP).
Ohio State Public Safety personnel have received training
in Incident Command and critical incident response.
When a serious incident occurs that causes an immediate
threat to the campus, the first responders to the scene
are usually the University Police, Emergency Management
and Fire Prevention (EMFP), or the fire department.
They typically respond and work together to manage
the incident. Depending on the nature of the incident,
other Ohio State departments and other local or federal
agencies also could be involved in responding to the
incident.
of a majority of the campus most certainly also would
include portions of the City of Columbus, neighboring
communities and/or Franklin County. If an evacuation
were required, Ohio State Public Safety, in consultation
with other local, state, and/or federal agencies, would
determine the most appropriate method and route for
evacuating the area. It is likely that traffic routes may be
altered, that some areas of campus may be inaccessible,
and that travel off-campus may require the use of public
transportation or other arrangements.
It is important to remember that evacuations are issued
only if the safety and well-being of the university
community is at serious risk. Ohio State asks that you
work together and assist each other during evacuations,
and that you follow all instructions and guidance from
university officials and first responders.
General information about the emergency response
and evacuation procedures for Ohio State are
publicized each year as part of the institution’s Clery Act
compliance efforts, and that information is available at
emergency.osu.edu.
Building-specific evacuation procedures vary by building.
We encourage all individuals on campus to familiarize
themselves with evacuation procedures in the buildings
they occupy. Specific evacuation information can be
obtained from posted procedures, or by requesting a
copy of the Building Emergency Action Plan from that
building’s Building Coordinator.
EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS
A copy of these procedures is sent to students, faculty,
and staff annually via email as part of the university’s
autumn semester Buckeye Alert test.
Campus Evacuation
To protect our campus population from the effects
of emergencies, protective action recommendations
or evacuation instructions may be issued by the
Department of Public Safety and other emergency
response authorities, such as the fire department. These
instructions may order evacuations for individual buildings
or regions of campus, or they could be campuswide.
In the rare event that an evacuation of the entire Ohio
State campus is ordered by Public Safety officials, it is
important to follow evacuation instructions disseminated
through the communication systems used to inform the
campus of an emergency. Ohio State Public Safety works
with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Franklin
County Emergency Management, Columbus Division of
Poilice and Division of Fire, and many other emergency
response partners to prepare for a large-scale evacuation
of the city and/or surrounding area. Any evacuation
26 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
If assistance is required to learn more about buildingspecific evacuation procedures, contact Emergency
Management and Fire Prevention at 614-247-4911.
SHELTER-IN-PLACE
Shelter-in-Place Procedures – If an incident occurs, you
may be asked to shelter-in-place rather than evacuate a
building or area, because leaving the area may expose
you to danger. Shelter in place means finding a safe
location and staying there until you are given an “all
clear” or told to evacuate. You may be asked to shelter in
place because of an active threat; tornado; or chemical,
radiological, or other hazard.
How You Will Know to Shelter-in-Place – A shelterin-place notification may come from several sources,
including Ohio State’s Public Safety, Student Life, other
university employees, or other authorities utilizing the
university’s emergency communications tools.
How to Shelter-in-Place – No matter where you are, the
basic steps of shelter-in-place generally will remain the
same. If the need ever arises, follow these steps, unless
instructed otherwise by local emergency personnel:
Severe Weather
• Remain calm.
• Seek shelter in a centrally located sturdy room on
the lowest possible floor, away from windows and
exterior doors.
• Do not go outside or into open areas such as
gymnasiums or other rooms where there are large
open spans.
• Do not open windows during a tornado in an
attempt to equalize building pressure.
• Stay away from windows, exterior doors, skylights.
Chemical or Biological Agent
• Remain Calm.
• Listen for and follow instructions provided by Public
Safety.
• Return to your room and close all windows and
doors unless instructed differently by Public Safety.
Fight
• Fighting is a last resort to be used only when your
life is in imminent danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter.
• Find an object to use as a weapon such as a fire
extinguisher or chair.
TESTING AND EXERCISES
Exercises designed to test Ohio State’s emergency
procedures and preparedness are conducted at least
annually at Ohio State and may be conducted in the form
of a drill, tabletop, functional, or full-scale exercise. These
exercises often include university personnel, surrounding
jurisdiction first responders and government agencies,
and members of the university community. Ohio State’s
Department of Public Safety documents a description
of each exercise, the date and time of the exercise, and
information about whether the test was announced or
unannounced. A log of all Buckeye Alert tests, including
date, start time, end time, and specific message is
maintained by Ohio State Emergency Management.
• Turn off air conditioning units if able to do so.
• Be prepared to evacuate the area if instructed by
Public Safety.
Active Shooter, Active Threat
Run
• Always leave an active threat situation if you are
able to do so.
• Leave your belongings behind and keep your hands
visible.
• Notify 9-1-1 of the situation when it is safe to do so.
Hide
• Proceed to the nearest interior room that can be
locked or secured.
• Close and lock all windows and doors, and turn off
all of the lights. Barricade the door if possible.
• Remain quiet and silence your cell phone.
• Make it as hard as possible for the assailant to find
you, see you or get to you.
Public Safety works closely with the Franklin County
Emergency Management Agency and the State of
Ohio Emergency Management Agency to design and
conduct exercise activities. All campuswide exercises
meet or exceed the minimum requirements set forth
by the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation
Program (HSEEP). HSEEP is the standard for which
all drills and exercises should meet. HSEEP sets forth
minimum requirements that include the assessment and
evaluation of emergency plans, response capabilities,
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 27
and evacuation procedures. HSEEP also requires proper
follow-up and corrective action where necessary.
In addition to tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises
to test emergency response on campus among first
responders, individual departments conduct internal
departmental tabletop, functional, and full-scale exercises
across campus.
Testing of the Buckeye Alert system occurs, at a minimum,
biannually but may occur at more frequent intervals at the
discretion of Ohio State’s Emergency Management. These
tests may be announced or unannounced.
Residence halls conduct fire drills four times per year
under state law. Fire drills are documented by Student
Life’s Risk and Emergency Management.
In addition to residence hall fire drills, Emergency
Management and Fire Prevention also conducts monthly
fire drills at the three Ohio State childcare facilities and
monthly drills for students attending the Metro High
School located on campus.
Ohio State University Emergency Management and Fire
Prevention (EMFP) maintains and implements the Building
Emergency Action Plan (BEAP). The BEAP is a unit-specific
plan that addresses procedures for building evacuations
for incidents related to all hazards, including fire incidents.
These plans are updated annually, publicized within units
and departments on campus, and tested in a manner that
is either announced or unannounced at the preference of
each unit.
Building Emergency Action Plans are publicized to
affected units in conjunction with evacuation drills
conducted for those units. Additionally, Ohio State’s
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan is
publicized on an annual basis. For further information
about Ohio State’s emergency response and evacuation
procedures, visit emergency.osu.edu or contact
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention at
614-247-4911.
Ohio State publishes its emergency notification, response
and evacuation procedures annually in this report and
publicizes the emergency response and evacuation
procedures in conjunction with at least one test of those
procedures per calendar year. In addition, students
receive at least one email each year providing details
28 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
about where they can find additional information on
emergency and evacuation procedures. This information
is repeated multiple times throughout the year to various
audiences by members of the public safety community.
Information also is posted at emergency.osu.edu.
STATEMENT OF POLICY
ON TIMELY WARNINGS
Timely Warnings, a/k/a Public Safety Notices, are provided
to heighten safety awareness by giving students,
faculty and staff notification of crimes that occur only
on campus property, non-campus property, or on public
property immediately adjacent to and accessible from
campus (see page 60 for definitions of these property
classifications) and are considered by Ohio State to
present a serious or continuing threat to students and
employees.
Hate Crime Alerts are a subset of Public Safety Notices.
A Hate Crime Alert will be issued when a hate- or biasrelated incident that presents a serious or continuing
threat to students and employees occurs on campus
property, non-campus property, or on public property
immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus.
Hate Crime Alerts also may be issued when the University
Police determines issuance is appropriate to heighten
safety awareness after a hate- or bias-related incident or
series of incident occurs.
University Police are responsible for preparing a Public
Safety Notice when a crime is reported to or brought to
their attention and that crime represents a continuing
threat to the safety of students and employees.
Information for alerts also may come from other law
enforcement agencies or other offices. While every
attempt will be made to distribute the alert as soon
as possible after an incident or series of incidents is
reported, the release will occur after a determination is
made that the crime(s) represents a continuing threat to
students and employees and is subject to the availability
of accurate facts concerning the incident(s).
Information about criminal incidents is reviewed on a
case-by-case basis to determine whether those incidents
represent a serious or continuing threat to students
and employees. Incidents will be reviewed based on
the nature of the crime, the facts of the case and the
information known to the University Police.
Criminal suspects are often unknown to the victims. In
the instance of a violent crime occurring between two
individuals who know each other, University Police will
look at each instance to determine if the suspect poses a
continued threat to the campus community and will issue
a warning when necessary.
Public Safety Notices also seek information that may lead
to arrest and conviction of the offender when violent
crimes against people or major crimes against property
have been reported to the police and may contain crime
prevention tips and safety information.
University Police make every effort to properly classify
a criminal incident when issuing a Public Safety Notice.
Upon further analysis and investigation, it may be
determined that incidents for which Public Safety Notices
are issued do not fall within the definitions of reportable
crimes included in this report; therefore, some incidents
for which Public Safety Notices are issued may not be
included in the crime statistics provided by this report.
TIMELY WARNING PROCEDURE
University Police will prepare a Public Safety Notice when
a report is received of a violent crime against a person
or a particularly threatening crime against property that
represents a continuing threat to the safety of students,
faculty and staff. Notices may be issued for such crimes
that occur within the Clery reporting geography – on
campus property, non-campus property, or on public
property immediately adjacent to and accessible
from campus. Public Safety Notices are sequentially
numbered, beginning January 1 of each year, and provide
details of the crime, a description of the suspect if known,
information on whom to contact about the investigation,
and often crime prevention tips. Public Safety Notices do
not include the names of crime victims.
Information that may be included in Public safety Notices:
• A succinct statement of the incident.
• Possible connection to previous incidents, if
applicable.
• Physical description of the suspect, if available.
• Photo or composite drawing of the suspect, if
available.
• Date and time the bulletin was released.
• Other relevant and important information about the
crime(s).
• Actions taken by Public Safety officials in response
to the crime(s).
• Information about crime prevention, personal safety
or other community safety resources.
University Police may not include some known information
in a Public Safety Notice if providing that information
could risk compromising law enforcement efforts.
Additionally, Public Safety Notices may be updated if new
or more accurate information becomes available to the
University Police.
Reports also may be made to the following university
offices:
Title IX Coordinator in the Office of University
Compliance and Integrity – 21 E. 11th
Ave., Columbus OH 43201, 614-247-5838,
titleix@osu.edu
Student Life Student Conduct – 550 Lincoln
Tower, 1800 Cannon Drive, Columbus OH 43210,
614-292-0748
University Human Resources – 1590 North High
Street, Suite 300, Columbus OH 43201, 614-2921050
Anonymous reports through EthicsPoint or by
calling 866-294-9350
Public Safety Notices are distributed by emails sent to
all @osu.edu email addresses, which are accessible and
available to all students, faculty, and staff. These emails
are drafted by the University Police and are distributed by
the Department of Public Safety. In some circumstances,
the University Police may distribute flyers to appropriate
university departments to be posted in affected areas of
campus. While several local media outlets receive Public
Safety Notices through the subscription service discussed
below, the University Police also may contact the media
directly to distribute information about criminal incidents
in some situations.
Public Safety Notices also may be viewed at
dps.osu.edu/police/psn. In addition to the emails sent
to all students and staff, the University Police offers a
free service that sends an email update to any email
address when a Public Safety Notice is issued. Visit
dps.osu.edu/police/psn to subscribe to this service.
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 29
Note that Public Safety Notices are a separate and distinct
process from the emergency notification text messaging
alerts provided by the Buckeye Alert system. For
information about Buckeye Alert text messaging alerts,
see page 23 or visit buckeyealert.osu.edu.
NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY NOTICES
In addition to Public Safety Notices and Buckeye Alerts,
the university also may issue Neighborhood Safety Notice
emails for serious or violent crimes or crime patterns
that occur on non-Clery–reportable property when they
present a serious or continuing threat to students and
employees. Determinations about issuance of these
“off-campus” Neighborhood Safety Notices will be made
on a case-by-case basis, and issuance is within the
discretion of the Chief of Police or designee. Factors
that may be considered in determining whether to issue
an off-campus Neighborhood Safety Notice may include
but are not limited to information known about the crime
and the continuing threat and the timeliness in receiving
that information; the seriousness of the crime and the
continuing threat; the proximity to campus; whether
the victim of a particular crime was a university affiliate,
campus visitor, or other; the risk of interfering with the
criminal investigation of an outside law enforcement
agency; whether the perpetrator has been arrested or
charged with a criminal offense; and whether information
about the crime is already known to the public through
the media or other sources. Off-campus Neighborhood
Safety Notices also may be issued for the purpose of
seeking information that may lead to the arrest and
conviction of the offender.
Although the University Police Division works to remain
aware of crimes that occur in the areas close to campus,
the Police Division may not always be aware of a
particular crime that occurs in an off-campus area or may
not have sufficient information to issue a Neighborhood
Safety Notice about a particular crime. While it is possible
that off-campus Neighborhood Safety Notices could be
issued for other areas, they typically will be limited to
crimes occurring in the immediate vicinity of the central
campus area where students or employees are likely to
frequent. The University Police Division may, within its
discretion, choose to issue information about these types
of off-campus crimes through other means, including
but not limited to social media, the Department of Public
Safety website, or joint media releases or warnings issued
in cooperation with an outside law enforcement agency,
instead of issuing a Neighborhood Safety Notice.
30 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Like Public Safety Notices, Neighborhood Safety Notices
are distributed by emails sent to all @osu.edu email
addresses, which are accessible and available to all
students, faculty, and staff. These emails are drafted
by the University Police and are distributed by the
Department of Public Safety. Neighborhood Safety
Notices also may be viewed at https://dps.osu.edu/nsn.
NOTIFICATION OF
MISSING STUDENTS
If a member of The Ohio State University community has
reason to believe that an Ohio State student who resides
in on-campus housing has been missing for at least 24
hours, he or she should promptly contact Student Life’s
University Housing at 614-292-8266 and/or the University
Police at 614-292-2121.
Each Ohio State student who resides in on-campus
housing offered through University Housing has the
option to identify an individual to be contacted by Ohio
State within 24 hours after the student is determined to
be missing in accordance with this policy.
Student contact information will be registered
confidentially, will be accessible only to authorized
university officials and may not be disclosed except to law
enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person
investigation.
Confidential contact information may be registered as
part of the housing application process. Information may
be amended or supplemented by contacting University
Housing. For more information, visit housing.osu.edu or
contact University Housing at 614-292-8266.
Ohio State immediately will notify the University Police
and/or other appropriate law enforcement agencies
upon receipt of a missing student report. If the University
Police or applicable law enforcement agency makes an
official determination that a student is missing, emergency
contact procedures will be initiated within 24 hours in
accordance with the student’s designation. In addition,
the following university officials or their designees will be
notified:
If in Upper Arlington, call Upper Arlington Police at 9-1-1
(emergency) or 614-459-2800 (non-emergency).
If in Clinton Township, call the Clinton Township Police at
9-1-1 (emergency) or 614-471-5720 (non-emergency).
If in Grandview Heights, call Grandview Heights
Police at 9-1-1 (emergency) or 614-488-7901 (nonemergency).
Under Ohio law, people who have knowledge of a felony
are required to report the crime to the police (Ohio
Revised Code §2921.22). Failure to report a crime may
itself be a crime.
• Vice President of Student Life
• Associate Vice President of Student Life
• Director of Residence Life
• Student Life Senior Management
If a missing student is under 18 years of age and is not
emancipated, Ohio State is required to notify his or
her custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours after
the student is determined to be missing, in addition to
notifying any additional contact person designated by the
student.
POLICIES - REPORTING
CRIMES, PREPARING
ANNUAL REPORTS,
CONFIDENTIAL
REPORTING
REPORTING A CRIME
Everyone is strongly encouraged to report crime to the
police in a prompt and accurate manner. This includes
situations where the victim of the crime elects to report
a crime or is unable to make such a report. Crimes
occurring on campus should be reported to the University
Police by calling 9-1-1 (emergency) or 614-292-2121 (nonemergency). Crimes occurring off campus in Columbus
should be reported to the City of Columbus Police at 9-1-1
(emergency) or 614-645-4545 (non-emergency). Crimes
occurring off campus in other communities should be
reported to the local police agency. Contact information
for those surrounding the Columbus campus ...
The university strongly encourages all criminal activity to
be reported to the University Police. Information about
criminal behavior also may be reported to the offices of
Student Conduct, Human Resources, or to the Title IX
Coordinator. Students, employees, and other members
of the campus community should contact the University
Police Division to report Clery Act crimes for the purpose
of making timely warning reports and the annual statistical
disclosure contained in this report.
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 31
CONFIDENTIALITY
PREPARING ANNUAL REPORTS
Ohio’s public records law (Ohio Revised Code §149.43)
generally does not permit the university to promise
confidentiality to those who report crimes to anyone
except counselors at Counseling and Consultation Service
as provided by law or, under certain circumstances, to a
physician or a nurse at the Student Health Center or a
hospital or other appropriate medical care setting. Some
off-campus reports also may be confidential legally, e.g.,
reports to clergy or health-care professionals. Reports
that are confidential by law will not be reported to the
university for inclusion in the annual crime statistics
report.
The university prepares this report to comply with the
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy
and Crime Statistics Act. Crime statistics reported to
designated campus officials, including but not limited to
officials in those departments listed below and the local
law enforcement agencies listed below, are included in
this report. Criminal statistics from the Columbus Division
of Police include statistics from recognized student
organizations with off-campus housing.
The university understands that reporting a crime may
involve disclosing sensitive information. Subject to
Ohio public records law, the university will use and
disseminate such information consistent with the need
to conduct an appropriate investigation, to provide
assistance and resources to crime victims, and to perform
other appropriate university functions. Because of the
requirements of public records laws, the university does
not have a policy that permits confidential reporting of
crimes for inclusion in the annual crime statistics report.
Note that the use and release personally identifiable
information from an education record of a student is
governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA), and the university will disclose covered
student information in compliance with that law and the
university Privacy and Release of Student Education
Records policy. For more information about FERPA, visit
registrar.osu.edu/policies/releaseinfo.asp.
32 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
COLUMBUS CAMPUS
• The Ohio State University Police
• Columbus Division of Police
• Clinton Township Police Department
• Upper Arlington Police Department
• Grandview Heights Police Department
• Additional Law Enforcement Agencies for noncampus properties
• Office of Student Life
• Senior Vice President of Student Life
• Student Conduct
• University Housing
• Student Advocacy
• Sorority and Fraternity Life
• Multicultural Center
• Office of Human Resources
• Office of International Affairs
• Office of University Compliance and Integrity’s Clery
Act Coordinator
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
• Department of Athletics
The Ohio State University’s Annual Security Report is the
result of the efforts of many people on campus. Each year,
we request crime statistics from the offices and individuals
listed above and from other campus offices and local law
enforcement agencies for inclusion in the annual report.
No formal police report is required for a crime to be
included in the statistics. Every effort is taken to ensure
that all people required to report do so and that statistics
are as accurate and complete as possible. Information
included in the annual report is reviewed for accuracy,
completeness and readability.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of
the statistics and information in this report, contact Ohio
State’s Department of Public Safety at 614-247-6300.
The Ohio State University will not retaliate, intimidate,
threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any
individual for exercising the rights or responsibilities
provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus
Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
REPORTING SEXUAL ASSAULT,
RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE, AND
STALKING
Survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating
violence, and stalking are strongly encouraged to report
the offense. To report an offense to the University Police
(non-emergency), call 614-292-2121. Non-emergency
contact information for other local police agencies
include: Columbus Division of Police, 614-645-4545;
Clinton Township Police Department, 614-471-5720;
Upper Arlington Police Division, 614-583-5150; and
Grandview Heights Police, 614-488-7901.
In an emergency, dial 9-1-1. Reporting an offense to the
University Police or other law enforcement or campus
security authorities does not necessarily require filing
criminal charges, but it does allow all support systems to
be put in place for the survivor. Filing a police report will
provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful
in prosecution and will allow the survivor to be connected
with the appropriate support and medical resources.
Reporting is best done as soon as possible after the
offense, but it may be done at any time.
The university will assist students who report sexual
assault in obtaining medical support and information
regarding available legal and judicial resources and
counseling and support services. The university also will
assist survivors in notifying the University Police or other
local police if the survivor requests the assistance of law
enforcement. The survivor may choose to decline to notify
law enforcement.
As discussed more fully above in the section titled
“Confidentiality,” the university does not have a policy
that generally permits confidential reporting of crimes.
In reporting a crime, however, a survivor may disclose
sensitive information, and the university will, subject
to Ohio public records law, use and disseminate such
information consistent with the need to conduct an
appropriate investigation, provide assistance and
resources to the survivor, and perform other appropriate
university functions. The use and release personally
identifiable information from an education record of a
student is governed by the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the university will disclose
covered student information in compliance with that
law and the university Privacy and Release of Student
Education Records policy.
PROTECTIVE MEASURES
The university will provide student and employee
survivors with written notification of the survivor’s rights
and about existing counseling, health, mental health,
victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration
assistance, student financial aid, and other services
available for survivors both on-campus and in the
community, whether the offense occurred on or off
campus. Protective measures issued by the university
might include residence hall room changes, course
changes, or “no contact” directives. Interim suspension
of a student may be available when the university
has reasonable cause to believe that the student’s
presence on university premises or at a universityrelated or -registered student organization activity poses
a significant risk of substantial harm to the safety or
security of themselves, others, or to property. Similarly,
employees may be placed on administrative leave with
pay when Human Resources determines that the health
or safety of any staff member or of any person or property
entrusted to the staff member’s care adversely could
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 33
be affected or during an administrative investigation.
Student Conduct and Human Resources investigators
collaborate closely with other university departments,
including Residence Life, Student Advocacy, Counseling &
Consultation Service, Employee Assistance Program, and
University Police, to connect students and employees to
the appropriate sources of other remedies or protective
measures. Interim measures taken during an investigation
of a complaint of sexual misconduct should minimize
the burden on the complainant. Student Legal Services,
SARNCO, and University Police also may assist individuals
in obtaining orders of protection through the appropriate
criminal or civil court.
The university also will provide written notification
about options for, available assistance in, and how to
request changes in academic, living, transportation,
and working situations, and protective measures, if so
requested by the survivor and if such accommodations
are reasonably available, regardless of whether the
survivor chooses to report the crime to campus police or
local law enforcement. If requested by the survivor and if
reasonably available, the university will assist the survivor
in changing his/her academic or living situation after the
alleged assault. Upon request, the Title IX Coordinator or
Deputy Coordinators can assist the survivor with exploring
options to address these concerns. Options may include
but are not limited to academic/financial aid guidance
and discussion of options, assistance in withdrawing from
classes or adjusting academic schedule, transitioning
the survivor into another residence facility, or emergency
housing. The university will not disclose accommodations
or protective measures provided to a survivor unless
witholding such information would impair the ability to
provide the accommodations or protective measures.
For survivors who choose to notify the police, it is
important to know the immediacy of reporting the incident
and the importance of preserving physical evidence that
may assist in proving that the alleged criminal offense
occurred or may be helpful in obtaining a protection
order at the crime scene and on the survivor. In cases of
sexual assault, within the first 96 hours is the best time for
evidence to be collected. Under certain circumstances,
it may be collected after this time frame. If possible, a
victim of sexual assault should not eat, drink, smoke,
wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing before
a medical/legal examination. The gathering of physical
evidence can provide important evidence and support of
criminal charges leading to a successful prosecution, and
cases may be reported without physical evidence.
34 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Students or employees who are reporting an immediate
assault should be accompanied to a health-care facility
of their choice to allow for collection of evidence and
treatment. If a sexual assault survivor chooses to report
the incident days, weeks, or even months after the
assault, important support systems still are available and
can be arranged, but criminal investigations become
much more difficult.
UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINARY
PROCEDURES
Regarding Cases of Alleged Dating Violence,
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
Allegations that an Ohio State student has committed a
sexual assault or engaged in dating violence, domestic
violence, or stalking are investigated and adjudicated
by Student Conduct, 550 Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon
Drive, Columbus OH 43210, 614-292-0748. Complaints
against Ohio State faculty or staff members are addressed
by Human Resources, 1590 N. High St., Suite 300,
614-292-1050.
The following procedures apply only to cases of dating
violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
as defined in the university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.
FILING A COMPLAINT
Victims (complainants) of dating violence, domestic abuse,
sexual assault, or stalking may file a complaint by emailing
titleix@osu.edu or via a report form at titleix.osu.edu.
INVESTIGATION
In cases involving allegations of dating violence,
domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, the
university will provide a prompt, fair, and impartial
process from the initial investigation to the final result
and will treat the complainant with respect before,
during, and after the investigation. The investigator will
interview the complainant and the respondent and any
pertinent witnesses. The investigator also will review
police or other reports and collect relevant, available
evidence. The entire process will be consistent with the
university’s published policies and will be transparent to
the complainant and the respondent. The investigator
will provide both parties with timely notice of meetings
at which they may be present, and both parties will be
provided with equal access to case materials.
A typical investigation into reported acts of dating
violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
will take approximately 60 calendar days following
receipt of the complaint. This will vary depending on
the complexity of the investigation and the severity and
extent of the alleged sexual misconduct. When in an
individual case the following time frames cannot be met
for legitimate reasons, the parties will be informed when
and why they will not be met.
The 60-day time frame refers to the entire investigation
process, which includes and is not limited to:
a. Initiating the investigation including contacting
the complainant for an intake interview (7 days)
b. Conducting the fact-finding investigation (33
days)
c.
Holding a hearing or engaging in another
decision-making process to determine whether a
policy violation has occurred (10 days)
d. Determining what actions the university will take
to eliminate the hostile environment, prevent
its recurrence, and remedy its discriminatory
effects, including imposing sanctions against
the respondent and providing remedies for
the complainant and university community, as
appropriate, and issuing written notice of the
finding of the investigation (10 days)
Other factors may affect one or more parts of that time
frame, including but not limited to the complexity, severity,
and extent of the alleged sexual misconduct. The
process may be extended if necessary because of illness,
holidays, unavailability of parties or witnesses, complexity
of the case, or competing demands on investigators or
decision makers.
ADVISOR
An individual of the complainant’s and respondent’s
choice may accompany them at the initial interview and
to any subsequent meetings or proceedings, as long as
that person is not potentially a party or witness in the
case. The support person is not provided documentation
on the investigation or allowed to interject during the
investigation interview. If a support person is determined
to be unreasonably interfering with the meeting or
proceeding, she or he may be asked to leave.
RESOLUTION IN STUDENT CONDUCT
INVESTIGATIONS
The investigator will decide whether to issue charges
for violations of the Code of Student Conduct related to
dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and
stalking. Charges will be issued if there is reasonable
cause to believe that the student may have violated
the Code of Student Conduct. That charges have been
issued does not mean that the student has been found
in violation. If charges are issued, the hearing officer will
notify both the respondent and the complainant. The
respondent can accept responsibility and request an
Administrative Decision, deny responsibility and request
an Administrative Hearing before a University Hearing
Officer, or deny responsibility and request a hearing
before the University Conduct Board. When a student
accepts responsibility and requests an administrative
decision, the hearing officer will consider appropriate
sanctions for the violation. In so doing, the hearing
officer will consider all of the material brought forth in the
investigation, including statements from the complainant
on the impact the violation has had on their life an
educational experience.
Sanctions
There are a number of possible sanctions that may
be imposed when a student is found in violation for
dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and
stalking. Available sanctions include separation from
the university. Dismissal is a permanent separation. A
separation for any limited period of time (measured in
semesters or years) is called a suspension. Students
may be suspended for any length of time commensurate
to the violation, starting at one semester. A separation
from the university ends the student’s enrollment at the
university and bans the sanctioned student from campus.
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 35
Other available sanctions less than separation include
probation for one semester through the end of a student’s
period of enrollment or a formal reprimand. Additionally,
students may receive additional sanctions, referred to
as educational sanctions, including making restitution
for property damage or misappropriation of university
property or services or the property of any person,
residence hall contract termination or reassignment
to another room, restriction of access to specified
campus facilities and/or property, research assignments,
community service projects, referral to medical resources
or counseling personnel, behavioral assessments,
educational workshops, community service, or other
instructive experiences.
Hearings
A student charged with violating the Code of Student
Conduct can decide not to accept responsibility and
elect a hearing to resolve the charge. The Code provides
for two types of hearing, and the respondent chooses
which type. The first is an Administrative Hearing. The
second is a University Conduct Board Hearing. Both types
of hearings are less formal than a hearing in a court of
law. The legal rules of evidence do not apply, and the
standard of proof is the preponderance of the evidence
standard. The difference between the two hearing types
is who hears and decides the case. In an Administrative
Hearing, the case is heard by a hearing officer from
Student Conduct. Typically the case is assigned to a
hearing officer other than the one who conducted the
investigation. In a University Conduct Board Hearing
involving allegations of dating violence, domestic
violence, sexual assault, and stalking, the case is heard by
a board consisting of faculty and staff as appointed by the
Vice President of Student Life.
In cases involving allegations of dating violence,
domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, both
complainants and respondents participate equally in the
hearing process and may have an advisor of their choice
present. Should one party desire it, the complainant and
respondent shall be in separate rooms connected by
video and audio during the hearing.
Appeals
Once a result is determined by the hearing officer
or board, Student Conduct promptly communicates
simultaneously, in writing, to both parties the outcome
of the disciplinary hearing, the institution’s appeal
procedures, any change to the results before they are
final, and when the results become final. Both parties
may appeal the outcome. Appeals are heard by the Vice
President of Student Life or designee. When the Vice
President or designee issues a decision on an appeal,
notice is promptly provided to both parties.
RESOLUTION IN UNIVERSITY HUMAN
RESOURCES INVESTIGATIONS
In cases of misconduct by an employee, the investigator
will prepare a written case report that typically provides
a summary of facts, analysis, findings, and recommended
corrective actions. This report is shared in writing with
the complainant and respondent at the conclusion of the
investigation. Corrective actions may be taken pursuant
to the Corrective Action and Involuntary Termination
policy, Student Employment policy, and/or the Rules of the
University Faculty 3335-5-04. Potential corrective actions
include coaching, training, development plans, reduction
in supervisory duties and leadership responsibilities,
changes in salary, termination, and other appropriate
remedial measures. In the event that a record of such
corrective action will become a part of the respondent’s
personnel records, prior notice will be given. Corrective
action also may be taken against any individual with a
duty to report under this policy who fails to report an
incident of sexual misconduct in a manner consistent with
the provisions of this policy. In cases involving employees
subject to collective bargaining agreements or the Faculty
3335-5-04 process, parties will retain all rights afforded
under applicable laws such as Title IX.
TRAINING & CONFLICT OF INTEREST
All employees, staff, and students involved in an
investigation or hearing are trained annually on issues
related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual
assault, stalking, and proper hearing procedure that
protects victim safety and promotes accountability. An
36 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
investigating hearing officer, administrative hearing officer,
university conduct board member or board coordinator
will remove him or herself from any proceeding in which
a conflict of interest or bias exists against either the
complainant or the respondent.
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL OPTIONS
IN ADDITION TO UNIVERSITY
PROCEDURES
Survivors of sexual assault have the right to initiate a
criminal investigation and initiate the disciplinary process
through the University Conduct system. Survivors may
be assisted by Title IX staff or confidential community
advocates through SARNCO in learning about the
options for reporting sexual assault to the university, the
University Police, and/or local law enforcement agencies.
For more information, visit titleix.osu.edu.
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY WEXNER
MEDICAL CENTER’S SEXUAL ASSAULT/
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM
Services provided:
CAMPUS SEX CRIME PREVENTION ACT
INFORMATION
The responsibility for tracking people in Ohio who
have been designated as Sex Offenders is assigned
to the sheriffs of the various counties. The Franklin
County Sheriff’s website contains information regarding
registered sex offenders for geographic areas covered by
this report.
AREA AGENCIES
Columbus Division of Police
columbus.gov/police
Columbus Division of Police Precincts
columbus.gov/crc/community-outreach-andengagement/Police-Precincts-Map/
Clinton Township Police Department
clintontwp-columbus.org
Upper Arlington Police Division
upperarlingtonoh.gov/police-division/
Grandview Heights Division of Police
grandviewheights.org/89/Division-of-Police
• Medical care, crisis intervention, emotional support,
and referrals for female and male survivors of sexual
assault and domestic violence age 15 and older.
REGIONAL CAMPUSES
• Interaction with a volunteer patient advocate
(coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), if the
patient desires.
Lima
Mansfield
Marion
Newark
Wooster
• Follow-up phone contact by program coordinator, if
the patient desires.
lima.osu.edu
mansfield.osu.edu
osumarion.osu.edu
newark.osu.edu
ati.osu.edu
REPORTS AVAILABLE
Obtain copies of the Annual Fire Safety Report and the Annual Security Report:
By Request
The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety
University Police Records Unit
901 Woody Hayes Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43210
614-247-6300
Online
dps.osu.edu/clery-act
go.osu.edu/heoa
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 37
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS POLICY
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Office of Student Life
Applies to: Faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors
POLICY
Issued:
Revised:
Edited:
10/01/1980
01/01/2014
09/23/2014
The Ohio State University’s primary concern is for the health, safety, and welfare of the university community.
The university complies fully with local, state, and federal regulations regarding the sale, possession, and
consumption of alcoholic beverages. The unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs
or controlled substances on university property or as part of university activities is strictly prohibited. All
members of the university community are held responsible for their behavior and for respecting the rights of
others.
Ohio State endeavors to encourage a culture of compliance. The university is committed to providing education
regarding the negative impacts of illicit drug use, misuse of prescription drugs, and the excessive or illegal
consumption of alcohol. Ohio State provides programs, support, and resources to promote health-enhancing
experiences. Additionally, Ohio State seeks to encourage responsible bystander behavior and timely reporting.
Please refer to The Ohio State University Code of Student Conduct for additional information for students and
the Office of Human Resources Drug Free Workplace Policy 7.30 for additional information for faculty, staff,
graduate associates, and student employees.
Definitions
Term
Definition
Ohio State property
Property that is owned, operated, or controlled by The Ohio State University.
Open container
Any holder or receptacle that allows access to alcohol, including any
bottle, can, or similar container on which the original seal has been
broken. A bottle must be resealed by the permit holder.
Physical control of a vehicle
Being in the driver’s position of the front seat of a vehicle and having
possession of the vehicle’s ignition key or other ignition device, whether or not
the vehicle is running.
Policy Details
I. Alcoholic beverage consumption is prohibited on Ohio State property or at off-campus university
sponsored events at which the primary audience is under the legal consumption age unless:
A. Written approval from the Office of Student Life when students are the primary event
organizer; and the Offices of Legal Affairs and Business and Finance for faculty, staff, and
alumni.
B. The event occurs in designated areas licensed to sell alcohol, such as the Faculty Club,
Fawcett Center, Ohio State Golf Course, Ohio Union, etc.
II. Events serving alcohol must have a primary purpose for the gathering other than the availability of
alcohol and alcohol must not be used as an inducement for participation.
A. Controls must be enforced to prevent underage drinking. These controls shall be consistent
with local, state, and federal laws and the Code of Student Conduct.
The Ohio State University – University Policies policies.osu.edu
38 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Page 1 of 8
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Office of Student Life
Applies to: Faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
B. Events involving alcoholic beverages as part of a competition, such as drinking games or
chugging contests are prohibited.
C. Soft drinks or other non-alcoholic beverages such as water, punch, and fruit drinks should be
available in the same location and be featured as prominently as the alcoholic beverages
during the entire time alcoholic beverages are being served.
D. Food and/or snacks should be prominently displayed and available during the entire event.
E. Individual units may implement more restrictive policies relating to the use and/or promotion of
alcohol within their facilities that are otherwise in accordance with university policy and local,
state, and federal laws.
Registered student ,organizations, on a university-related trip must comply with the Code of Student
Conduct and local, state, federal, and international laws that apply to Ohio State students.
A. Funds allocated to a registered student organization from the Council on Student Affairs
Student Activity Fund, or otherwise from the university, must not be used to purchase
alcoholic beverages.
B. Funds collected through a registered student organization’s voluntary dues, donations, or
fund-raising may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages if the purchase and use of those
beverages is otherwise in accordance with university policy and local, state, and federal laws.
Alcoholic beverages may be served in designated areas of the Jerome Schottenstein Center. No
thermos bottles, coolers, bottles, cans, or other containers of any type may be brought into the
Jerome Schottenstein Center, Ohio Stadium or other university athletic facilities.
A. Possession and consumption of alcohol in stadium parking areas are subject to local, state
and federal laws and regulations. Police and the Ohio Investigative Unit may patrol these
areas and enforce applicable laws.
B. Open containers are not allowed at any tailgating events.
C. Any open container must be transported as required by law.
Alcohol is prohibited at undergraduate group events on Ohio State property, including public or semiprivate common areas.
A. Students 21 years of age or older, may possess and consume legal beverages in their rooms
or suites, or rooms of others of legal age, in accordance with university policy and local, state,
and federal laws.
Advertising that promotes the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription drugs is
prohibited on Ohio State property. This applies to events and activities organized or sponsored by the
university.
A. Subject to administrative restrictions, events organized on Ohio State property may display
the corporate names and logos of alcohol-related sponsors, as long as it does not encourage
consumption or irresponsible use.
B. Promotional materials, including advertisements for college events sponsored or cosponsored by student organizations, must not make reference to or include pictures of
alcoholic beverages or the name of alcohol distributors.
C. Advertising should focus on the purpose or theme of the event and not on the availability of
alcohol in ways that imply drinking is the focus, such as a “beer blast,” “forty kegs,” or “all the
beer you can drink.”
The unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or controlled substances on
university property or as part of university activities is strictly prohibited.
A. The Ohio State University faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students,
volunteers, vendors, and visitors must abide by all applicable local, state, and federal laws
regarding illicit drugs and controlled substances.
The Ohio State University – University Policies policies.osu.edu
Page 2 of 8
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 39
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Office of Student Life
Applies to: Faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors
Legal Requirements
Under local, state, and federal laws, it is a crime to do any of the following. For more information, see the Ohio
Department of Commerce and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
I. Underage Drinking
A. Purchase, order, pay for, or share the cost of alcohol if you are under 21.
B. Possess alcohol if you are under 21.
C. Consume alcohol if you are under 21, unless it is provided by and consumed in the presence of
your parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse who is 21 or older.
D. Sell alcohol to, buy alcohol for, or furnish alcohol to anyone under 21.
E. Allow anyone under 21 who possesses or consumes alcohol to remain in your home, apartment,
or residence hall room, or in other property that you own or occupy unless alcohol is given by and
consumed in the presence of the underage person's parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse.
II. False Identification
A. Show or give false information about your name, age, or other identification to purchase or obtain
alcohol if you are under 21.
B. Provide false information about the name, age or other identification of another person under 21 to
purchase or obtain alcohol for that person.
III. Open Containers
A. Have an open container of alcohol in your possession in any unlicensed public place.
B. Have an open container of alcohol in your possession while driving or riding in or on a motor
vehicle.
C. Have an open container of alcohol in your possession while in or on a motor vehicle that is parked
in or on a highway, street, or other place open to the public for parking.
D. Open containers are not allowed at any Ohio State tailgating events.
IV. Transportation
A. Operate a vehicle under the influence. If you are under 21, you are considered to be operating a
vehicle under the influence if your blood alcohol level is .02 or higher and 0.08 at age 21. Refusing
an alcohol test results in an immediate administrative license suspension.
B. Consume alcohol while in a motor vehicle.
C. Drive while under the influence of alcohol.
D. Be in physical control of a vehicle while drinking or under the influence of alcohol.
V. Disorderly Conduct
A. Engage in conduct likely to be offensive or cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to others or
that poses a risk of physical harm to yourself, to others, or to property while you are voluntarily
intoxicated.
VI. Alcohol Sales
A. Hold an event where alcohol is sold, or an event where alcohol is provided without charge but
there is an entrance fee, cover charge, or other fee, without an appropriate permit. Information on
how to obtain a temporary liquor permit is available from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.
VII. Illicit Drugs
A. Sell or offer to sell any controlled substance, or prepare or package any controlled substance for
sale.
B. Distribute any controlled substance, unless authorized to do so by law.
C. Knowingly obtain, possess, or use a controlled substance without a prescription.
VIII. State of Ohio Alcohol and Drug Law Criminal Sanctions
A. Underage drinking: Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) 4301.63 provides that no person under the age of
21 shall purchase beer or intoxicating liquor. Penalty for violation: Violation of O.R.C. 4301.63 will
result in a fine of not less than $25 but not more than $100. The court may order that the fine be
The Ohio State University – University Policies policies.osu.edu
40 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Page 3 of 8
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Office of Student Life
Applies to: Faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
paid by the performance of public work at a reasonable hourly rate established by the court and
may specify the designated time in which the public work shall be completed.
False identification used to purchase alcohol for someone under 21: O.R.C. 4301.633 provides
that no person shall knowingly furnish any false information as to the name, age, or other
identification of any person under 21 years of age for the purpose of obtaining or with the intent to
obtain, beer or intoxicating liquor for a person under 21 years of age, by purchase, or as a gift.
Penalty for violation: Violation of O.R.C. 4301.633 is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The
maximum penalty is imprisonment for not more than six months and a fine not more than $1,000.
False identification used to purchase alcohol by someone under 21: O.R.C. 4301.634 provides that
no person under the age of 21 years shall knowingly show or give false information concerning the
same person’s name, age, or other identification for the purpose of purchasing or otherwise
obtaining beer or intoxicating liquor in any place in this state where beer or intoxicating liquor is
sold under a permit issued by the division of liquor control or sold by the division. Penalty for
violation: Violation of O.R.C. 4301.634 is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by up to
six months imprisonment and fines up to $1,000. If a false or altered state identification card was
used in commission of a violation of O.R.C. 4301.634, the punishment is a first degree
misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $250 but not more than $1,000 and up to six months
imprisonment.
Open container in a motor vehicle: O.R.C. 4301.64 prohibits the consumption of beer or
intoxicating liquor in a motor vehicle. Penalty for violation: Violation of O.R.C. 4301.64 is a
misdemeanor of the fourth degree punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $250.
Furnishing or selling alcohol to someone under 21: O.R.C. 4301.69(A) prohibits any person from
selling or furnishing beer or intoxicating liquor to an person under 21 years of age, or buying it for
any person under the age of 21. Penalty for violation: Violation of O.R.C. 4301.69(A) is a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $500 but not more than $1,000, and up to six months
imprisonment.
Underage purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol: O.R.C. 4301.69(E) provides that no
underage person shall knowingly order, pay for, share the cost of, attempt to purchase, possess,
or consume any beer or intoxicating liquor in any public or private place or knowingly be under the
influence of any beer or intoxicating liquor unless he or she is accompanied by a parent, spouse,
or legal guardian who is not an underage person, or unless the beer or intoxicating liquor is given
for religious purposes or by a physician for medical purposes. Penalty for violation: Violation of
O.R.C. 4301.69(E) is a misdemeanor of the first degree. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for
not more than six months and a fine up to $1,000.
Driving while intoxicated: O.R.C. 4511.19 prohibits any person from driving a motor vehicle while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalty for violation: A violation of O.R.C. Section 4511.19
is a misdemeanor of the first degree, the maximum penalty for which is a jail term of up to six
months and a fine up to $1,000. The court may also impose additional fines, community
rehabilitation or intervention programs, and suspend or revoke the offender’s driver’s license.
Additional penalties exist for repeat offenders of O.R.C. 4511.19.
Selling or distributing illicit drugs: O.R.C. 2925.03 prohibits any person from selling or offering to
sell any controlled substance, preparing or packaging any controlled substance for sale, or
distributing any controlled substances. Penalty for violation: Anyone who violates this statute is
guilty of drug trafficking. Violation of this statute is a felony, the level of which depends on the
specific criteria set forth in O.R.C. 2925.03(C), including type and weight of drug. The minimum
penalty for a fifth degree felony can include six to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. The
maximum penalty for a first degree felony can include imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine up
to $20,000.
Possessing or using illicit drugs: O.R.C. 2925.11 prohibits any person from knowingly obtaining,
possessing, or using a controlled substance. Penalty for violation: Violation of O.R.C. 2925.11 is
drug abuse, which may be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the specific criteria set forth in
The Ohio State University – University Policies policies.osu.edu
Page 4 of 8
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 41
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Office of Student Life
Applies to: Faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors
O.R.C. 2925.11(C), including type and weight of drug. The minimum penalty, a fourth degree
misdemeanor, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 30 days and a fine up to $250. The
maximum penalty, a first degree felony, is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to
$20,000.
J. A complete list of Ohio drug prohibitions can be found in Chapter 2925 of the Ohio Revised Code.
IX. Federal Drug Laws
A. Federal law prohibits the trafficking and illegal possession of controlled substances as outlined in
21 United States Code, Sections 841 and 844.
B. Depending on the amount possessed, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking marijuana
range from five years’ imprisonment with a $250,000 fine to imprisonment for life with a $10 million
fine for an individual, and from five years imprisonment with a $1 million fine to imprisonment for
life with a $50 million fine if not an individual. Also depending on the amount possessed, first
offense maximum penalties for trafficking Class I and Class II controlled substances
(methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, PCP, LSD, fentanyl analogue) range from five
years’ imprisonment with a $5 million fine to imprisonment for life with a $10 million fine for an
individual, and from five years’ imprisonment with a $25 million fine to imprisonment for life with a
$50 million fine if not an individual. First offense penalties for simple possession, 21 USC §844,
range from at most one years’ imprisonment or at least a $1,000, fine or both; to at most 20 years’
imprisonment and a fine of at least a $1,000.
C. For the most current and complete information regarding Federal penalties for drug trafficking, visit
the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Federal Trafficking Penalties.
X. Disclaimer
A. This information is provided as a general summary of the major applicable laws. Laws are
frequently amended and reinterpreted, and the application of law to specific situations generally
requires an analysis of all of the facts and circumstances. This information should not be
substituted for specific legal advice.
B. If you are charged with a crime it is a good idea to seek advice of an attorney. Updates to these
laws are generally reflected on the websites mentioned here, but individuals are ultimately
responsible for knowing the laws. This information should not be substituted for specific legal
advice.
C. Ohio State's Code of Student Conduct and university policies and rules are campus behavior and
safety standards that may result in sanctions, educational outcomes or penalties that are
independent of any criminal considerations.
D. Violation of the laws referenced previously may also be a violation of Ohio State’s Code of Student
Conduct and university policies and rules and could result in university sanctions. It should also be
noted that the university's expectations for appropriate behavior are higher than those under the
law.
PROCEDURE
Issued:
Revised:
Edited:
10/01/1980
01/01/2014
09/23/2014
I. Process for University Events that Involve Alcohol
A. Colleges and support units seeking to serve alcohol must request approval through the Office
of Business and Finance.
B. Students over the legal drinking age seeking to serve alcohol at an event must request
approval through the Office of Student Life.
The Ohio State University – University Policies policies.osu.edu
42 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Page 5 of 8
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Office of Student Life
Applies to: Faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors
C. At least three weeks before the event, apply for university approval if the university event
involves serving alcohol outside of a licensed premise. Proof of Liability Insurance may be
required of the sponsor of the event.
D. At least eight weeks before the event, submit a request for a permit from the Department of
Liquor Control if planning an event that involves serving alcohol where there will be charges
for anything, such as for a reception, conference registration, food, etc.
E. At least three weeks prior to the event, the University Police Special Events Coordinator must
be contacted and the sponsoring party must ensure adequate security, provide a safe and
secure environment, and follow reasonable risk management procedures as defined by
University Police.
II. Violations
A. Any faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and
visitors found to be in violation of local, state, and/or federal law, or who violate the university’s
alcohol or other drug policies, are subject to university disciplinary procedures and/or referral
to the appropriate authorities for legal action.
1. Campus disciplinary sanctions include, but are not limited to: written warnings, loss
of privileges, probation, participation in an alcohol or other drug assistance or
rehabilitation program, suspension, and/or dismissal.
2. Sanctions may also apply to registered student organizations and to off-campus
conduct.
3. Additional disciplinary procedures may also be applied from professional schools,
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and vendors.
B. We value the actions of student “Good Samaritans” or those individuals who are concerned
for the health and safety of their peers.
1. The Office of Student Life values the actions of student bystanders who seek
medical assistance when warranted from appropriate resources, such as Residence
Life staff, police, EMS or other first responders. In the interest of promoting health
and safety, the student bystander’s own use of alcohol or drugs, level of intoxication,
or impairment generally should not result in any university disciplinary proceeding
against that student bystander.
2. When applicable, other violations of the Code of Student Conduct may still result in
university disciplinary proceedings.
III. Corrective Action
A. Faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and
visitors are responsible for complying with all university policies and rules. If alcohol violations
occur, corrective action is governed as follows:
1. Students are subject to appropriate discipline by Residence Hall staff or by the Office
of Student Conduct.
2. Faculty and staff may be disciplined under all applicable university rules and policies,
up to and including termination of employment.
3. Volunteers and vendors are subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the college
or unit.
B. Alcohol policy violations can be reported via the university Anonymous Reporting Line.
The Ohio State University – University Policies policies.osu.edu
Page 6 of 8
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 43
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Office of Student Life
Applies to: Faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors
Responsibilities
Position or Office Responsibilities
University leaders, 1. Communicate policy expectations.
managers, and
2. Hold individuals responsible for compliance.
supervisors
3. Communicate policy violations to leaders and managers in specific areas where
problems occur.
Student Life
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Communicate policy expectations to the university community.
Consult with students on the policy.
Provide alcohol and other drug education and support.
Review the policy and update as needed.
Address non-employment setting policy violations with students.
Review, and when appropriate, approve student requests to serve alcohol at events.
Business and
Finance
1. Communicate policy expectations to the university community.
2. Consult with units on the policy.
3. Review, and when appropriate, approve college and support unit requests to serve
alcohol at event(s).
Legal Affairs
1. Communicate policy expectations to the university community.
2. Consult with units on the policy.
3. Review authorization forms and update as needed.
University
Communications
1. Communicate to the university community through an annual notification, which must
include the following: standards of conduct; a description of sanctions for violating
federal, state, and local law and campus policy; a description of health risks
associated with AOD use; and a description of treatment options.
Human Resources 1.
2.
3.
4.
Communicate policy expectations to the university community.
Consult with units on the policy.
Provide information on support services.
Address and refer policy violations to the appropriate position or office.
Employing or
volunteer
sponsoring unit
1.
2.
3.
4.
Communicate policy expectations.
Provide information on support services.
Address and refer policy violators to the appropriate position or office.
Report policy violations to the appropriate position or office.
Individuals
1. Comply with the policy.
2. Inform others about the policy whenever possible.
3. Use education and support resources as needed.
Resources
Anonymous Reporting Line: secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/7689/index.html
Authorization to Serve Alcohol Request Form: legal.osu.edu/pdf/alcohol_authorization.pdf
Drug-Free Workplace policy 7.30: hr.osu.edu/policy/policy730.pdf
Expenditures policy 4.11: busfin.osu.edu/FileStore/PDFs/411_Expenditures.pdf
Legal Topics Alcohol on Campus Sites: legal.osu.edu/legaltopics.php
Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control: com.ohio.gov/liqr/
Ohio Liquor Permit Classes and Fees: com.ohio.gov/liqr/permitClasses.aspx
The Ohio State University – University Policies policies.osu.edu
44 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Page 7 of 8
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Office of Student Life
Applies to: Faculty, staff, graduate associates, student employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors
Ohio Revised Code: codes.ohio.gov/orc/
Registered Student Organizations: ohiounion.com/get_involved/student_organizations
Student Code of Conduct: studentaffairs.osu.edu/csc/
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: justice.gov/dea/index.shtml
U.S.D.E.A. Federal Trafficking Penalties: justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ftp3.shtml
Contacts
Subject
Office
Telephone
Policy questions
Student Wellness Center
614-292-4527 swc.osu.edu/
Alcohol and other drug
coaching/ screenings
Student Wellness Center
614-292-4527
Alcohol permission
requests
Office of Business and Finance
614-292-7970 ASArequests@osu.edu
Code of Student Conduct
Student Conduct
614-292-0748 studentconduct@osu.edu
studentconduct.osu.edu/
Collegiate recovery
community
Student Wellness Center
614-292-4527
wellness@osu.edu
swc.osu.edu/
Corrective action for
employees
Employee and Labor Relations, Office
of Human Resources
614-292-2800
ohrc@hr.osu.edu
hr.osu.edu/elr/
Couple and family
counseling
Couple and Family Clinic
614-292-3671 cftc.ehe.osu.edu/
Employee substance
abuse
Employee Assistance Program
800-678-6265 osuhealthplan.com/OhioStateEAP/
Group support
Student Wellness Center
614-292-4527
Psychological services
Anxiety and Stress Disorders Clinic/
Psychological Services Center
614-688-2252 psc.psy.ohio-state.edu/anxiety614-292-2345 stress-clinic.php
psc.osu.edu/
Student alcohol, tobacco,
and other drugs
coordinator
Student Wellness Center
614-292-4527
wellness@osu.edu
swc.osu.edu/
Student counseling group/ Counseling and Consultation Service
individual
614-292-5766
ccs.osu.edu/
ccs@studentlife.osu.edu
Student wellness coaching Student Wellness Center
614-292-4527
wellness@osu.edu
swc.osu.edu/
University Police special
events coordinator
614-688-3211 specialevents@dps.ohio-state.edu
ps.ohio-state.edu/
Department of Public Safety
E-mail/URL
wellness@osu.edu
swc.osu.edu/
wellness@osu.edu
swc.osu.edu/
History
Issued:
Revised:
Revised:
Edited:
10/01/1980
07/01/2010
01/01/2014
09/23/2014
The Ohio State University – University Policies policies.osu.edu
Page 8 of 8
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 45
Office of Student Life
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
Alcohol and other drugs affect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and
campus visitors, and are very costly in relationship to campus crime and interference with the learning
environment. The Ohio State University is committed to providing a safe, healthy learning community.
ALCOHOL
Risk
Possible Health Effect
Alcohol Use Disorders:
Alcoholism & Alcohol
Abuse
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Cardiomyopathy
Certain types of cancer (oral, pharynx, esophagus, larynx, and lung)
Cirrhosis
Deficiency in thiamine
Gastrointestinal disorders
Heart Disease
Korsakoff’s psychosis
Learning and memory problems
Nerve damage
Pancreatitis
Permanent damage to brain and liver
Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Birth Defects
•
•
•
•
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Miscarriage
Physical and mental birth defects
Stillbirth
Chronic Heavy Drinking •
or Binge Drinking
•
•
Heavy: 14 drinks/week •
for men; 7 drinks/week •
for women
•
•
Binge: 5+ drinks for
•
men in 2 hours, 4+
•
drinks for women in 2
•
hours
•
•
•
•
Alcohol poisoning
Anemia
Cancer (correlated with mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon)
Cardiovascular disease
Dementia
Depression
Gout
High blood pressure
Liver disease, heart disease
Nerve damage
Pancreatitis
Sleep disorders
STDs and unwanted pregnancy from unsafe sex
Stroke
Intoxication
Decreased ability to analyze sensory information resulting in disturbed balance, slurred
speech, blurred vision, heavy sweating, and dulled sensation of pain
Dehydration
Disrupted balance of minerals in the blood
Disrupted judgment
Gastritis
Hangovers consisting of headache, thirst, nausea and dizziness as well as fatigue
Impaired brain function
Impaired judgment
Impaired motor skills
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
46 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Page 1 of 6
Revised 01/01/2014, Edited 09/23/2014
Office of Student Life
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
Risk
Possible Health Effect
•
•
•
•
Increased chances of death, accidents, and injuries, falls, sexual victimization, suicide
Increased lethargy
Inflammation of esophagus
Interference with sleep rhythms
COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS
Category
Possible Health Effect
Anabolic Steroids
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Aggression or rage
Blood clotting and cholesterol changes
Delusions
Extreme irritability
Extreme mood swings
Fluid retention
For men—shrinkage of the testicles (testicular atrophy), reduced sperm count or infertility,
baldness, development of breasts (gynecomastia), increased risk for prostate cancer
For women—growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, changes in or cessation of the
menstrual cycle, enlargement of the clitoris, deepened voice
Hypertension
Impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility
Increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis
Kidney cancer
Liver cysts
Paranoid jealousy
Severe acne
Bath Salts
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Agitation
Altered mental state
Chest pain
Extreme paranoia and delusions
Hallucinations
Highly addictive
Hypertension
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Kidney injury
Panic attacks
Seizures
Violent behavior, self-injury, self-mutilation, suicide
Cannabinoids
(Hashish, Marijuana)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks
Asthma
Bloodshot eyes
Cancer of the lungs
Difficulty speaking, listening, thinking, and problem solving
Distorted perception (sight, sound, time, touch)
Dry mouth and throat
Impaired complex motor skills
Impaired concentration
•
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
Page 2 of 6
Revised 01/01/2014, Edited 09/23/2014
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 47
Office of Student Life
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
Category
Depressants
Possible Health Effect
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Impaired judgment
Increased risk of damaging the lungs and reproductive system,
Increased heart rate
Linked to heart attacks
Loss of coordination
Lowered sperm production
Problems with memory and learning
Psychological dependence
Respiratory problems: bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma
•
Fatigue; confusion; impaired coordination, memory, judgment; addiction; respiratory
depression and arrest; death
Barbiturates
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Fever; irritability
- Life-threatening withdrawal
- Poor judgment
- Slurred speech
- Unusual excitement
Benzodiazepines
- Dizziness
Flunitrazepam
- Memory loss for the time under the drug's effects
- Urinary retention
- Visual and gastrointestinal disturbances
GHB
- Coma
- Death
- Drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of reflexes
- Nausea/vomiting, headache
- Seizures
Methaqualone
- Depression
•
•
•
•
•
Dextromethorphan
(DXM)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dissociative Anesthetics •
Body rash/itching
Closed-eye hallucination
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Gastrointestinal disturbances
Memory loss
Nausea
Numbness
Ketamine
- Altered body image
- Altered hearing
- Aphasia
- Blunted affect
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
48 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Page 3 of 6
Revised 01/01/2014, Edited 09/23/2014
Office of Student Life
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
Category
Possible Health Effect
•
Hallucinogens
Inhalants
- Blurred vision
- Delirium
- Diplopia
- Dizziness
- Erythema
- Euphoria
- Hallucinations
- Hypersalivation
- Hypertension
- Illusions
- Impaired attention, memory and judgment
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nightmares
- Nystagmus
- Pain at injection site
- Psychomimetic phenomenon
- Psychomotor retardation
- Tachycardia
- Vivid dreams
PCP and analogs
- Aggression
- Decrease in blood pressure and heart rate
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Panic
- Violence
•
•
LSD, Mescaline, & Psilocybin
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Numbness, weakness
- Sleeplessness
- Tremors
- Unpredictable psychological effects, with "trips" lasting about 12 hours
Mental disorders
Nervousness, paranoia
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Aspiration of vomit
Birth defects if pregnant
Cramps
Damage to central nervous system and brain
Depression
Frostbite
Hearing loss
Heart failure
Hypoxia
Kidney damage
Limb spasms
Memory impairment
Muscle weakness
•
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
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Revised 01/01/2014, Edited 09/23/2014
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 49
Office of Student Life
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
Category
Possible Health Effect
•
Unconsciousness
Opioids
•
Heroin
- Coma, unconsciousness
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Depressed breathing so overdose can be fatal
- Highly addictive and tolerance builds up rapidly
- Increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Staggering gait
Stimulants
•
Amphetamines
- Aggression, erratic behavior
- Bad feelings as drug wears off
- Convulsions, coma, death
- Depression
- Extreme exhaustion
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Loss of coordination
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Panic and paranoia
- Physical effects: hyperactivity, dilated pupils, vasoconstriction, blood shot eyes,
flushing, restlessness, dry mouth, bruxism, headache, tachycardia, bradycardia,
tachypnea, hypertension, hypotension, fever, diaphoresis, diarrhea, constipation,
blurred vision, aphasia, dizziness, twitching, insomnia, numbness, palpitations,
arrhythmias, tremors, dry and/or itchy skin, acne, pallor, convulsions, and with chronic
and/or high doses, seizure, stroke, coma, heart attack and death can occur
- Psychological effects: euphoria, anxiety, increased libido, alertness, concentration,
energy, self-esteem, self-confidence, sociability, irritability, aggression, psychosomatic
disorders, psychomotor agitation, grandiosity, repetitive and obsessive behaviors,
paranoia, and with chronic and/or high doses, amphetamine psychosis can occur
- Reduced performance at work, disruption of relationships
- Twitching/tremors
Cocaine
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia
- Chest pain
- Cocaine is very addictive and many users quickly develop a strong psychological
dependence on it
- Damage to the veins, leading to ulcers and gangrene, and increased risk of bloodborne infections such as hepatitis or HIV
- Damage to the lungs
- Damage to the nasal septum as the drug causes vasoconstriction
- Feeling constantly run-down when not taking cocaine
- Headaches
- Heart attacks
- Increased body temperature
•
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
50 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Page 5 of 6
Revised 01/01/2014, Edited 09/23/2014
Office of Student Life
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
Category
Possible Health Effect
Long-term changes to the brain, particularly in the brain's 'reward' circuits, which control
sense of pleasure, and personality changes
- Loss of libido
- Malnutrition
- Nausea
- Raised heart rate and blood pressure
- Respiratory failure
- Strokes or seizures
- Tolerance builds quickly
MDMA
- Anxiety, panic, confusion
- Cardiac/liver toxicity
- Depression as drug wears off
- Dry mouth
- Hyperthermia
- Impaired memory and learning
- Increased heart rate and raised blood pressure
- Increased liver and kidney problems in later life
- Interferes with body's fluid control mechanisms and salt balance, making it easy to
overhydrate and cause the brain to swell
- Long-term brain changes such as depletion of serotonin, leading to chronic depression,
memory impairment, and personality changes
- Mild hallucinogenic effects
- Raised body temperature, leading to dehydration
- Renal failure
Nicotine
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- Heart disease
- Increased risk of cancer in almost every organ and tissue of the body, especially
cancer of the lung, throat, and stomach
- Lung disorders and disease
- Stroke
-
•
•
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
Alcohol and Other Drug Health Risks
Page 6 of 6
Revised 01/01/2014, Edited 09/23/2014
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 51
Office of Student Life
Alcohol Policy
Community Resources
Subject
Office
Telephone
Website
Mental health and
psychiatry
Adult Children of Alcoholics
(ACOA) and AL-ANON
562-595-7831
adultchildren.org/
al-anon.alateen.org/
Family support
Al-Anon and Alateen of Central 614-547-1550
Ohio
coafg.org
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Alcohol And Drug Awareness
Series
614-566-3700
ohiohealth.com/riverside/
Individual support
Alcoholics Anonymous
614-292-4527
aa.org/
Individual support
Alcoholics Anonymous-Central 614-253-8501
Ohio Group Fellowship
800-870-3795
aacentralohio.org
Mental health and
psychiatry
Amethyst, Inc.
614-242-1284
amethyst-inc.org/
Individual support
Central Ohio Area Narcotics
Anonymous
614-252-1700
nacentralohio.org/
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Columbus Public Health
614-645-7306
publichealth.columbus.gov
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Community for New Direction
614-257-0305
cndonline.org
Detoxification residential
substance abuse
treatment facility
Substance abuse
counseling
Substance abuse
education/prevention
CompDrug Corporation
614-224-4506
compdrug.org
Substance abuse
counseling
Concord Counseling Center
614-882-9338
ext. 205
concordcounseling.org
Comprehensive services Cornerstone of Recovery
614-889-0000
866-359-8551
cornerstoneofrecovery.com/
Substance abuse
counseling
Directions Counseling Group
614-888-9200
directionscounseling.com
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Drug-Free Action Alliance
614-540-9985
drugfreeactionalliance.org
Substance abuse
counseling
Dublin Counseling Center
614-889-5722
dublincounselingcenter.org
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Educational Council
614-688-3200
edcouncil.org/prodev
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Franklin County Public Health
614-525-3160
614-525-3965
Emergency
Hotline
myfcph.org/
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
Community Resources
52 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Page 1 of 3
Revised 01/01/2014, Edited 09/23/2014
Office of Student Life
Alcohol Policy
Community Resources
Subject
Office
Telephone
Website
Substance abuse
counseling
Outpatient programs
House of Hope for Alcoholics
614-276-4840
Intake
hofhope.org
Jewish Family Services
614-559-0124
jfscolumbus.org
Detoxification
DUI offender programs
Substance abuse
counseling
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Inpatient substance
abuse treatment
facilities
Maryhaven
614-445-8131
614-645-6150
DUI program
614-324-5478
DUI program
maryhaven.com/
Substance abuse
counseling
(Hispanic and Latino)
Montalvo-Crumbley and
Associates, LLC
614-365-1919
Nar-Anon Family Groups
614-470-3428
nar-anon.org
Neighborhood House
614-252-4941
nhwa.org/
Adult intensive outpatient Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic
programs
614-210-0416
nkrc.org
Adult residential
treatment facility
Substance abuse
counseling
Inpatient substance
abuse treatment
facilities
North Central Mental Health
Services
614-299-6600
ncmhs.org
614-294-3309
614-421-3183
24 hour hotline
Substance abuse
counseling
Substance abuse
education/prevention
North Community Counseling
Centers
614-846-2588
ext. 2223
614-846-2588
ext. 2216
Substance abuse
counseling
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Northwest Counseling Services 614-457-7876
ext. 332
northwestcounselingservices.or
g
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Ohio Physicians Health
Program
614-841-9690
ophp.org/
Outpatient
Detoxification
Residential Facility
Substance abuse
counseling
Parkside Recovery/ Woods at
Parkside
614-471-2552
thewoodsatparkside.com/
800-282-5512:
24 hour hotline
Substance abuse
counseling
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
Community Resources
northcommunity.com
Page 2 of 3
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2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 53
Office of Student Life
Alcohol Policy
Community Resources
Subject
Telephone
Website
Substance abuse drop in PEER Center
services
Office
614-453-4840
thepeercenter.org
Opioid detox
Rehabilitation Care Group
614-901-0590
888-228-2094
treatmentcanwork.com/
Outpatient
Residential treatment
Adult and Family, Older
Adult and AOD
Southeast, Inc.
614-444-0800
614-225-0990
southeastinc.com
Veterans support (all
areas: detox,
counseling)
United States Department of
Veterans Affairs
614-257-5406
columbus.va.gov
Substance abuse
education/prevention
Urban Minority Alcoholism and 614-227-9694
Drug Abuse Outreach Program
of Franklin County Inc.
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
Community Resources
54 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
umadaopfc.com
Page 3 of 3
Revised 01/01/14, Edited 09/23/2014
IMPORTANT FACTS
• On an average day, it is estimated that more than 90,000 people are present on The Ohio State University Columbus
campus. This includes more than 65,000 students, faculty, staff and visitors.
• There are more than 450 buildings on campus.
• University Police link alcohol to many campus crimes, including assault and sexual offenses.
• Most assaults and sexual offenses on campus involve people who know each other.
SAFETY TIPS AND
CRIME PREVENTION
INFORMATION
• Be familiar with the location of emergency (blue
light) phones and know how they are used.
• Register and lock your bike.
• Register your valuables at studentlife.osu.edu/
propertyregistry.
• If you see something suspicious, say something!
To report emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
Non-emergencies on-campus, dial 614-292-2121.
Non-emergencies off-campus, dial 614-645-4545.
• Take advantage of crime prevention programs such
as UV/ID.
• Always plan the safest route to your destination.
• Be careful with mixed punches, jungle juice, or
other communal beverages. Contents and alcohol
volume are often a mystery. Pieces of fruit hold and
concentrate alcohol or anything else in the mix.
• LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS! Many
burglaries and thefts take place because of
unlocked residence hall or apartment doors.
• Let others know where you are going and when you
will return.
• Walk with a companion whenever possible.
• Use public walkways and stay in well-lit and traveled
areas.
• When walking, take note of potential hiding spots
and use caution as you approach them.
• Avoid carrying valuables and large amounts of cash.
• Minimize distractions when walking and remain
aware of your surroundings.
• If you are uncomfortable in a situation, leave as soon
as possible.
• Call 614-292-3322 for a Safe Ride in the evening.
• Always lock your vehicle doors, even while you are
driving.
• Park in well-lit areas and remove valuables from
sight.
• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel quite
right, it probably isn’t.
• Be aware of your drink. Never leave your drink
unattended or even in the possession of a friend.
Be aware of who is making your drink, and consider
watching them make it.
• Be cautious of beverages that will mask the flavor
or effects of alcohol, such as carbonated alcoholic
beverages, alcohol mixed with energy drinks or
sweet mixes.
• Know your limits and your friends’ limits for drinking
and other drug use.
• Use the buddy system:
• Make a plan with your friends before you go
out. Talk about how long you want to stay out,
what to do if a friend meets someone, etc. Have
a plan!
• Never leave a friend alone when she or he has
had too much to drink.
• Take your friend to a safe place.
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 55
SWC Relationship Education and Violence Prevention
facilitates a bystander intervention program developed
for students that continues to expand its reach among
various student populations. The “Buckeyes Got Your
Back” (BGYB) bystander intervention program goes
beyond telling students how not to become victims or
how not to perpetrate. Rather, it empowers an entire
community to prevent sexual violence before it happens.
Specifically, BGYB aims to do the following:
• Improve participants’ understanding of sexual
violence, sexual consent, and the impact of alcohol
and other drugs
• Increase motivation to help
• Develop skills and confidence to respond to
problems
• Promote safety
• Highlight campus sexual violence resources
BGYB encourages Buckeyes to be Active Bystanders,
who:
• Look out for their friends and fellow Buckeyes.
• Prevent bad things from happening by intervening,
NOT standing by.
• Strive to create a safe community for everyone,
regardless of their identity.
• Take responsibility for their reactions toward
inappropriate behavior.
• Battle the Bystander Effect. The Bystander Effect
is a phenomenon in which the more people who
witness an emergency event, the less likely anyone
is to intervene. But silence and passivity are not
neutral. They encourage attitudes and behaviors
that promote sexual violence.
PARENTAL NOTIFICATION GUIDELINES
FOR ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED
SUBSTANCE VIOLATIONS
These guidelines were developed in response to
the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. These
amendments created an exception to the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), thus enabling
universities to notify parents or legal guardians, under
certain circumstances, of a student under 21’s use or
possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. This
change supports the practice of The Ohio State University
of establishing a collaborative partnership with parents
56 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
and actively involving them, when appropriate, in
addressing student behavior as it relates to alcohol and
drugs.
Notification of parents is made when the university
believes it will help the student. When practicable,
conversations normally are held with the student before
contact is made with parents, in an effort to determine
whether such contact is the best course of action.
Generally, the university contacts parents in an effort to
provide support for students’ physical health and safety,
academic success, and personal development. Factors
that are considered when deciding to contact parents may
include but are not limited to:
• A situation in which a student has received medical
attention.
• The occurrence of an arrest and consequent
criminal charges.
• A major disruption to the university’s educational
mission.
• Substantial harm caused to other students.
• Significant property damage.
Contacts are made, if possible, by a personal appointment
with parents or by phone. Written communication is
used only when other attempts to contact parents have
failed. The goal is to develop a partnership between the
university and the parents for the good of the student.
Parent contacts are not to be viewed as a “disciplinary
sanction” but rather as a positive engagement of the
broadest possible resources to help a student succeed
in their educational endeavor. Parents are encouraged to
discuss the situation with their student.
Questions or concerns regarding these guidelines should
be directed to Student Conduct, 550 Lincoln Tower, 1800
Cannon Drive, Columbus OH 43210, 614-292-0748 or to
University Housing, 350 Morrill Tower, 1910 Cannon Drive,
Columbus OH 43210, 614-292-8266.
Ohio. If under 21, it is a violation if the concentration
of alcohol is .02 or greater. For more information, visit
partysmart.osu.edu.
PARTY SMART
What You Need to Know
GET THE FACTS!
Ohio State students overestimate dangerous drinking
habits among other students. In reality, Ohio State
students party smart.
Myth: Many Ohio State students drink excessively. It is
just a part of being in college.
Fact: More than 60% of Ohio State students choose
NOT to binge drink (consume 5 or more drinks in a
sitting). Actually, most Ohio State students (80%) have
between 0-6 drinks when they party.
Myth: “I had only five beers, brah. I’m cool to drive. Just
call me the DDD, designated drunk driver.”
Fact: Having five beers in one hour will put a
160-pound male at a .10 BAC, which is over the legal
driving limit. 92% of Ohio State students always use a
designated driver or choose not to drink at all!
Myth: If both people are drunk when they have sex, it
can’t be rape/sexual assault.
Fact: No one legally can give consent when they are
substantially impaired. Being drunk isn’t an excuse
to not get consent. It is the initiator’s responsibility to
gain consent. No matter what an impaired person may
verbalize at the time, if they feel violated or victimized,
it should be taken seriously.
ONE DRINK PER HOUR
One drink is defined as one 12-ounce can of beer OR one
4-5 ounce glass of wine OR one 1.5 ounce shot of liquor.
If a person is having more than one drink per hour he/
shes exceeding the recommended consumption pace.
Because of the rate by which alcohol is metabolized in
the body, more than one drink per hour will/can cause a
person to test as legally under the influence of alcohol.
By keeping the pace to one drink per hour, the body’s
alcohol metabolism capacity likely will not be surpassed
by alcohol intake. This will help keep blood alcohol
concentration within safer limits. Remember, the legal
blood alcohol concentration limit is .08 for driving in
ALCOHOL POISONING AND DRUG
OVERDOSING
Symptoms
• The person is unconscious or semi-conscious and
cannot be awakened.
• The person’s skin is cold or clammy and has pale or
bluish color.
• Slow breathing - less than eight breaths per minute
or lapses between breaths of more than eight
seconds.
• Vomiting while “sleeping” or passed out, and not
waking up after vomiting.
If a person has ANY of these symptoms, they need help!
Call 9-1-1
Do not leave the person alone! Turn the person on her/his
side to prevent choking in case of vomiting.
Get help. Your friend will not be angry because you care!
You will NOT get in trouble for helping someone with alcohol
poisoning. PLEASE, do not be afraid to help a friend or fellow
student in need!
For more information about university policies or rules related
to alcohol and drug abuse, see The Ohio State University
Code of Student Conduct, the Policy on Alcohol and Other
Drugs printed earlier in this document, and the Office of
Human Resources Policy 7.30, Drug-Free Workplace.
REPORTS AVAILABLE
Each year, an email notification is made to all students,
staff, and employees that provides the website address
to access this report. Copies of this annual report may be
printed in PDF format from Ohio State’s Department of
Public Safety website dps.osu.edu or requested from:
UNIVERSITY POLICE
Records Unit
901 Woody Hayes Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43210
614-292-8081
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 57
CRIME STATISTICS CHART
Crime Reported
Aggravated Assault (I)
Arson
Burglary
Manslaughter by Negligence
Murder and Non-Negligent
Manslaughter
Motor Vehicle Theft
Robbery
Rape (I)
Fondling (I)
Incest
Statutory Rape
Domestic Violence
Dating Violence (I)
[C, E, F, G on page 61]
Year
Campus Crime
Reported (not
including residence
facilities)
Campus (residence
facility only)
CAMPUS TOTAL
Non-Campus (B)
Public Property (A)
2017
2
6
8
13
0
2016
15
2
17
1
5
2015
5
2
7
1
1
2017
1
2
3
1
0
2016
1
1
2
0
0
2015
0
3
3
0
0
0
2017
14
35
49
14
2016
13
6
19
3
0
2015
11
4
15
12
0
2017
0
0
0
0
0
2016
0
0
0
0
0
2015
0
0
0
0
0
2017
0
0
0
0
0
2016
0
0
0
0
0
2015
0
0
0
0
0
2017
5
1
6
12
0
2016
12
0
12
5
3
2015
3
0
3
5
5
2017
5
2
7
4
0
2016
7
0
7
2
5
2015
5
0
5
0
11
2017
14
57
71
15
0
2016
10
47
57
5
0
2015
4
22
26
5
0
2017
13
16
29
14
1
2016
14
8
22
2
0
2015
5
8
13
1
0
0
2017
0
0
0
0
2016
0
0
0
0
0
2015
0
0
0
0
0
2017
0
0
0
0
0
2016
0
0
0
0
0
2015
0
0
0
0
0
2017
19
2
21
5
0
2016
7
3
10
2
0
0
2015
4
0
4
4
2017
9
35
44
4
3
2016
6
11
17
3
0
2015
9
10
19
1
2
58 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime Reported
Stalking (I)
Year
Campus Crime
Reported (not
including residence
facilities)
Campus (residence
facility only)
CAMPUS TOTAL
Non-Campus (B)
Public Property (A)
2017
37
21
58
1
0
2016
39
9
48
1
0
2015
12
6
18
0
0
Hate Crimes [D]
2017: There were ten (10) reportable hate crimes
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Destruction/Damage/Vandalism characterized by gender
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Simple Assault characterized by gender
Two (2) Campus (not including residence facility) Destruction/Damage/Vandalism characterized by race
Three (3) Noncampus Intimidation characterized by race
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Intimidation characterized by race
One (1) Noncampus Aggravated Assault characterized by Religion
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Destruction/Damage/Vandalism characterized by religion
2016: There were thirty-two (32) reportable hate crimes
Fourteen (14) Campus (not including residence facility) Aggravated Assaults characterized by National Origin
One (1) Public Property Aggravated Assault characterized by Race Bias
One (1) Campus (not including residence facility) Simple Assault characterized by Gender
One (1) Campus (not including residence facility) Simple Assault characterized by Race
One (1) Campus (not including residence facility) Simple assault characterized by Religion
One (1) Campus (not including residence facility) Intimidation characterized by Religion
Five (5) Campus (residence facility) Simple Assaults characterized by Gender
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Intimidation characterized by Sexual Orientation
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Larceny-Theft characterized by Religion
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Destruction/Damage/Vandalism characterized by National Origin
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Destruction/Damage/Vandalism characterized by Race
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Destruction/Damage/Vandalism characterized by Religion
Three (3) Non-campus Simple Assault characterized by Sexual Orientation
2015: There were four (4) reportable hate crimes
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property characterized by Sexual Orientation
One (1) Campus (residence facility) Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property characterized by National Origin
One (1) Campus (not including residence facility) Intimidation characterized by Sexual Orientation
One (1) Campus (not including residence facility) Intimidation characterized by Gender
Unfounded Crimes [H]
2017: There were Six (6) unfounded crimes
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 59
ARRESTS AND DISCIPLINARY REFERRALS
Crime Reported
[C, E, F, G, on page 61]
Year
Campus Crime
Reported (not
including residence
facilities)
Campus (residence
facilities only)
CAMPUS TOTAL
Non-Campus (B)
Public Property (A)
2017
113
17
127
2
7
2016
84
19
103
1
17
2015
102
17
119
0
6
ARRESTS
Alcohol Law Violations
Drug Law Violations
Weapon Law Violations
2017
36
5
41
9
1
2016
27
4
31
5
7
2015
34
12
46
2
1
2017
7
1
8
2
0
2016
4
0
4
0
0
2015
3
0
3
1
1
2017
23
1,821
1,844
20
1
2016
41
1,890
1,931
1
2
2015
27
1,587
1,614
7
0
DISCIPLINARY REFERRALS
Alcohol Law Violations
Drug Law Violations
Weapon Law Violations
2017
88
225
313
7
0
2016
45
214
259
1
0
2015
44
191
235
0
2
2017
0
0
0
0
0
2016
0
0
0
0
0
2015
0
0
0
0
0
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CLERY DEFINITIONS
CAMPUS
NON-CAMPUS
1.
1.
Any building or property owned or controlled by an
institution within the same reasonably contiguous
geographic area and used by the institution in direct
support of or in a manner related to the institution’s
educational purposes, including residence halls; and
2. Any building or property that is within or reasonably
contiguous to the area identified in paragraph (1) that
is owned by the institution but controlled by another
person, is frequently used by students and supports
institutional purposes (such as a food or other retail
vendor).
60 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Any building or property owned or controlled by a
student organization that is officially recognized by
the institution; or
2. Any building or property owned or controlled by
an institution that is used in direct support of, or in
relation to, the institution’s educational purposes, is
frequently used by students, and is not within the
same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the
institution.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
All public property, including thoroughfares, streets,
sidewalks and parking facilities, that is within the campus,
or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the
campus. Public property, for purposes of data collection
and this report, does not include businesses or private
residences adjacent to the campus.
FOOTNOTES
A. “Public Property” statistics include police reports
taken from suburban municipalities, county law
enforcement, and Columbus Division of Police. Every
effort has been made to comply with the definitions
contained in the “Handbook for Campus Safety and
Security Reporting,” but public property statistics
provided by outside agencies are not verified
independently by the university and may include
reports of crimes that occurred in private residences
or businesses or in other non-campus locations.
B. Non-campus statistics include police reports
taken from suburban municipalities, county law
enforcement, and Columbus Division of Police. Every
effort has been made to comply with the definitions
contained in the “Handbook for Campus Safety and
Security Reporting,” but public property statistics
provided by outside agencies are not independently
verified by the university and may include reports
of crimes that occurred in private residences or
businesses or in other non-campus locations. Noncampus statistics may include statistics from foreign
law enforcement agencies for properties used during
study abroad trips or other foreign activities involving
students or for Ohio State’s county extension offices.
Statistics reported by foreign law enforcement
agencies are not independently verified by the
university.
C. Municipal and county law enforcement agencies
provide statistics according to F.B.I. Uniform Crime
Reporting (U.C.R.) requirements. Requested statistics
that were not provided in a useable format have not
been included.
D. Hate crimes are crimes that manifest evidence that
the victim was intentionally selected because of the
victim’s actual or perceived race (RA), religion (RE),
sexual orientation (SO), gender (GE), ethnicity (ET)
or disability (DB). Reportable hate crimes include
the offenses of Aggravated Assault, Arson, Burglary,
Manslaughter-Negligent, Murder and Non-Negligent
Manslaughter, Motor Vehicle Theft, Robbery, Forcible
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Sex Offenses, Non-Forcible Sex Offenses, other
hate crimes involving bodily injury, Larceny-Theft,
Intimidation, Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of
Property, and Simple Assault.
To the extent any of the crime statistics differ from
previous reports, the figures in this year’s report
reflect the most current data provided to the
university.
Statistics may include reports that have been made to
campus security authorities other than the University
Police or municipal or county law enforcement
agencies, including but not limited to Student
Conduct and University Housing. Although these
reports are not always reported to or independently
investigated and verified by university, municipal,
or county law enforcement agencies as having
occurred, lack of verification does not necessarily
reflect on the report’s veracity.
Reported crimes may involve individuals not
associated with The Ohio State University.
“Unfounded” crimes are reported crimes investigated
by law enforcement authorities and found to be
false or baseless. Only sworn or commissioned law
enforcement personnel may “unfound” a crime.
When a crime statistic has been disclosed and is
“unfounded” in a subsequent year, the crime statistics
will be revised and a notation will be made to explain
the revision.
Where the university cannot rule out the possibility
that the incident occurred on Clery geography,
statistics are included in the Campus Crime Reported
category. Incidents for which the locations are
unknown are included in these statistics as follows:
• 31 rape
• 6 stalking
• 6 dating violence
• 1 aggravated assault
• 1 fondling
Columbus Division of Police statistics are available at
columbus.gov/police.
2018 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT — 61
2018
ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT
2015 – 2017 Fire Statistics
62 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DURING AN EMERGENCY
DIAL 9-1-1
TO REPORT THAT A FIRE HAS OCCURRED ON CAMPUS (NON-EMERGENCY),
CONTACT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AT 614-292-2121
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................................64
Purpose 64
Department of Public Safety
64
CONTACT INFORMATION.......................................................................................................................................64
Department of Public Safety
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention
Office of Student Life, Department of Risk and Emergency Management
Facilities Operations and Development
State of Ohio Fire Marshal
Columbus Division of Fire
64
64
65
65
65
65
HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY ACT...........................................................................................................66
Definitions 66
FIRE PREVENTION................................................................................................................................................... 67
Department of Public Safety
Building Inspections
Fire Safety Systems and Fire Drills
Fire Safety Education and Training
Future Improvements in Fire Safety
67
67
68
68
69
FIRE PROCEDURES................................................................................................................................................. 70
Student Housing Evacuations
71
FIRE STATISTICS AND FIRE LOG............................................................................................................................ 72
CAMPUS RESIDENCE FACILITIES.......................................................................................................................... 73
RESIDENCE HALL HANDBOOK, COMMUNITY STANDARDS OF CONDUCT..................................................... 74
2017 OHIO STATE FIRE STATISTICS...................................................................................................................... 76
2017 OHIO STATE FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND FIRE DRILLS............................................................................ 78
2016 OHIO STATE FIRE STATISTICS......................................................................................................................80
2015 OHIO STATE FIRE STATISTICS......................................................................................................................82
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 63
INTRODUCTION
Fire prevention on The Ohio State University Columbus
campus is led by The Ohio State University Department
of Public Safety. Other partners include Ohio State’s
Student Life, Environmental Health & Safety, the Wexner
Medical Center at The Ohio State University, area fire
departments, and the State of Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office.
Together, along with the support of students, faculty,
and staff, we can foster a culture of fire prevention
and promote the safety and well-being of our campus
community.
PURPOSE
This report provides information and data pertaining to
fire safety at The Ohio State University. The data and
information contained in this document are reported
annually in compliance with legal requirements set forth
by the Higher Education Opportunity Act.
Information in this report and in The Ohio State University
Annual Security Report aims to provide the information
and data required by federal law and the situational
awareness required to further develop and enhance
the culture of safety and preparedness on Ohio State’s
Columbus campus.
For further information or questions pertaining to this
report, call 614-292-2121 or visit:
• dps.osu.edu
• emergency.osu.edu
• firesafety.osu.edu
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Mission
To provide a safe and secure environment that supports
the academic, research and service missions of the
university community.
Vision
To earn the distinction as a national leader in university
public safety through commitment to our values.
Core Values
• Integrity
• Diversity
• Innovation
• Service
• Respect
64 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
CONTACT INFORMATION
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Department of Public Safety provides law
enforcement, security services, emergency management
planning and other public safety services designed to
enhance a safe and secure environment at Ohio State.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AND FIRE PREVENTION
In the Department of Public Safety, Emergency
Management and Fire Prevention provides planning,
exercises, drills, training, building inspections, plan review,
fire alarm response, and policies relating to emergency
management and fire prevention at Ohio State. The
division works in cooperation with many offices and
organizations to implement planning and capabilities
related to emergency response and fire safety on campus.
Contact this office at 614-247-4911 or visit emergency.
osu.edu for more information.
OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE,
DEPARTMENT OF RISK AND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Student Life’s Risk and Emergency Management
provides advice and services to departments and student
organizations, including advice and services related
to personal safety, enhanced security, safety training,
alarms and closed circuit television, emergency planning,
emergency response, keys/access, risk reduction, and fire
prevention. For more information, call 614-292-9334 or
visit slfacilities.osu.edu/rem.
FACILITIES OPERATIONS
AND DEVELOPMENT
Facilities Operations and Development provides
maintenance, repair, inspection, and installation of fire
safety systems and equipment in campus buildings. This
includes sprinkler systems, fire detection devices, smoke
detection devices, extinguishers, fire doors, alarms, and
other devices. For more information about the services
provided by Facilities Operations and Development,
contact this office at 614-292-0257 or visit fod.osu.edu.
STATE OF OHIO FIRE MARSHAL
The Division of State Fire Marshal provides services
across the State of Ohio. The division consists of eight
bureaus, including Administration, Bureau of Underground
Storage Tank Regulation (BUSTR), Code Enforcement, Fire
Prevention, Forensic Laboratory, Investigation Bureau,
Ohio Fire Academy, and Testing and Registration. The
State of Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office also provides fire
investigation, inspection and fire prevention services to
the Ohio State community. You may contact the Division of
State Fire Marshal at 614-752-8200 or com.ohio.gov/fire.
COLUMBUS DIVISION OF FIRE
The Columbus Division of Fire is the lead fire department
for fire response, fire investigation, inspection, fire
prevention, emergency medical response, training,
and many other services to the Ohio State community.
You may contact the Columbus Division of Fire at
614-221-3132 or visit fire.columbus.gov.
REPORTS AVAILABLE
Obtain copies of the Annual Fire Safety Report and the Annual Security Report:
By Request
The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety
University Police Records Unit
901 Woody Hayes Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43210
614-247-6300
Online
dps.osu.edu/clery-act
go.osu.edu/heoa
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 65
HIGHER EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITY ACT
the fires recorded in the fire log. This requirement may
be satisfied by the annual fire safety report described in
paragraph (b) of this section (34 C.F.R. §668.49 (d)).
DEFINITIONS
Fire–related death — Any instance in which a person
(1) Is killed as a result of a fire, including death resulting
from a natural or accidental cause while involved in fire
control, attempting rescue, or escaping from the dangers
of a fire; or (2) Dies within one year of injuries sustained
as a result of the fire (34 C.F.R. §668.49 (a)).
Cause of fire — The factor or factors that give rise to a
fire. The causal factor may be but is not limited to the
result of an intentional or unintentional action, mechanical
failure, or act of nature (34 C.F.R. §668.49 (a)).
Fire — Any instance of open flame or other burning in
a place not intended to contain the burning or in an
uncontrolled manner (34 C.F.R. §668.49 (a)).
Fire drill — A supervised practice of a mandatory
evacuation of a building for a fire (34 C.F.R. §668.49 (a)).
Fire log — (1) An institution that maintains on-campus
student housing facilities must maintain a written, easily
understood fire log that records, by the date that the
fire was reported, any fire that occurred in an oncampus student housing facility. This log must include
the nature, date, time, and general location of each fire.
(2) An institution must make an entry or an addition to
an entry to the log within two business days, as defined
under §668.46(a), of the receipt of the information. (3)
An institution must make the fire log for the most recent
60-day period open to public inspection during normal
business hours. The institution must make any portion of
the log older than 60 days available within two business
days of a request for public inspection. (4) An institution
must make an annual report to the campus community on
Fire–related injury — Any instance in which a person is
injured as a result of a fire, including an injury sustained
from a natural or accidental cause, while involved in fire
control, attempting rescue, or escaping from the dangers
of the fire. The term “person” may include students,
employees, visitors, firefighters, or any other individuals
(34 C.F.R. §668.49 (a)).
Fire safety system — Any mechanism or system related
to the detection of a fire, the warning resulting from a fire,
or the control of a fire. This may include sprinkler systems
or other fire extinguishing systems; fire detection devices;
stand-alone smoke alarms; devices that alert someone
to the presence of a fire, such as horns, bells, or strobe
lights; smoke-control and reduction mechanisms; and fire
doors and walls that reduce the spread of a fire (34 C.F.R.
§668.49 (a)).
Fire statistics — (1) An institution must report statistics
for each on-campus student housing facility, for the three
most recent calendar years for which data are available,
concerning — (i) The number of fires and the cause of
each fire; (ii) The number of people who received firerelated injuries that resulted in treatment at a medical
facility, including at an on-campus health center; (iii) The
number of deaths related to a fire; and (iv) The value of
property damage caused by a fire. (2) An institution is
required to submit a copy of the fire statistics in paragraph
(c)(1) of this section to the Secretary on an annual basis
(34 C.F.R. §668.49 (c)).
Value of property damage — The estimated value
of the loss of the structure and contents, in terms of
the cost of replacement in like kind and quantity. This
estimate should include contents damaged by fire, and
related damages caused by smoke, water, and overhaul,
but it does not include indirect loss, such as business
interruption (34 C.F.R. §668.49 (a)).
66 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Ohio State University is a diverse and exciting
environment immersed in the riches of academic
achievement, advanced research, healthcare, and world
class activities and events.
The university strives to promote safety on campus
and works to implement programs aimed at preventing
fires and the devastating impacts they may have on
our campus community. All members of the campus
community, including students, faculty, staff and visitors,
can contribute to fire prevention and safety. Working
together, we can make this a safer campus for all to
enjoy. This report provides information to the university
community that describes activities, policies, and
capabilities maintained and undertaken by Emergency
Management and Fire Prevention, Office of Student Life,
and Facilities Operations and Development to promote
the health and welfare of our campus community and to
help prevent or mitigate the impact of fires on campus.
Residence halls and high-rise buildings at Ohio State are
inspected quarterly. Other building types or use groups
on campus are inspected on varying schedules. Certain
facilities at Ohio State are inspected more than four times
per year.
During inspections, compliance is promoted by noting
deficiencies, assigning corrective actions, highlighting
positive efforts, and developing and enhancing
relationships with building tenants and managers.
The building inspection process also allows university
staff to become familiar with building systems and
This report provides current policies, information, and fire
statistics for on-campus student housing facilities from
2015, 2016, and 2017 for Ohio State’s Columbus campus.
BUILDING INSPECTIONS
The Ohio State University takes an active role in fire
prevention. This is accomplished in many ways and
requires the collaborative efforts of individuals and
departments across the campus community along with
partnering agencies such area fire departments and the
State of Ohio Fire Marshal.
Of all activities undertaken to prevent fire, building
inspections and plan review provide the best opportunity
to ensure our community is adequately mitigated and
protected in the event of a fire.
Building inspections allow Ohio State to monitor and
maintain its buildings for compliance with the Ohio Fire
Code, local ordinances, Ohio State policies, and national
standards promulgated by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA). The inspection frequency is
determined by the occupancy and use of the building.
locations of fire safety equipment. This knowledge
assists local first responders when responding to alarms,
fires, and other incidents on campus. Interoperable
radio communications among Ohio State and area fire
departments also assist in that process.
Each calendar year, Emergency Management and Fire
Prevention, the Office of Student Life, Ohio State’s Wexner
Medical Center, area fire departments, and the State
of Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office work together to conduct
a combined 1,000+ fire inspections on Ohio State’s
Columbus campus.
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 67
FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND FIRE DRILLS
Fire safety systems and fire drills work together to
promote the safety and wellness of our students, faculty,
staff, and visitors on campus.
Fire safety systems provide detection capabilities, fire
suppression, and the opportunity to evacuate a building
early in the onset of a fire. On campus, 39 of 42 residence
halls are equipped with central alarm monitoring
capabilities, and all residence halls are equipped with fire
safety systems. A chart providing detailed information
about the fire safety systems in on-campus student
housing facilities is provided on page 78.
Some components of fire safety systems in buildings or
residence halls on campus may include:
• Smoke detectors, heat detectors, duct detectors
placed in hallways, stairwells, elevator shafts,
ventilation ducts, and mechanical spaces.
• Automatic alarms such as bells, tones, klaxons, and
strobes.
• Suppression systems such as wet, dry, pre-action,
and deluge sprinkler systems.
• Alarm panels, annunciators, talk-aloud PA systems.
• Fire resistant building design, wall/floor assemblies,
and materials.
• Smoke evacuation systems, automated fire doors,
standpipes, etc.
Fire drills, conducted quarterly in residence halls, educate
and empower our students, faculty, staff, and visitors with
the familiarization required to evacuate in the event of an
actual fire on campus.
These drills highlight exit locations, stairwell access,
protective actions, and safe areas of refuge away from the
impacted building. Each year, hall directors and resident
advisors are required to attend training that includes
information about their duties and responsibilities during
fire alarms and fire drills.
FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION
AND TRAINING
Ohio State offers safety discussions, training, and
educational opportunities to students, faculty, and staff
across campus.
Education and training events help institutionalize the
culture of preparedness and fire safety on campus.
Education and training programs assist students, faculty,
and staff in developing the confidence and knowledge
required to safely act during the event of a fire or other
emergency.
The combination of fire prevention training programs
and fire drills specifically focused and targeted toward
evacuation provide the best opportunity to preserve life
and avoid injury in the event of a fire incident on campus.
Education and training events are collaborative efforts
among the Department of Public Safety, Student Life,
Environmental Health & Safety, Facilities Operations and
Development, Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, and
area fire departments.
Student Housing employees in our residence halls are
required to provide training to their residents regarding
general emergency procedures and safety strategies
during the first floor meeting of the academic year. Topics
of instruction include but are not limited to evacuation
procedures, mandatory evacuation under alarm
conditions, 9-1-1 dialing procedures, and fire prevention
practices.
Evacuations are mandatory for all students in residence
halls when a fire alarm is activated. Failure to evacuate
is a violation of the Ohio State Residence Hall Handbook
and may be investigated or result in sanctions by Ohio
State Student Conduct. For more information about
procedures that should be followed in case of a fire, see
“Student Housing Evacuations.”
68 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Fire extinguisher training is offered to students,
fraternities, sororities, colleges, and departments
throughout the year. This training combines classroom
instruction of fire safety topics with hands-on
demonstrations to familiarize individuals with the proper
use of fire extinguishers and the physical characteristics
of fires.
The classroom instruction portion of fire extinguisher
training details basic fire prevention information such as:
Ohio State is required by federal law to annually
disclose statistical data about all fires that occur in oncampus student housing facilities. To report that a fire
has occurred on campus (non-emergency), contact the
Department of Public Safety at 614-292-2121. In the event
of an emergency, call 9-1-1. Provide as much information
as possible about the location, date, time, and cause of
the fire.
• How to contact authorities in an emergency
• What actions to take in the event of a fire
• The physical properties of fire and how it interacts
with our surroundings
• The safe operation of fire extinguishers
• Facts about campus fires and fire history at Ohio
State
• Preparedness tips and smart practices to prepare for
fires and disasters
• Environmental health issues
• Ohio State fire policies
For some training opportunities, fire extinguisher training
involves the use of actual fire extinguishers and a live fire,
giving the opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to
learn the procedures and techniques required to use an
extinguisher effectively.
The Ohio State University provides “smoke out” events
to students each year. During these events, individuals
are exposed to a simulated fire condition in their building
through the use of theatrical smoke and the activation of
building fire alarms.
Ohio State “smoke outs” promote and reinforce the reality
that fire drills could require more than simply leaving a
building. A building with significant smoke will require the
use of all human senses to evacuate safely. This training
aims to teach that reality, offering the interaction of
students, faculty, and staff with that of the first responders
who may respond to a fire or other public safety incident
at Ohio State.
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS
IN FIRE SAFETY
Ohio State strives to continuously improve its fire
prevention and safety efforts. Future fire prevention
efforts at the university will continue to aim at the
sustainment of fire prevention activities and assessment
and adoption of new fire safety practices and education
opportunities in the future.
Feedback and comments about current or future fire
prevention activities are proactive ways to become
involved in fire prevention efforts at Ohio State. If you
would like to provide feedback about any of our current
programs or activities or suggest new ideas for fire
prevention programs, contact Emergency Management
and Fire Prevention at 614-247-4911.
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 69
FIRE PROCEDURES
FIRE SAFETY 101
IF YOU DISCOVER FIRE OR SMOKE
… RACE
• Rescue any person in immediate danger.
• Alarm – pull the fire alarm to alert
everyone.
• Confine the fire by closing all doors, where
possible. Turn off electronic and gas
equipment in your area as you evacuate, if
possible.
• Evacuate using the nearest stair exit.
Follow the exit signs.
• Report the incident by calling 9-1-1 from a
safe location.
• Report any discharged fire extinguishers
and any first-hand information that you
might have.
IF YOU HEAR OR SEE A
FIRE ALARM SIGNAL OR
ANNOUNCEMENT …
• Follow emergency procedures for your
building or area.
• Follow the exit signs. Use stairs. Do not use
elevators. Walk at a normal pace.
• Wait outside at least 50 feet or more away
from the building.
• Re-enter the building only after the “all
clear” is announced by first responders.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER USE … PASS
•
•
•
•
Pull the pin.
Aim at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep side to side.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER TYPES …
Class A: Wood, paper, plastic
Class B: Oil, grease, flammables
Class C: Electrical
Class D: Combustible metals
70 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
To ensure that fire safety issues are adequately addressed
and to ensure that fires in on-campus housing are
included in the statistics provided by this report, students,
faculty, and staff should report any incidence of fire to
the Department of Public Safety at 614-292-2121. These
policies apply in all university buildings, including oncampus student housing facilities. Additional information
about fire safety and specific procedures related to fire
prevention are in the “Fire and Life Safety Compliance
Guide.”
Smoking
• Smoking is prohibited within all university buildings
and student housing facilities.
Open Flames
• Open flames, candles, candle warmers, or incense
are prohibited in residence halls, academic, and
administrative buildings.
Cooking Appliances
• There are no cooking appliances allowed in
residence halls (toaster ovens, hot plates, open coil
burners, etc.).
Grilling
• Charcoal grilling is prohibited on campus. Propane
is authorized if a fire extinguisher is available and
safe distances from buildings are observed.
Electrical Safety
• Ensure electrical circuits are not overloaded.
• Ensure all electrical appliances are UL rated, and do
not overload circuits.
• Ensure extension cords are UL rated and do not
extend into other rooms through doors, windows, or
stairwells.
• Ensure festive lighting is UL rated.
Fire Safety Systems
• Do not tamper with fire protection systems. Ensure
they are not obstructed from view or access.
All alarm systems must be kept free of storage
materials and remain readily accessible.
• Fire and smoke barrier doors must be closed at all
times.
• Storage of items may not be within 24 inches of
ceilings, block exits, stairwells, extinguishers, or fire
alarm pull stations in any building on campus.
Flammable Liquids
• Flammable liquids storage is prohibited in all
residence halls and office buildings on campus
unless stored in a flammable liquid cabinet.
Space Heaters
• Space heaters are not permitted in residence halls
without permission of facilities staff. Any space
heaters on campus must be UL-certified and have
tip-over protection. Kerosene heaters are not
permitted in any Ohio State university building.
Holiday Decorations
• Holiday decorations must not impede fire safety
devices, such as exit signs, sprinkler systems,
smoke alarms, strobe lights or any other device.
STUDENT HOUSING EVACUATIONS
In addition to adhering to fire policies, students, faculty,
and staff must understand and practice policies regarding
activities during the course of a fire at Ohio State.
If a student discovers smoke or fire, immediately pull the
nearest fire alarm and evacuate the building. Upon exit,
dial 9-1-1 to report the fire.
Residence hall occupants should become familiar with
posted evacuation routes and procedures for their
buildings. These are typically located near elevators,
stairwells, and exits. In general, any student residing in or
present in a university residence hall must evacuate the
building when a fire alarm sounds using stairwells and
exits.
All students should know and memorize two exits from
the building and understand that an evacuation may
require you to evacuate a smoke-filled area. In the case of
smoke, stay low and check all doors before proceeding to
an exit.
Windows also may be an exit option in some buildings.
If you need to exit from a window, verbally summon the
assistance of a first responder before attempting to exit a
building from a window.
Upon exiting the residence hall, students must move to a
location away from the building and fire equipment until
notified by first responders that the building is clear to be
re-occupied.
After evacuating, if you know of a resident who may still
be in the impacted building, provide that information to
first responders by giving the name and location of the
individual so they may assist them.
Refer to the “Residence Hall Handbook” to review
residence hall fire policies and evacuation procedures or
see page 74.
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 71
FIRE STATISTICS AND
FIRE LOG
The Department of Public Safety’s Emergency
Management and Fire Prevention (EMFP) group maintains
a written Fire Log that records required incident
information concerning fires that occur in on-campus
student housing.
In addition to the Fire Log, the university is required to
provide an annual report to the campus community about
the fires recorded in the Fire Log. The Fire Statistics
section is intended to satisfy this requirement and
contains information about all fires recorded in the Fire
Log.
IF A FIRE OCCURS IN YOUR BUILDING
• Assist individuals who are in immediate
danger. This may include people who
are injured or with access and functional
needs who need assistance in evacuating
from smoke or fire. If providing assistance
places you in further danger or if you
are uncomfortable providing assistance,
inform first responders of the situation and
assist them with finding the individual with
information about their location, situation,
and the conditions (fire and smoke)
observed in that location at the time of
evacuation.
• As you begin to evacuate a location on
campus because of fire or smoke, pull the
nearest fire alarm as soon as possible to
allow other occupants of that location the
chance to evacuate in a timely manner. No
matter how small or insignificant a fire may
seem at the time, recognize that fire can
quickly become “out of control” and can put
individuals at significant risk within a matter
of minutes. Pulling a fire alarm early in the
stages of a fire will save lives. If you are
unsure if a fire alarm should be activated,
it most likely should. Hesitancy may put
occupants of a building at risk.
The Fire Log provides the date reported, nature, date the
fire occurred, time, and general location of each fire. The
university is required to update the Fire Log within two
business days of receiving the information about a fire in
an on-campus housing facility.
The Fire Log will be open to public inspection for the most
recent 60-day period during normal business hours. Any
portion of the Fire Log older than 60 days will be made
available within two business days of a request for public
inspection.
72 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
• After you have made the decision to
evacuate an area, ensure that doors within
your area are closed, including stairwell
doors (that typically may shut automatically)
and doors that separate hallways and
buildings. To find the quickest exit, follow the
lit exit signs to the nearest exit or stairway.
The Fire Log is available for public inspection through the
Department of Public Safety located in Blankenship Hall,
901 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus OH 43210. It also may
be viewed online.
To report that a fire has occurred on campus (nonemergency) so it may be included in the Fire Log, contact
the Department of Public Safety at 614-292-2121. In the
event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
CAMPUS RESIDENCE FACILITIES
Building Name
Building #
Building Address
Archer House
261
2130 Neil Ave.
Baker Hall
095
93 & 129 W. 12th Ave.
Barrett House
184
88 W. Woodruff Ave.
Blackburn House
1107
136 W. Woodruff Ave.
Bowen House
1104
2125 N. High St.
Bradley Hall
097
221 W. 12th Ave.
Buckeye Village
2724 Defiance Dr.
Busch House
1105
2115 N. High St.
Canfield Hall
098
236 W. 11th Ave.
Drackett Tower
189
191 W. Lane Ave.
Fechko House
040
220-222 W. 11th Ave.
Fisher Commons*
Gateway Apartments
German House
900 Nettle Dr.
860, 862, 867, 868
1595 & 1620 N. High St., 11th Ave., 9th Ave.
965
141 W. 11th Ave.
Halloran House (not student-occupied in 2017)
185
60 W. Woodruff Ave.
Hanley House
864
225 W. 10th Ave.
Haverfield House
182
112 W. Woodruff Ave.
Houck House
194
61 W. Lane Ave.
Houston House
1102
97 W. Lane Ave.
Jones Tower
267
123 W. Lane Ave.
Lawrence Tower (formerly Lane Ave. Residence Hall)
891
328 W. Lane Ave.
Lincoln Tower
271
1800 Cannon Dr.
Mack Hall
100
1698 Neil Ave.
Mendoza House (formerly Neilwood Gables)
260
190 W. Woodruff Ave.
Morrill Tower
272
1900 Cannon Dr.
Morrison Tower
190
196 W. 11th Ave.
Neil Ave. Building
846
1578 Neil Ave.
Norton House
186
2114 Neil Ave.
Nosker House
1110
124 W. Woodruff Ave.
Park-Stradley Hall
851
120 W. 11th Ave.
Paterson Hall
103
191 W. 12th Ave.
Pennsylvania Place
048
1478 Pennsylvania Ave.
Pomerene House
869
231 W. 10th Ave.
Fred Taylor Drive Poultry Facility
2201 Fred Taylor Dr.
Raney House
1103
33 W. Lane Ave.
Scholars House East
848
221 W. 10th Ave.
Scholars House West
847
239 W. 10th Ave.
Scott House
1108
160 W. Woodruff Ave.
Sheep Barn
318
2325 W. Case Rd.
Siebert Hall
099
184 W. 11th Ave.
Smith-Steeb Hall
852
80 W. 11th Ave.
Taylor Tower
268
55 W. Lane Ave.
Residences on Tenth
850
230 W. 10th Ave.
Torres House
1101
187 W. Lane Ave.
Veteran’s House
889
237 E. 17th Ave.
Worthington Building
849
203 W. 10th Ave.
* Fisher Commons falls into the definition of “on-campus student housing facility” as provided in 34 C.F.R.668.41(a).
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 73
RESIDENCE HALL HANDBOOK,
COMMUNITY STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
3.4 Room Furnishings
7.1 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone Network
(d) In personalizing apartments, rooms or suites, residents
may not rewire them or otherwise modify electrical
outlets, switches, fixtures, or wall coverings.
Dialing 9-1-1 in a non-emergency situation is prohibited
by the university and by law. Ohio State University Police
may be contacted in a non-emergency by dialing 614-2922121. Use 9-1-1 when immediate assistance is required for
medical emergencies and to report all fires.
(e) Installing wall- or ceiling-mounted electrical items
(including but not limited to fans, lights, etc.) is prohibited.
7.3 Fire Prevention
Each residence hall adheres to the specific regulations
concerning fire prevention and safety that are mandated
by the Ohio Fire Code. Violations of these regulations are
violations of state law and are prohibited.
(a) Residents, in addition to Ohio Fire Code stipulations,
are prohibited from the use of halogen bulbs and incense.
(b) Setting fires inside or outside university housing is
prohibited and is punishable under the Ohio Fire Code.
This includes but is not limited to igniting bulletin boards,
wall coverings, trash containers, and door decorations.
The police will be involved in investigating all fire
incidents.
(c) Pulling a fire alarm or falsely reporting an emergency
to the police or fire department is prohibited and is
punishable under the Ohio Fire Code.
5.2 Guest Safety and Security
Hosts are responsible for their guests’ behavior, and
guests must behave in a manner consistent with
Community Standards of Conduct, including but not
limited to the following:
• Residents of a room or suite may be charged for
unnecessary fire safety visits when it is determined that
the smoke detector in an individual room was intentionally
or negligently activated.
(a) Hosts are responsible for ensuring that guests are
aware of fire evacuation and safety procedures in the
event of emergency.
• The unauthorized use, tampering, or damage to
emergency or safety equipment, including but not limited
to smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, building fire hose
connections, and sprinkler systems, is prohibited and is
punishable under the Ohio Fire Code.
(d) Obstructing or disobeying emergency evacuation
procedures or drills is prohibited and is punishable under
the Ohio Fire Code. If fire alarm bells are ringing in a
building, residents must evacuate the building.
74 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
(e) The Department of Public Safety Fire Prevention
prohibits the use of non-university charcoal grills on
campus. Propane grills may be used only when beyond
25 feet from any building and/or window.
(f) Using items such as candles, incense, torches, or any
item with an open flame, which by nature of their use may
be left unattended, poses a fire hazard and therefore is
not permitted in apartments, whether indoors or outdoors.
7.5 Personal Safety
(c) Storage and use of hazardous chemicals and materials
are strictly prohibited other than common household
cleaning materials in consumer quantities. Other
exceptions, such as therapeutic drugs and medical gases,
may apply and must be approved through Student Life’s
Risk and Emergency Management.
(d) Using doors with security alarms is prohibited except
during emergency evacuation. Because they prevent
the spread of smoke and fire, fire doors or smoke-barrier
doors may never be propped open.
(b) Paper, fishnets, parachutes, flags, drapes, tapestries,
or other combustible items must not be hung from or
attached to apartment, room, or suite ceilings. They
constitute a fire hazard.
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 75
2017 OHIO STATE FIRE STATISTICS
Building Name
Number
of Fires
Date, Time, Cause
Number of
Fire-related
Injuries
Number of
Fire-related
Deaths
Value of
Property
Damaged
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Archer House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Baker Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Barrett House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Blackburn House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Bowen House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Bradley Hall
1
12/7/17 - 11 a.m. - Intentional - Carpet and sheets were
scorched, burn holes
0
0
$500
Buckeye Village
0
N/A
0
0
0
Busch House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Canfield Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Drackett Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Fechko House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Fisher Commons*
0
N/A
0
0
0
Gateway Apartments
0
N/A
0
0
0
German House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Halloran House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Hanley House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Haverfield House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Houck House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Houston House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Jones Tower
1
1/23/17 - 11:45 p.m. - Unintentional, electrical - Lamp cord
shorted, causing small fire
0
0
$100
Lawrence Tower (formerly Lane Ave. Residence Hall)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Lincoln Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Mack Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Mendoza House (formerly Neilwood Gables)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Morrill Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Morrison Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Neil Ave. Building
0
N/A
0
0
0
Norton House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Nosker House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Park-Stradley Hall
1
10/22/17 - 9:30 p.m. - Unintentional, cooking fire - Foil in the
microwave
0
0
$250
Paterson Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Pennsylvania Place
0
N/A
0
0
0
Pomerene House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Fred Taylor Drive Poultry Facility
0
N/A
0
0
0
Raney House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Scholars House East
0
N/A
0
0
0
Scholars House West
0
N/A
0
0
0
Scott House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Sheep Barn
0
N/A
0
0
0
continued ...
* Fisher Commons falls into the definition of “on-campus student housing facility” as provided in 34 C.F.R.668.41(a).
76 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
... continued
Siebert Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Smith-Steeb Hall
1
11/23/17 - 1:15 p.m. - Unintentional - Sunlight reflected off a
mirror onto a tissue box that caught fire
0
0
$0
Taylor Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Residence on Tenth
0
N/A
0
0
0
Torres House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Veteran’s House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Worthington Building
0
N/A
0
0
0
4
0
0
$850
Number
of Fires
Number of
Fire-related
Injuries
Number of
Fire-related
Deaths
Value of
Property
Damaged
Total
Building Name
Date, Time, Cause
OHIO STATE LEASED PROPERTIES**
55 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
67 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
94 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
116 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
141 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
1934 Indianola Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
1943 Waldeck Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
0
0
$0
Total
0
** Ohio State leased properties are located off-campus. They do not fall into the definition of an “on-campus student housing facility.”
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 77
2017 OHIO STATE FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND FIRE DRILLS
Monitored Alarm
System
Sprinklered
Archer House
YES
FULL
Baker Hall
YES
NO
Barrett House
YES
Blackburn House
Building Name
Standpiped
Smoke Detection
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Drills
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
2
Bowen House
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Bradley Hall
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Busch House
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
2
0
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Buckeye Village
NO
NO
NO
LOCAL
YES
Canfield Hall
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Drackett Tower
YES
PARTIAL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
2
Fechko House
YES
NO
NO
SYSTEM
YES
3
Fisher Commons*
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
0
Gateway Apartments
YES
FULL
NO
LOCAL
YES
4
German House
YES
NO
NO
SYSTEM
YES
3
Halloran House
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
2
Hanley House
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Haverfield House
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Houck House
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
2
Houston House
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
2
Jones Tower
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Lawrence Tower
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Lincoln Tower
YES
PARTIAL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
Mack Hall
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Mendoza House
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
Morrill Tower
YES
PARTIAL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
Morrison Tower
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Neil Ave. Building
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
Norton House
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Nosker House
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
2
Park-Stradley Hall
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Paterson Hall
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Pennsylvania Place
YES
NO
NO
SYSTEM
YES
3
Pomerene House
YES
NO
NO
SYSTEM
YES
3
Fred Taylor Drive Poultry Facility
NO
NO
NO
LOCAL
YES
0
Raney House
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
2
Scholars House East
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
Scholars House West
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
Scott House
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
continued ...
* Fisher Commons falls into the definition of “on-campus student housing facility” as provided in 34 C.F.R.668.41(a).
78 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
... continued
Sheep Barn
NO
NO
NO
LOCAL
YES
0
Siebert Hall
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
Smith-Steeb Hall
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
Taylor Tower
YES
NO
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Residence on Tenth
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
4
Torres House
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
3
Veteran’s House
YES
NO
NO
SYSTEM
YES
3
Worthington Building
YES
FULL
YES
SYSTEM
YES
Total
Monitored Alarm
System
Sprinklered
55 East 15th Ave.
YES
YES
YES
67 East 15th Ave.
YES
YES
YES
Building Name
3
129
Standpiped
Smoke Detection
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Drills
SYSTEM
YES
1
SYSTEM
YES
1
OHIO STATE LEASED PROPERTIES**
94 East 15th Ave.
YES
NO
NO
SYSTEM
YES
2
116 East 15th Ave.
YES
NO
NO
SYSTEM
YES
2
141 East 15th Ave.
YES
NO
NO
LOCAL
YES
2
1934 Indianola Ave.
YES
NO
NO
LOCAL
YES
2
1943 Waldeck Ave.
YES
YES
NO
SYSTEM
YES
TOTAL
2
12
** Ohio State leased properties are located off-campus. They do not fall into the definition of an “on-campus student housing facility.”
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 79
2016 OHIO STATE FIRE STATISTICS
Building Name
Number
of Fires
Date, Time, Cause
Number of
Fire-related
Injuries
Number of
Fire-related
Deaths
Value of
Property
Damaged
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Archer House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Baker Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Barrett House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Blackburn House (reopened Aug 2016)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Bowen House (opened Aug 2015)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Bradley Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Buckeye Village
0
N/A
0
0
0
Busch House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Canfield Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Drackett Tower (occupied Jan-May)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Fechko House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Fisher Commons*
0
N/A
0
0
0
Gateway Apartments
0
N/A
0
0
0
German House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Halloran House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Hanley House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Haverfield House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Houck House (opened Aug 2016)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Houston House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Jones Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Lawrence Tower (formerly Lane Ave. Residence Hall)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Lincoln Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Mack Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Mendoza House (formerly Neilwood Gables)
1
Aug 23 - 7:15 p.m. - cooking - fire in stove
0
0
$36,622.73
Morrill Tower
1
Apr 6 - unintentional - trash can fire
on 17th-floor common room
0
0
0
Morrison Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Neil Ave. Building
0
N/A
0
0
0
Norton House
1
Nov 20 - 8 a.m. - intentional - flyer hanging
on 1st-floor wall was burned
0
0
0
Nosker House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Park-Stradley Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Paterson Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Pennsylvania Place
0
N/A
0
0
0
Pomerene House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Fred Taylor Drive Poultry Facility
0
N/A
0
0
0
Raney House (reopened Aug 2015)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Scholars House East
0
N/A
0
0
0
Scholars House West
0
N/A
0
0
0
Scott House
1
Nov 17 - 1:45 a.m. - unintentional - electrical
fire to an HVAC control panel
0
0
$7,500
Sheep Barn
0
N/A
0
0
0
continued ...
* Fisher Commons falls into the definition of “on-campus student housing facility” as provided in 34 C.F.R.668.41(a).
80 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
... continued
Siebert Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Smith-Steeb Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Taylor Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Residence on Tenth
0
N/A
0
0
0
Torres House (opened Aug 2015)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Veteran’s House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Worthington Building
0
N/A
0
0
0
3
0
0
$44,122.73
Number
of Fires
Number of
Fire-related
Injuries
Number of
Fire-related
Deaths
Value of
Property
Damaged
Total
Building Name
Date, Time, Cause
OHIO STATE LEASED PROPERTIES**
55 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
67 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
94 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
116 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
141 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
1934 Indianola Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
1943 Waldeck Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
0
0
$0
Total
0
** Ohio State leased properties are located off-campus. They do not fall into the definition of an “on-campus student housing facility.”
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 81
2015 OHIO STATE FIRE STATISTICS
Building Name
Number
of Fires
Date, Time, Cause
Number of
Fire-related
Injuries
Number of
Fire-related
Deaths
Value of
Property
Damaged
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Archer House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Baker Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Barrett House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Blackburn House (old bldg demolished Nov 2014, new
bldg opened Aug 2016)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Bowen House (opened Aug 2015)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Bradley Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Buckeye Village
0
N/A
0
0
0
Canfield Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Drackett Tower (occupied Jan-May)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Fechko House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Fisher Commons*
0
N/A
0
0
0
Gateway Apartments
0
N/A
0
0
0
German House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Hanley House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Haverfield House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Houck House (occupied Jan-May)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Jones Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Lawrence Tower (formerly Lane Ave. Residence Hall)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Lincoln Tower
3
Dec 1,2,3 - 8 a.m. - intentional - student reportedly lit hand
sanitizer and air freshener spray on fire in the bathroom
0
0
0
Mack Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Mendoza House (formerly Neilwood Gables)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Morrill Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Morrison Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
Neil Ave. Building
0
N/A
0
0
0
Norton House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Park-Stradley Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Paterson Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Pennsylvania Place
0
N/A
0
0
0
Pomerene House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Fred Taylor Drive Poultry Facility
0
N/A
0
0
0
Raney House (reopened Aug 2015)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Scholars House East
0
N/A
0
0
0
Scholars House West
0
N/A
0
0
0
Scott House (old bldg demolished Jan 2014, new bldg
opened Aug 2015)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Sheep Barn
0
N/A
0
0
0
Siebert Hall
0
N/A
0
0
0
Smith-Steeb Hall
1
Oct 20, 2015 - 10:30 p.m. - unintentional – small cooking fire
0
0
$50
Taylor Tower
0
N/A
0
0
0
continued ...
* Fisher Commons falls into the definition of “on-campus student housing facility” as provided in 34 C.F.R.668.41(a).
82 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
... continued
Residence on Tenth
0
N/A
0
0
0
Torres House (opened Aug 2015)
0
N/A
0
0
0
Veteran’s House
0
N/A
0
0
0
Worthington Building
0
N/A
0
0
0
2
0
0
$50
Number
of Fires
Number of
Fire-related
Injuries
Number of
Fire-related
Deaths
Value of
Property
Damaged
Total
Building Name
Date, Time, Cause
OHIO STATE LEASED PROPERTIES**
67 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
94 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
116 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
141 East 15th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
237 East 17th Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
1445 Neil Ave. (sold Mar 30, 2015)
0
N/A
0
0
0
1934 Indianola Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
1943 Waldeck Ave.
0
N/A
0
0
0
0
0
$0
Total
0
** Ohio State leased properties are located off-campus. They do not fall into the definition of an “on-campus student housing facility.”
2018 ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT — 83
2018
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE
84 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION..................................................... 86
Purpose 86
Scope and Application
86
Responsibility 86
IMPORTANT NUMBERS........................................ 87
FIRE EMERGENCY RESPONSE............................. 88
Fire Response Procedures
88
Using the Fire Alarm Box
88
P.A.S.S. 88
ABC Fire Types
88
Fire Incident Response
89
Fire or Smoke Incident Reporting
89
Responding Fire Department
90
FIRE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS....................90
FIRE PREVENTION................................................. 94
Avoiding Fire Code Violations
Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Liquids
Construction, Renovation, and Demolition
Cooking Appliances and Sterno Heat
Decorations: Holidays, Candles, Open Flames
Door Wedges and Other Hold-Open Devices
Magnetically Locked Exit Doors
Electrical Safety
Fire Safety Inspections
Furnishings and Decorations
Hazardous Materials and Chemicals
Lecture Halls and Places of Assembly
Space Heaters
Special Public Events
Storage Safety
94
96
98
98
99
100
100
100
101
102
102
103
104
105
106
90
91
91
92
92
92
FORMS AND PROCEDURES............................... 107
BUILDING FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS............. 94
FIRE SAFETY RESOURCES.................................. 115
Emergency Evacuation Plans
Emergency Procedures for People with Disabilities
Fire Exit Drills
Fire Alarm Procedure Evaluation
Fire Safety Training and Education
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Alarm Systems
Sprinkler Systems
Fire and Smoke-barrier doors
Fire Hose Connections
Fire Drill Checklist
Emergency Procedures for People with Disabilities
Emergency Plan for People with Disabilities
Checklist for Supervisors and Managers
Most Common Fire Code Violations
108
109
110
112
114
94
94
94
94
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 85
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE
The Ohio State University is committed to providing
a fire-safe environment for its students, faculty, staff,
patients and visitors and to protect its property through
an effective fire prevention, protection, preparedness
and response program. The purpose of this Fire
and Life Safety Compliance Guide is to assist the
university community in working together to maintain an
environment that reduces the risk of fire hazards.
The Fire and Life Safety Compliance Guide outlines how
the university proposes to safeguard life and property
from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from
storage, handling or using materials or equipment, and
from conditions hazardous to life and property. The
requirements of the policy are based on compliance with
Ohio Fire Code (2017), enforced by the State of Ohio Fire
Marshal Office, State of Ohio Department of Commerce,
and other applicable federal, state, and local codes and
standards.
This Fire and Life Safety Compliance Guide was
developed to provide detailed information about how to
implement the requirements of The Ohio State University
life Safety Policy and elements of the Building Emergency
Action Plan (BEAP) for individual buildings. It offers
guidance on some of the most common fire and life
safety issues that, if not properly addressed, can become
fire code violations. This guide addresses four major
areas: fire prevention, fire protection, fire emergency
preparedness, and fire response.
86 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
SCOPE AND APPLICATION
The requirements in this guide apply to all university
faculty, staff, students, volunteers, and outside contractors
working on university premises. The policy is applicable
to all occupied or unoccupied facilities owned or leased
by the university, activities including storage, handling and
use of materials and equipment within the facilities, and
new construction and renovation from the planning stage
to project completion.
RESPONSIBILITY
Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for complying
with the procedures outlined in this guide, and any
additional procedures specific to their department or
building. Each individual must follow the fire safety and
emergency evacuation procedure specific for his/her
area and any specific instructions from the area floor
evacuation coordinators and Building Coordinators. All
fire- or smoke-related incidents, regardless of their size,
promptly should be reported by dialing 9-1-1. Any unsafe
condition and injury should be reported to the appropriate
supervisor. Emergency Management and Fire Prevention
(EMFP) is available to assist by providing technical/code
information, guidance, training and education.
We look forward to working with our staff, students, and
volunteers to provide a fire-safe environment at Ohio
State. Feel free to contact Emergency Management and
Fire Prevention for further information or clarification
regarding fire and life safety issues.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Department of Public Safety
614-292-2121 (Non-emergency)
9-1-1 (Emergency)
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention
614-247-4911
Facilities Operations and Development
614-292-HELP (4357) Service2Facilities
Environmental Health & Safety
614-292-1284
Enterprise Continuity Management
614-688-3086
Enterprise Risk Management
614-688-7452
Learn more at tobaccofree.osu.edu
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 87
FIRE EMERGENCY
RESPONSE
• Follow the EXIT signs. Use stairs. Do not use
elevators. Walk at a normal pace.
• Wait outside in the designated assembly areas at
least 50 feet or more away from the building as
instructed.
FIRE RESPONSE PROCEDURES
In case of a fire or a fire alarm, the following procedure is
to be followed. Generally, the RACE procedure is used in
all university facilities with some variations. Always consult
and follow your building-specific Building Emergency
Action Plan or posted evacuation procedures.
If you discover a fire or smoke condition: RACE
• Rescue any person in immediate danger.
• Alarm — pull the fire alarm to alert everyone.
• Confine the fire by closing all doors, where possible.
Turn off electric and gas equipment in your area as
you evacuate, if possible.
• Evacuate using the nearest stair exit. Follow the exit
signs.
• Extinguish a small fire using a fire extinguisher, if
trained.
• Re-enter the building only after the “all clear” is
announced by Ohio State Public Safety or the
responding fire department.
Procedure for people with disabilities
Note: Each department should complete the “Emergency
Plan for People with Disabilities” form to develop their
specific evacuation strategy. Refer to the Building
Emergency Action Plan (BEAP) for specific guidance about
evacuation procedures for people with disabilities and
roles and responsibilities for staff, faculty, and evacuation
assistants.
• All occupants: report the presence of any
person with a disability in the building to the fire
department.
• Report the incident by calling 9-1-1 from a safe
location.
• 4 Types of Evacuation: Horizontal, stairway
evacuation, shelter in place, or seek an area of
refuge.
• Report any discharged fire extinguishers and any
first-hand information that you might have.
• Evacuation Assistants: Assist individuals with
evacuation. Report to first responders.
If you hear or see a fire alarm signal or
announcement:
• Follow the emergency procedure for your building
and area.
• Follow the announcements on the public address
system or instructions of your area floor captains.
• Floor Evacuation Coordinators: Assist individuals
with evacuation. Report to first responders.
• Do not evacuate vertically unless the person is able
to ambulate.
• Do not use the elevators unless assisted by first
responders.
• Evacuate or stand by and stay alert as instructed on
the public address system.
REMEMBER FIRE EXTINGUISHER KEY WORDS - P.A.S.S. AND ABC FIRE TYPES:
P.A.S.S.
ABC FIRE TYPES
• Pull the Pin
• Class A: Wood, Paper, Plastic
• Aim at the base of the fire
• Class B: Oil, Grease, Flammables
• Squeeze the handle
• Class C: Electrical
• Sweep from side to side
88 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
USING THE FIRE ALARM BOX
As you walk toward an exit in the corridor or near the
stairwell door, you should find at least one wall-mounted
metal box – a fire alarm pull box. In case of fire or smoke,
just pull it down as indicated. An alarm should sound and
an announcement might follow, where equipped. The
alarm system also can be activated automatically when a
heat or smoke detector senses a fire or smoke condition.
Once the alarm is activated, notification goes to the
Department of Public Safety, which then dispatches
appropriate responders. Use the fire alarm pull box
promptly to minimize the loss of life and property because
of fire.
Some pull boxes have Plexiglas covers that, when lifted,
produce a local warning sound. Note that this is not a fire
alarm sound. To activate the fire alarm throughout the
building, you must pull the inner pull box.
To ensure that the system will protect you, you should
know at least two pull box locations in your area. Maintain
pull boxes free of obstructions and clearly visible at all
times.
Report any fire alarm concerns to Ohio State’s Emergency
Management and Fire Prevention at 614-247-4911.
FIRE INCIDENT RESPONSE
In addition to the fire evacuation procedure, the following
responses may be necessary:
Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher should be used only for small, incipient
stage fires such as ones that might occur in a wastepaper
basket, and only by a trained individual. A large,
developed or spreading fire should be handled by the
responding fire department.
Training is available to familiarize members of the
university community with proper fire extinguisher use
and tactics by contacting Ohio State’s Fire Prevention at
614-247-4911.
Clothing Fire and Burn Injury Response
What you do for a burn in the first few minutes can make a
difference in the severity of the injury.
1. Stop the burning process. Remove the source of
heat. If clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP, AND
ROLL to smother the flames.
2. Remove all burned clothes. Clothing may retain heat
and cause a deeper injury. If clothing adheres to the
skin, cut or tear around adherent area to preserve
good skin tissue.
3. Pour cool water over areas burned. Keep pouring
the cool water for at least 3-5 minutes (30-40
minutes for chemical injury). DO NOT PACK THE
BURNED AREAS IN ICE! This may increase the
extent of injury and cause hypothermia.
4. Remove all jewelry, belts, tight clothing, etc., from
the burned areas and from around the victim’s neck.
Swelling of burned areas occurs immediately.
5. Do not apply ointments or butter to wounds. These
may cause infection because of their oil base and
convert wounds to deeper injury.
6. Cover burns with a clean dry dressing, bandage or
sheet.
7. Keep the victim warm!
8. Seek medical attention as soon as possible!
FIRE OR SMOKE INCIDENT REPORTING
Students, staff, faculty, volunteers and outside contractors
working on the university premises must immediately
report all fire or smoke incidents regardless of size or
type, by calling 9-1-1 or 614-292-2121. This notification
must be made whether or not the fire already has been
been extinguished.
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 89
The fire scene should not be disturbed. Removal of
any items from the fire or smoke scene without prior
approval is prohibited. This is to ensure that no evidence
that may be critical in incident investigation is lost. The
affected department should promptly notify Ohio State’s
Department of Public Safety if there is a potential for
further damage to property or injury to the occupants,
if left on the fire scene. Where the department must act
swiftly to protect valuable research or records from further
damage, it should be made known to the Department of
Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety documents
all fires, regardless of size.
The area of the fire cannot be re-occupied until public
safety officials announce “all clear.”
RESPONDING FIRE DEPARTMENT
Once a fire alarm is activated, notification goes to
the Department of Public Safety that then dispatches
appropriate responders. If you have specific emergencyrelated information, share it with the responding fire
department or public safety personnel.
90 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS
Each university-owned or -leased facility has a Building
Emergency Action Plan (BEAP) specific to that location.
Each school/unit administrator and appropriate Building
Coordinator is responsible for developing a Building
Emergency Action Plan, implementing it, and and
updating the BEAP in conjunction with Emergency
Management and Fire Prevention (EMFP)
Upon discovering a fire or smoke condition or upon
hearing a fire alarm, each building occupant should follow
the instructions as noted on the posted evacuation floor
plans, or follow the direction of the area floor captains
or other emergency responders. Emergency procedures
may require either total or partial building evacuation.
Special “defend-in-place” procedures also are utilized for
health-care facilities and areas where critical activities are
occurring. Procedures are available in one or more of the
following formats:
Building Emergency Action Plans are required for all
buildings. Copies of these plans should be made available
to employees for review and use. Each written plan should
outline the roles and responsibilities of departments
or individuals during an emergency. Topics such as
evacuation, communications, emergency procedures,
fire safety, training, planning, and implementation are
primary components of the BEAP. In addition, individual
departments may add or create supplementary
appendices to the BEAP to satisfy the needs of a specific
area. View a building’s BEAP at https://dps.osu.edu/beap.
Emergency evacuation floor plans are posted throughout
the building to assist the building occupants in becoming
familiar with their location, directions to exit, and location
of fire protection and safety devices. These plans also
include a brief fire alarm emergency procedure. As you
walk out from your work area to an exit, you may find an
evacuation floor plan posted on a wall, probably near the
elevator lobby or fire alarm pull box. Take time to review
the information for your safety.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
People with disabilities (PWD) are more at risk during
an emergency situation. Their presence in the stairwells
during an emergency, especially when stair landings
are crowded with evacuating people, can significantly
impede the flow of evacuation, potentially causing serious
injury to both the evacuees and people with disabilities.
Therefore, sheltering in place of people with disabilities
or their safe evacuation during fire or other emergencies
requires careful planning and preparation. Appropriate
procedures based on risk factors, such as occupant and
building characteristics, are required to prevent serious
life safety hazards.
Emergency procedures for PWD have been developed
to promote the safety of PWD and all other building
occupants during an emergency evacuation. It also may
be used with appropriate modifications in areas where
patients may be undergoing medical procedures and
where discontinuing any active patient care may pose an
increased risk to the patient. In these cases, those who
are involved directly in patient care should ensure that
all necessary communications, notifications, and safety
measures outlined in the procedure are implemented.
Each department should develop and implement a
departmental plan, using the “Emergency Procedures for
People with Disabilities” in conjunction with the Building
Coordinator and Emergency Management and Fire
Prevention (EMFP) as required. The department should
ensure that this procedure is incorporated in the buildingspecific Building Emergency Action Plan (BEAP).
specific to the building. The schedule for such drills
should be representative of various shifts. All drills must
be coordinated with the Building Coordinator and EMFP in
such a manner so as to minimize the disruption of normal
business operations or patient care, to the greatest extent
possible.
An unscheduled fire alarm evacuation shall not be
considered as a fire evacuation drill. The Building
Coordinator may complete the Fire Alarm Procedure
Evaluation form and submit it to EMFP for record keeping
and have any evacuation-related deficiencies addressed.
EMFP can offer technical assistance for emergency
preparedness training for evacuation assistants and floor
evacuation coordinators as part of training programs and
for individual departments as requested.
All deficiencies identified during the drills must be
promptly addressed. The Building Coordinator or floor
evacuation coordinators must follow-up on identified
issues. EMFP or the Building Coordinator should
report all building-related items to Service2Facilities at
614-292-HELP (4357) or via web-based reporting as
provided by Facilities Operations and Development at
fod.osu.edu/s2f.
FIRE EXIT DRILLS
Fire exit drills must be conducted utilizing the procedure
established by EMFP and the Ohio Fire Code.
Fire exit drills are conducted to provide an opportunity
for students, faculty, staff and emergency responders
to become familiar with the building fire safety features,
to practice emergency procedures, and to ensure the
efficient and safe use of exits.
To ensure that this practice is adequate, the Building
Coordinator, in consultation with Emergency Management
and Fire Prevention (EMFP) should arrange the drills so
they simulate probable varying emergency conditions
Occupancy Group B:
Occupancy Group E:
Occupancy Group R-2:
High Rise:
Annually
Monthly
Quarterly
Quarterly
For questions regarding the occupancy type of your
building, contact Ohio State’s Fire Prevention at
614-247-4911 for specific information.
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 91
FIRE ALARM PROCEDURE EVALUATION
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
All building floor evacuation coordinators, evacuation
assistants, and Building Coordinators should complete a
“Fire Drill Checklist” to evaluate all fire alarms, including
fire exit drills and fire incidents. The purpose of this
form is to evaluate fire alarm response performance and
identify and correct any deficiencies. The completed form
is then forwarded to Ohio State’s Fire Prevention.
Portable fire extinguishers of appropriate type and size
are provided as required in all areas. Extinguishers
are inspected, tested, maintained and documented as
required by the Ohio Fire Code. Facilities Operations
and Development (FOD), Environmental Health & Safety
(EHS), and Emergency Management and Fire Prevention
(EMFP) must ensure compliance with this requirement as
applicable. Fire extinguishers are provided throughout all
university buildings for use by trained students, faculty,
and staff. EMFP provides related classroom training during
scheduled fire exit drills and during hands-on training.
Each user should be familiar with the following basic
safety information in the fire extinguisher fact sheet.
FIRE SAFETY TRAINING AND
EDUCATION
Fire and life safety training and education are provided to
the university faculty, staff, students, area floor evacuation
coordinators, and Building Coordinators as part of fire
exit drills, hands-on fire extinguisher training, student
orientation programs, and other training as necessary.
Appropriate department managers or supervisors should
ensure that their staff members are adequately informed
or trained in building-specific fire emergency evacuation
and response procedure. The department managing
the project should ensure that all outside contractor
personnel are informed of the building fire emergency
procedures.
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention (EMFP)
offers fire and life safety education and training for the
Building Coordinators, floor evacuation coordinators and
evacuation assistants as part of scheduled fire exit drills
and extinguisher training programs. EMFP also offers
additional training as requested. The following areas are
covered during the quarterly pre-drill training session:
explanation of the plan; how to sound an alarm; how to
isolate the fire or smoke; how to evacuate; how to use a
fire extinguisher; fire exit drill procedure; the location of
fire exits, pull boxes, exit stairwells; and areas of refuge.
Portable fire extinguishers effectively extinguish 90% of
all fires before the fire department responds. Research
shows that fires get out of control in 3-5 minutes. A fire
extinguisher is your first aid to fire fighting. Because an
average extinguisher discharges completely in less than 1
minute, it is important that you know at least two locations
for extinguishers nearest to your work area and know how
to use them effectively.
Safety Precautions
• Before using a fire extinguisher, always pull the
building fire alarm.
• Do not attempt to use a fire extinguisher if the
fire is large and spreading. Use it only for smallfiredefense (e.g., a wastepaper basket).
• Do not use the fire extinguisher if the lock pin
is tampered, the cylinder is damaged, or if the
pressure gauge pointer is in the “recharge” zone.
• Do not use the fire extinguisher if you are not
trained and confident about using it.
• Read the extinguisher label to ensure it is the right
type for the kind of fire at hand. The label indicates
one or more of the fire classes and symbols (below),
and specific applications for which it can be used.
• Protect yourself at all times:
• Never block your escape route.
• Stay low. Avoid breathing the heated smoke and
fumes.
• If the fire cannot be controlled, get out immediately
to safety.
92 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Class
Symbol
Application
Identification/Description
A
Letter “A” in triangle
Ordinary combustibles.
(e.g., wood, paper, cloth)
Stainless steel cylinder body with pressure gauge. Cools fire with
pressurized water. Do not use for flammable liquids (B) or electrical (C)
fire.
B
Letter “B” in square
Flammable liquids/gases.
(e.g., gasoline, oil, paint)
Red cylinder body and horn, no gauge. Deprives the fire reaction of
oxygen with carbon dioxide. Home kitchen fire use.
C
Letter “C” in circle
Energized electrical equipment.
(e.g., powered appliances)
Interrupts chemical chain reaction. Both carbon dioxide and ABC type
extinguishers can be used.
A, B, and C
All of the above applications.
Multipurpose ABC, home use
Red cylinder body. Interrupts chemical chain reaction of fire with dry
chemical powder. Most commonly used.
K
Letter “K”
Commercial cooking, deep-frying with oils
and fats.
Minimum rating: 2A: 1B: C: K
Stainless steel cylinder body with long safety wand. Cool and interrupts
chemical reaction. Uses wet chemical with fine mist application.
Relatively new.
AC
Water Mist
Letter “A”
Letter “C”
Trash, wood, paper, and electrical
equipment.
For clean rooms; minimum rating 2A: C
White paint finish cylinder with long safety wand. Preferred for clean
rooms, telecom, electronics equipment areas. Relatively new.
ABC
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
• Position yourself at a safe distance from the fire (e.g., 8-10 feet when using an ABC-type unit, 5-7 feet when using a CO2
unit, or 20-25 feet with Pressurized Water extinguisher).
• Remember the “P-A-S-S” procedure:
• Pull the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.
• Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle, horn, hose at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze and hold the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent without any interruption.
• Sweep slowly from side to side as you hold the handle squeezed.
• Move closer carefully as the fire gets smaller and as you continue spraying.
• Watch the fire area until it has completely cooled down.
• Repeat the “P-A-S-S” procedure if the fire re-ignites.
• Report the discharged extinguisher to Service2Facilities at 614-292-HELP (4357). Once used, the extinguisher must be
recharged.
P
A
S
S
PULL THE PIN
AIM AT BASE OF FIRE
SQUEEZE THE HANDLE
SWEEP SLOWLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 93
BUILDING FIRE
PROTECTION SYSTEMS
now equipped with residential sprinkler systems because
most fire-related deaths continue to occur in residential
buildings.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
As you store materials and boxes in your area, always
maintain a minimum of two feet clearance between
the ceiling and the storage. This clearance allows the
sprinkler head to spray water uniformly and extinguish
the fire effectively. If you notice any unsafe conditions,
such as a sprinkler head that is painted over or heavily
laden with dust, blocked in any other manner, or broken,
promptly report this condition to Emergency Management
and Fire Prevention and Facilities Operations and
Development (614-292-HELP).
As you walk in the hallways on your way to an exit – and
usually near the stairwell door – you should find at least
one fire alarm pull box. In case of fire or smoke, always
pull the alarm box first, regardless of the size of the fire.
Upon pulling this box, an alarm should sound and verbal
instructions might follow.
The alarm system also should be activated automatically
when a heat or smoke detector detects a fire or smoke
condition, protecting both people and property even
when the fire is not noticed by an individual. Once the
alarm is activated, notification goes to the local fire
department through the Department of Public Safety. Your
awareness and prompt use of the fire alarm system can
minimize the loss of life and property because of fire. To
ensure that the system will protect you, you must:
• Evacuate during all fire alarms.
• Respond to all alarms equally. Never assume that it
is a test or a drill or a false alarm!
• Become familiar with your building’s fire alarm
system and alarm notification procedures.
• Know at least two pull box locations in your area.
• Know how to activate the fire alarm.
• Maintain pull boxes free of obstructions and clearly
visible at all times.
• Report promptly to the Department of Public Safety,
if the alarm is not heard properly in your area.
• Some pull boxes have Plexiglas covers that, when
lifted, produce a local warning sound. Note that this
is not a fire alarm sound. To activate the fire alarm
throughout the building, you must pull the inner pull
box.
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Sprinklers are installed in many building areas to protect
both life and property. In case of fire, each sprinkler head
detects temperature in the room and begins spraying
water as soon as the room temperature exceeds a
predetermined value.
Not all buildings or areas are equipped with sprinkler
systems. Hazardous locations, storage areas and
basement levels generally are protected with sprinklers
as required by the Ohio Fire Code. Many new houses are
94 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE AND SMOKE-BARRIER DOORS
University buildings
are equipped with
fire-rated doors and
smoke-barrier
doors. These doors
prevent smoke and
heat from traveling
up stairwells and
along corridors.
Facilities
Operations and Development is tasked with maintaining
these doors, including all hardware.
FIRE HOSE CONNECTIONS
As you walk in the building corridor, you may find cabinets
marked “Fire Hose Connection.” The fire department
generally connects their fire hose to this connection. This
area must be maintained free of obstructions and clearly
visible at all times for effective fire fighting. If you see any
fire hose connection that is not properly capped or a cap
is missing, report it to Emergency Management and Fire
Prevention and Facilities Operations and Development.
FIRE PREVENTION
AVOIDING FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS
The university is required to comply with the fire safety
regulations enforced by the State of Ohio Department
of Commerce, Division of the State Fire Marshal, and
the Colulmbus Division of Fire. Therefore, the university
is subject to various inspections by these agencies.
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention (EMFP)
inspects all buildings owned, operated, and rented by the
university at least on an annual basis, and the Ohio State
University’s Wexner Medical Center on a quarterly basis.
The following tips chiefly reflect the most commonly cited
violations at Ohio State. Look for these items or conditions
in your workplace, correct them, or contact EMFP for
assistance.
Maintain Safe Ingress/Egress Locations and
Corridors
• Maintain all ingress/egress locations and corridors in
a safe condition, available for immediate utilization
and free of all obstructions or impediments for full
instant use in case of fire or other emergency.
• Do not store combustibles or hazardous materials in
any egress corridors.
• Maintain fire alarm pull boxes, fire extinguishers,
hose connections, audiovisual alarm flashers,
safety showers, eyewashes, and other emergency
response equipment free of obstructions and clearly
visible at all times.
• Do not use doorstops, wedges, or other unapproved
hold-open devices with fire-rated or smoke-barrier
doors.
Maintain Safe Ceiling Clearances in All Areas
• Maintain at least 24” clearance between all material
storage and the ceiling.
Maintain Safe Chemicals Storage in Laboratories
• Limit the quantities of flammable liquids to 10 gallons
per laboratory and combustible liquids to 30 gallons
per laboratory.
• Store flammable liquids not in active use in an
approved flammable storage cabinet. Storage of
flammable liquids is not permitted outside of an
approved flammable storage cabinet in laboratories
constructed or renovated after December 2001.
• Consult Environmental Health & Safety (EHS,
614-292-1284) for a safety review if quantities are
expected to exceed the above limits.
• Keep all chemical containers that are not in active
use properly capped.
• Do not store any empty or full chemical bottles or
containers on the laboratory floor without proper
containment.
• Do not keep peroxide formers, such as ethers,
beyond the expiration date printed on the label.
• Restrict the container size to one gallon for all
flammable liquids (e.g., liquids with a flash point less
than 100°F). Flammable liquids received in original
approved containers, which are of 5 gallons or less
capacity, are exempt from this requirement.
• Do not dispense by gravity, any flammable liquids
in quantities of one gallon or more. Use approved
pumps taking suction from the top of the container.
• Collect hazardous waste in appropriate containers
and transfer to the designated Hazardous Waste
Storage Room within three working days.
Respect the Sleeping Giants: Compressed Gas
Cylinders
• Secure all cylinders (in service or storage, full or
empty) adequately with chains to prevent falling
or being knocked over. A cylinder chained to a
laboratory desk drawer is not secured adequately.
• Strictly limit the number of cylinders in a laboratory
to a two-month supply. Make every effort to limit the
number of cylinders of flammable compressed gas.
• Store excess cylinders in a separate ventilated room
approved for that use.
• Group different types of gases in a laboratory
according to their properties. Keep flammable gases
(e.g., acetylene, ethylene oxide, hydrogen) separate
from oxidizing gases (e.g., oxygen).
• Ensure that all cylinders are marked properly with
the name of the contained gas.
• Report any damaged cylinder or valve immediately
to Environmental Health & Safety (EHS, 614-2921284) and the supplier.
Electrical Safety
• Replace or report promptly any defective or
damaged wiring or equipment.
• Keep all wiring away from general traffic areas and
secure properly to prevent falls or trips.
• Do not use extension cords as a substitute for
permanent wiring.
• Plug heavy equipment like refrigerators or freezers
directly into an outlet.
• Maintain proper clearances between electrical
equipment and hazardous chemical storage.
• Do not store flammables in standard refrigerators,
freezers, or cold rooms.
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 95
Fire/Heat and Smoke Detectors
• Smoke detectors are installed in your area to save
life and property. If these devices are covered by
plastic or other objects, report the condition to
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention (EMFP)
and Facilities Operations and Development (FOD).
Emergency Exits
• Emergency exits are provided in all buildings. Report
if any exit is blocked by storage or by snow or ice.
Fire-rated doors or smoke-barrier doors protect
people and property in case of fire. Report to EMFP
and FOD if you discover that any such door is
damaged or not working properly.
Door Stops, Wedges, Hold-Open Devices
• The use of doorstops, wedges, and certain types of
hold-open devices are not permitted by the Ohio
Fire Code.
• Where such devices are used to accomplish tasks
such as environmental services-related activities,
moving furniture or materials through the doors, etc.,
they must be promptly removed once the task is
completed.
• Report use of such devices on a permanent basis in
your area.
• Emergency Management and Fire Prevention must
be consulted before installing a permanent holdopen device on any means of egress doors.
• Any individual or department creating a fire code
violation by employing the use of unapproved
doorstops, wedges or hold-open devices is
responsible for any fire or life safety hazards created
by such use.
Workplace fire safety conditions are evaluated on a
regular basis to ensure compliance with applicable fire
codes. Ohio State facilities are regularly inspected by
the State of Ohio fire code-enforcing and -accrediting
agencies. The Ohio Fire Code requires that all fire and
life safety systems, including fire detection and alarms,
sprinklers, fire hydrants, fire pumps and others, be
inspected, maintained, and tested regularly.
While these features are inspected by professionals,
routine walk-through inspections by building
occupants are of extreme importance. For instance,
a temporarily stored material in the exit passage may
become permanent, creating a life safety hazard, if not
immediately addressed. Therefore, every individual
96 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
should know and check his/her areas and activities for fire
safety. Use the “Fire Drill Checklist.” Always contact EMFP
for assistance or appropriate corrective measures.
COMPRESSED GASES AND CRYOGENIC
LIQUIDS
All compressed
gases and
cryogenic liquids
should be stored,
handled and used
in accordance with
the requirements of
the applicable Ohio
Fire Code, Ohio
State’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP), and Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to
minimize the hazards of fire, explosion and personal
injury. Each department or laboratory storing or using
compressed gases and cryogenic liquids should, as a
minimum, comply with all the applicable safety
requirements of this guide.
Compressed Gas (CG) means gases and mixtures of
gases stored under pressure in cylinders. CG can be
grouped mainly as liquefied gases (LG), nonliquefied
gases (NLG), or dissolved gases (DG). Cylinders containing
compressed gas are used every day on campus without
incident, but these gas cylinders easily may become a
serious hazard if mishandled or stored improperly. A
cylinder with broken valve easily can take off like an
uncontrolled rocket or a pinwheel, bounding around the
room and breaking brick walls.
Many compressed gases are toxic or very toxic. They
could cause various health problems depending on the
specific gas, its concentration, the length of exposure and
the route of exposure. Contact between the skin or eye
and liquefied gases in liquid form can freeze tissue and
result in a burn-like injury. With the exception of oxygen
and air (19.5% O2), possibly the greatest hazard to the
user of CG is asphyxiation. All gases are asphyxiants. If
suddenly released, especially cryogenics (liquefied gases
at very low temperatures, having boiling points below
-150°C or -238°F) such as liquid nitrogen can expand up to
700 times and displace all breathing oxygen, presenting
a serious asphyxiation hazard. It also can create a highly
visible fog (because of condensation of moisture in the
air) that may obscure the emergency exit path.
To promote safety of life and property, all compressed
gases and cryogenic liquids must be stored, handled
and used in accordance with the requirements of the
applicable Ohio Fire Code, NFPA 45, Ohio State Life
Safety Policy, and the Ohio State Chemical Hygiene Plan
(CHP) to minimize the hazards of fire, explosion and
personal injury. Each department or laboratory storing or
using compressed gases and cryogenic liquids should, as
a minimum, ensure that:
• All employees have adequate knowledge and training
regarding safety and first aid procedures for gases
being used or handled. Employees should be provided
with and encouraged to read and follow the instructions
on the warning labels, review applicable Safety Bulletins
and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for specific gases.
• All individuals working on or near CG systems wear
eye protection at all times and wear protective gloves,
particularly, when handling cylinders containing
cryogenic (super cold) gases.
• The maximum number of cylinders in a laboratory is
limited to a two-month supply. Cylinders not “in use”
are not to be stored in the laboratory. A single cylinder
secured alongside the cylinder in use as the reserve
cylinder is considered “in use.” Flammable compressed
gas cylinders (e.g., acetylene, butane, ethylene,
hydrogen, methylamine, vinyl chloride) in laboratories
are limited only to those in current use. The maximum
quantities of compressed gases and cryogenic
liquids never should exceed those specified by the
Ohio Fire Code or other applicable fire codes. When
noncompliance is identified during lab safety audit or
fire code inspection, Emergency Management and Fire
Prevention (EMFP) and Environmental Health & Safety
(EHS) should work with the appropriate department
manager to resolve this issue.
• Excess cylinders and tanks are stored in a separate
ventilated room approved for that use.
• All cylinders (in service or storage, full or empty) are:
• Adequately secured with chains or straps
positioned around the upper third of the cylinder,
or by proper nesting to prevent falling or being
knocked over.
• Protected with valve protective caps in place until
the gas is about to be used.
• Never stored in any portion of an exit or common
corridor, elevator, or in space under the stairway. A
cryogenic container (CGC) should not be located
such that it could prevent safe egress in the event
of accidental release of their contents unless a
second means of access to an exit is available from
a laboratory work area.
• Stored away from elevators, staircases or main
traffic areas to avoid dangerous impediments.
• Promptly moved to their designated storage area
once delivered.
• Removed within one day, when placed in the
hallways for pickup.
• Moved with a suitable hand cart and never allowed
to be dropped or banged together violently.
• Kept away from fire, heat and spark-producing
operations.
• Grouped according to their properties. Do not store
flammable gases next to exits or oxygen cylinders.
• Stored such that flammable gases are separate from
oxidizing gases, and empty cylinders are separate
from the full cylinders. Note: oxidizing gases contain
oxygen at higher than atmospheric concentrations
(more than 23-25%). Common examples are
nitrogen oxides, halogen gases such as chlorine
and fluorine.
• Properly marked with the name of the contained
gas. Don’t accept unidentified cylinders and don’t
rely on color codes. Read the label.
• Lecture bottle-sized cylinders also must be secured
properly. Such cylinders with content health hazard
2 without physiological warning properties, health
hazard 3 or 4, and pyrophoric (spontaneously
ignitable) always must be stored in constantly
ventilated hood/enclosure.
• Each department or laboratory should ensure that:
• A CG cylinder is never used without a pressurereducing regulator that safely reduces the cylinder
pressure to the required level.
• Only those regulators are used that have both a
high-pressure gauge and a low-pressure gauge to
be able to monitor both the pressure in the cylinder
and in the system.
• Never use a pressure gauge greater than 75% of
its maximum face reading. Immediately replace any
gauge whose pointer does not go back to its zero
point when pressure is removed.
• Cylinder valves are cleaned of any dust or dirt
before attaching proper regulators.
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 97
• Cylinder valves are closed properly and the
protective caps are replaced before returning the
cylinders.
• Use protective gloves and eye wear when
handling cylinders containing cryogenic (supercold) gases.
• The adjusting screw is released on the regulator
before opening cylinder valve.
• Where cryogenic gases are vented or released
at a rate more than a few cubic centimeters of
gas per minute inside an area, adequate 24-hour
ventilation is required. Install continuous oxygen
monitor(s) with a “low oxygen” alarm in such
areas for safety.
• An adaptor never is used between a cylinder and a
pressure-reducing regulator.
• Regulators never are interchanged. Some regulators
are only for specific gases.
• Excessive force never is used to connect a CGA
connection.
• Safety devices in cylinder valves or regulators never
are tampered with.
• Any damaged cylinder or valve is immediately
reported to the supplier and to the campus
emergency number.
• Any aid, such as pipe dope or Teflon tape, is never
used to connect a regulator to a cylinder.
• The users are trained to stand to the side of the
regulator when opening cylinder valve and open the
cylinder valve slowly.
• The users are instructed never to transfer CGs from
one container to another, refilled or sucked back
into the cylinder.
• Separate empty and full cylinders during storage.
Mark empty cylinders “empty” or “MT.” Note that
cylinder with a pressure gauge reading of 0 psig
(0 kPa) is not really empty. It still contains gas at
atmospheric pressure. Gauge pressure = total gas
pressure inside cylinder - atmospheric pressure (14.7
psi or 101.4 kPa).
• Cryogenic liquid (liquefied gases at very low
temperatures, having boiling points below -150°C or
-238°F) tanks are checked periodically to ensure that
they:
• Have not lost vacuum or insulation. A cold outside
jacket of the tank indicates the need for tank
service.
• Are checked at the neck of the tank opening for
any ice accumulation to prevent any blockage and
subsequent pressure buildup within the container.
• Are checked for sabotage of the pressure relief
devices on the tank.
• The following two safety precautions must be taken
with cryogenic gases:
98 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, AND
DEMOLITION
Fires during construction, renovation, or demolition
operations are an ever-present threat. Inherently,
greater fire potential exists on these sites because of the
presence of large quantities of combustible materials and
debris, together with such ignition sources as temporary
heating devices, hot work operations, open fires, and
smoking by construction workers. Safety of the occupants
during these projects is of great concern. Change in an
exit route or restricted exit, storage of materials in the
corridors, restricted access to the emergency response
equipment are some of the important things to look for
during these projects. If you notice any unsafe condition,
report it promptly to the department managing the project
and Emergency Management and Fire Prevention.
COOKING APPLIANCES AND STERNO
HEAT
Cooking-related
appliances utilizing
gas, electric or
sterno heat, toasters,
toaster ovens, hot
plates, electric fry
pans, woks, and
crock pots are not
permitted to be used
inside of any
university building
unless such use is necessary for conducting university
business. Permission should be obtained from the
appropriate school’s or unit’s administrative office after
consulting with Emergency Management and Fire
Prevention. Where one or more of these appliances are
used, appropriate safety precautions should be taken as
outlined below.
In facilities where the use of sterno heat is permitted, the
following requirements must be complied with:
• When in use, sternos must be attended at all times.
• Keep all combustible materials, such as napkins and
paper plates, away from any heat sources to avoid
overheating or fire.
• Appropriate metal or ceramic trays must be used under
the sterno cans to prevent accidental contact with any
combustible material.
• No trees or wreaths of any kind are permitted in
laboratories, but a wreath on the exterior of a laboratory
door is permissible.
• Place all decorations and combustibles at least 3 feet
away from sources of heat (e.g., radiators, lights).
• All decorations with powered electricity must be turned
off when unattended or before leaving the area for the
day.
• Approved means of fire extinguishment capability.
Holiday Lighting
• Ensure that two individuals who are trained in the use of
a fire extinguisher are designated to monitor any unsafe
condition. These individuals must not leave the area
until all open flames are extinguished.
• Carefully inspect new and previously used electrical
light strings and replace damaged items before
plugging lights in.
DECORATIONS: HOLIDAYS, CANDLES,
OPEN FLAMES
To prevent fires related to decorations and lighting during
holidays or special events and to ensure compliance with
the Ohio Fire Code, each school or unit administrator or
Building Coordinator should ensure compliance with the
following specific fire prevention and safety requirements.
All university students, staff, and faculty should comply
with the following requirements.
Holiday Trees, Wreaths, Decorations
• Decorations and lighting must not be placed so as to
obscure emergency exit paths or signs.
• All decorative materials should either be
noncombustible or flame resistant, or treated with
an approved fire retardant in accordance with the
manufacturer’s specifications, NFPA 701 Testing criteria,
and the Ohio State Life Safety Policy.
• Look for “non-combustible” or “flame resistant” labels
on the decoration packages. If the decorations are to be
re-used, retain the original packaging.
• Live trees, natural wreaths, and other live greens are not
permitted indoors.
• Use only flame retardant artificial trees and decorations
in appropriate locations (flame retardant information can
be found on the packaging).
• Trees or decorations must not block or obstruct exits,
aisles, corridors, vision panels on the hallway doors,
stairwells, fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull boxes, exit
signs, evacuation floor plans, and other emergency
equipment/information.
• All holiday lighting and electrical decorations should
be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed and should be
plugged directly into wall-mounted outlets or UL-listed
power-strips. Look for a UL symbol on the equipment.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation
and maintenance.
• Extension cords should not be used for holiday lighting.
Instead, use UL-listed outlet powerstrips with built-in
fuse or circuit breaker protection.
• Electrical wires should not be extended through
windows or doors or under carpeting.
• Lighted candles or lanterns should not be permitted in
any university facilities.
• Electrical light bulbs should not be decorated with paper
or other combustible materials unless flame resistant.
• All lighting must be turned off when unattended or
before leaving the area for the day.
Removal of Decorations
• All decorations and lightings should be removed
promptly upon the completion of an event or within
seven calendar days after the end of the holiday period.
Life Safety Measures for Departmental Holiday
Events
• Avoid the use of emergency exit corridors for seating
and tables. If these spaces must be used, Emergency
Management and Fire Prevention must first be
consulted to ensure safety of the occupants.
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 99
Candles, Incense, Open Flames
• Candles, incense, and other objects that produce open
flames or burning (outside of approved kitchens and
laboratories) are prohibited in all university facilities.
DOOR WEDGES AND OTHER HOLDOPEN DEVICES
University buildings are equipped with fire-rated doors
and smoke-barrier doors. These doors prevent smoke
and heat from traveling up stairwells and along corridors.
Facilities Operations and Development maintains these
doors, including all hardware, in good working condition.
with electrically powered magnets that hold them in open
position and release (close) automatically during a fire
alarm. Never block a fire-rated or smoke-barrier door
from closing.
MAGNETICALLY LOCKED EXIT DOORS
Several university buildings are equipped with exit doors
that are electronically locked for security reasons. This
type of lock allows people to exit the building safely
during fire alarm emergencies. Check that all magnetically
locked exit doors in your area automatically release
(open) during an alarm to allow for your safe egress.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
All departments, including laboratories, should comply
with the university’s electrical safety procedures outlined
in this guide to minimize the hazards of fire because
of improper use of electricity and electrical equipment.
These procedures include restrictions on the use of
portable electrical space heating devices, extension
cords, cooking appliances utilizing gas, electric or sterno
heat, toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, electric fry pans,
woks and crock pots.
Any staff observing any hazardous electrical conditions
promptly should report them to their supervisors or other
appropriate department(s) for corrective action.
To protect building occupants and property from the
direct (electric shock injury) and indirect (heat, fire and
explosion) hazards of electricity, each school/unit should
comply with the following electrical safety procedures.
A seemingly harmless door wedge used to hold open a
fire door represents a serious fire/life safety hazard and
fire code violation. Moreover, the inappropriate use of
door wedges can cause damage to doors, resulting in
significant expenditures for repair. Therefore, the use of
doorstops, wedges and other hold-open devices, which
are not permitted by the Ohio Fire Code, is prohibited in
all university buildings.
Never prop open fire doors. Fire doors are to remain
closed. If your operational needs call for a particular
fire-rated or smoke-barrier door to remain open, consult
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention for
appropriate resolution.
All fire-rated or smoke-barrier doors that are approved
to remain open during normal operation are equipped
100 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
• Use equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations. Never bypass electrical interlocks.
Calibrate heating equipment regularly as required.
• Post procedures for critical equipment, including
“on-off procedures” and warning signs on or near the
equipment. Clearly identify the equipment to be left “on”
when the laboratory is unoccupied (e.g., by posting on
the lab door).
• All defective/damaged wiring (e.g., frayed, cut wires,
broken/defective plug or switch) or equipment should
be promptly reported to Emergency Management
and Fire Prevention and Facilities Operations and
Development (FOD).
• To prevent fires because of electrical overload on
fixtures and wiring, do not use:
• Extension cords and flexible cords as a substitute
for permanent wiring. Do not extend cords through
windows or doors or under carpeting.
• Multiple outlet strips, other than for computer
systems. Use strips with built-in fuse or circuit breaker
protection, having a minimum 12/3 (gauge/wires)
labels, maximum length of 6 feet, and Underwriter’s
Laboratory (UL) listed for the use.
• Cube taps for multiple connections from a single outlet.
These types of devices are not permitted within the
university.
• Multiple plugs in interconnection. In other words, never
connect an additional plug(s) into the main plug that is
inserted in the outlet or a powerstrip to connect multiple
devices.
• Secure all wiring, cords, cables, and conduits. Keep
them away from general traffic areas to prevent falls or
trips.
• Allow appropriate clear spaces between electrical
equipment and storage of flammable combustible
materials. A minimum clearance of 36 inches should be
maintained between electrical service equipment and
any other storage to allow easy access for emergency
use (42 inches of clearance is required for voltage level
higher than 120 volts). Never drape combustibles (e.g.,
cloth, paper) over equipment.
• Laboratory electrical motors should be of induction type,
i.e., totally enclosed fan-cooled because the sparks
emitted from brush-type motors can cause fire in an
flammable environment. This information can be found
on the equipment label.
• Portable electrical space heating devices generally are
not permitted in any university building. Review specific
restrictions and guidelines about space heaters later in
this document.
• If electrical work is required in any area, it should be
submitted to FOD for review and/or cost estimate and
approval.
• Promptly report any unsafe hazardous electrical
conditions to the department supervisor or FOD.
FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS
Workplace fire safety conditions are evaluated on a
regular basis to ensure compliance with applicable fire
codes. Emergency Management and Fire Prevention
(EMFP), the State of Ohio, and the Columbus Division of
Fire regularly inspect university facilities. The fire code
requires that all fire and life safety systems, including fire
detection and alarm, sprinklers, fire hydrants, fire pumps
and others be inspected, maintained, and tested regularly.
While these features are inspected by the professional,
routine walk-through inspections by building occupants
are of extreme importance.
For instance, temporarily stored material in the exit
passage may become permanent, creating a life safety
hazard, if not immediately addressed. Therefore, every
individual should know and check his/her areas and
activities for fire safety. Use the “Fire Drill Checklist.”
Always contact EMFP for assistance or appropriate
corrective measures.
• Dedicated circuits and proper grounding may be
required for equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers,
dehumidifiers and air conditioners. Do not use extension
cords with this equipment. Consult with Facilities
Operations and Development to check for the adequacy
of electrical power or circuits before purchasing,
installing, or relocating such equipment.
• Cooking-related appliances utilizing gas, electric or
sterno heat, toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, electric
fry pans, woks and crock pots are not permitted to be
used inside any university building unless such use is
necessary for conducting university business. Written
permission should be obtained from appropriate
school’s or unit’s administrative office after consulting
with FOD. Where one or more of these appliances
are used, appropriate precautions should be taken as
outlined in this guide.
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 101
FURNISHINGS AND DECORATIONS
Certain furnishings and decorations ignite very easily
and quickly release a high amount of heat. Any item of
upholstered furniture, wastebaskets, mattresses, curtains,
draperies, surface coverings (carpet, wall and ceiling),
acoustical, and other materials used for decoration can
contribute fuel to fire. Therefore, in health-care facilities,
such items are required to be resistant to ignition by
both cigarettes and small flames. Noncombustible or
flame-resistant materials that are appropriate for use are
available on the market.
Departments purchasing new furnishings and decorations
and Ohio State Purchasing must ensure compliance with
the following requirements of the Ohio State Life Safety
Policy: (1) furnishings and decorations are noncombustible
or flame resistant in accordance with the appropriate
NFPA or other equivalent standard, (2) all upholstered
furniture, including sofas and mattresses, comply at least
with California Technical Bulletins (CAL TB) 117 and 133 (for
unsprinklered general assembly areas, and (3) all other
decorative materials comply with NFPA 701 standard.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND
CHEMICALS
Hazardous materials and chemicals should be stored,
handled and used in accordance with the requirements
of the Ohio Fire Code and other applicable National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards. To ensure
uniform compliance universitywide, each laboratory or
other areas using hazardous materials, such as flammable
and combustible liquids, oxidizing materials, radioactive
materials, unstable (reactive) chemicals, highly toxic
materials and poisonous gases, at a minimum should
comply with all the applicable safety requirements of this
guide.
Extensive use of flammable solvents in laboratories
and other areas presents a potentially serious fire and
explosion hazard. Even a very small quantity involved
in the fire significantly can increase the potential of fire
spreading. To ensure uniform compliance universitywide,
each laboratory or other areas using hazardous materials
should:
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of hazardous
chemicals by types and quantity, as required by the
Ohio Fire Code and the Ohio State Life Safety Policy,
Ohio Emergency Planning and Community Right to
Know Act (EPCRA), Superfund Amendments and
102 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III), State Emergency
Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergency
Planning Committee (LEPC).
• Work with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
to ensure that the initial inventory is created and
updated as required.
• Restrict the container size to one gallon for all
flammable liquids (e.g., alcohol, toluene, acetone,
benzene) with a flash point lower than 100°F.
Flammable liquids received in original approved
containers that are of 5 gallons or less capacity are
exempt from this requirement.
• All chemical containers that are not in active use
should be capped properly.
• No chemical containers should be stored on a
laboratory floor without proper containment.
• All flammable and combustible liquids containers
should be stored in a cool area, away from sunlight
or any sources of heat or ignition, and away from
any corrosives or oxidizers.
• Flammable liquids not in active use should be stored
in an approved flammable storage cabinet. Storage
of flammable liquids is not permitted outside of an
approved flammable storage cabinet in laboratories
constructed or renovated after December 2001.
• Storage cabinets used in laboratories should not be
required to be vented for fire protection purposes.
Where vented, performance-based requirements of
NFPA 30 should be complied with.
• Flammable Liquids Dispensing and Transferring:
Dispensing and transfer of these liquids can present
a static electricity hazard, depending on their ability
to generate static electricity, how well they conduct
electricity (conductivity), and their flash point. Thus,
the level of hazard depends on factors such as
the type of containers, the type of liquids (flash
point, vapor pressure) being transferred, working
environment (temperature), and the rate of liquid
transfer.
• To reduce your risk of injury during such activity, all
flammable liquids dispensing and transfer should
comply with the following requirements:
• Flammable liquids in containers larger than 4
liters (1.1 gallons) should not be dispensed by
gravity, whether the containers are conductive or
not. Approved pumps taking suction from the top
of the container should be utilized. Containers
with a bottom spout are acceptable but not
recommended because of an increased risk of
spill caused by a damaged spout.
• Any transfer of flammable liquids between
conductive containers larger than 4 liters (1.1
gallons) should be bonded and grounded. Note:
transferring finlammable liquids from 4 liter (1.1
gallon) glass containers to any metal containers
is relatively hazardous, and such a practice is not
considered prudent. Therefore, this should be
avoided.
• Ensure that radioactive materials are stored,
handled and used only by the trained authorized
users to keep exposure “As Low As Reasonably
Achievable” (ALARA) and to minimize the property
damage by radioactive materials resulting from
fires and explosions. The users of such materials
also should comply with the requirements of the
university’s radiation safety policies and procedures.
• Transfer of flammable liquids is not permitted in
any exit access corridor.
• Transfer of flammable liquids to smaller
containers from bulk stock containers not
exceeding 19 liters (5 gallons) should be
performed only in a lab hood or an approved
inside area, and in an adequately ventilated
area that must not allow the accumulations of
flammable vapor/air mixtures to exceed 25% of
the lower flammable limit.
• Where practicable, dispensing operations should
be separated from the storage area because of
the exposure of greater quantities to the hazards
of dispensing operations.
• Any transfer of more than 19 liters (5 gallons)
of flammable liquids is not allowed inside the
building except in an area specifically designed
and protected for dispensing such liquids.
• Consult Emergency Management and Fire
Prevention (EMFP) for any activity that you think
may not comply with these requirements to
determine appropriate strategy to control a fire
hazard.
• Collect hazardous waste in appropriate containers
as specified by EHS. Once a container is full,
promptly contact EHS to schedule a pickup and
transfer to the designated Hazardous Waste Store
Room within three working days.
• Limit the quantities of flammable liquids to 10 gallons
per laboratory and combustible liquids to 30 gallons
per laboratory. In cases where a common fire area
is divided into multiple laboratories, each laboratory
may have to comply with more stringent quantity
restrictions. When noncompliance is identified
during a lab safety audit or fire code inspection,
EMFP will work with the appropriate department
manager to resolve this issue in accordance with the
applicable fire code requirements.
LECTURE HALLS AND PLACES OF
ASSEMBLY
The Ohio Fire Code classifies lecture halls, multi-purpose
rooms, and places of assembly as a “life hazard use
group” because of safety concerns for a large number of
people in these areas. In case of fire, people must be able
to evacuate these areas safely and in a reasonable time
frame.
To ensure safe and timely evacuation, changes in
furniture setups must be pre-planned and approved by
the university. Your Building Coordinator or a designee
reviews and approves all setup plans in consultation with
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention as needed
to ensure compliance with the Ohio Fire Code.
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 103
Rearrangements of setups are prohibited without the
proper authorization. The individual requesting the setup
is responsible for ensuring that the approved setup is
not rearranged after approval. In any case, the Maximum
Occupancy Load for all Places of Assembly must be
adhered to, without exception. Exceeding the occupancy
load by one person is cause for the function to be
suspended until the legal occupancy load is achieved.
4. Where the use of an electrical space heater (in any
previously approved area) may present an undue
danger to life or property, the authority having
jurisdiction or an Emergency Management and
Fire Prevention (EMFP) representative may prohibit
such use. Any heating unit or its use that does not
comply with the Ohio State Life Safety Policy must
be confiscated.
SPACE HEATERS
5. The user of a space heater ultimately is responsible
for any hazard or fire code violation created as a
result of unauthorized or inappropriate use.
Portable space heaters can pose a major workplace
fire safety hazard. Use of unapproved or unsafe space
heaters – or use of space heaters in an inappropriate or
unsafe manner – presents a significant fire risk. Also, if the
size of the heater is too big for the area, it can be a source
of pollution, energy waste and fire. Therefore, to ensure
safety of life and property from the risks of space heater
use at Ohio State, all students, faculty, and staff or visitors
are required to comply with the following requirements
of Ohio State’s Fire and Life Safety Compliance Guide in
accordance with the Ohio State Life Safety Policy.
1. Portable space heaters are not permitted in any
university-owned or -leased facility unless Facilities
Operations and Development (FOD) or the landlord
of a leased facility has approved such use as a
temporary measure to address inadequate heating
by the building’s heating, ventilation and air
conditioning (HVAC) system. Space heaters should
not be used as a substitute for any required repair or
maintenance of the HVAC system. Where approved,
only electric space heaters that meet the safety
criteria are allowed.
2. Any non–UL-rated space heaters are not permitted
for use on university premises.
3. Space heaters of any kind are strictly prohibited in
all Ohio State laboratories, in all areas in health-care
occupancies accredited by the Joint Commission,
(except, under certain circumstances, in nonsleeping staff or employee areas only), and in all
areas primarily used for the storage of combustible
materials such as office stationary, drapes or
chemicals.
6. If a space heater is to be used, the following
safety criteria must be met, and operational safety
precautions must be followed:
Safety Criteria for Space Heaters
All electric space heaters must meet the following criteria:
1. The equipment is Underwriter Laboratories (UL)
approved for the use for which it is designed.
2. The equipment has a sealed element and does not
produce any flames or fumes or use any fuel.
3. The equipment is equipped to turn off automatically
when tilted or turned over.
4. The heating elements cannot exceed 100°C or 212°F.
5. Oil-filled electric space heaters are recommended
over any other types of heaters because they have
the best safety record.
Operational Safety Precautions for Space Heaters
Students, staff, faculty, and visitors should comply with the
following operational safety precautions:
1. Maintain a minimum clearance of three feet (or one
meter) at all times between stored materials and the
heating device.
2. Never leave the heating unit “on” when unattended.
3. Plug the heating unit directly into an outlet with
sufficient capacity.
4. Never use an extension cord with a heater because
it may overheat and cause a risk of fire.
5. Check the heating unit before each use to ensure
that all indicator lights are working. Remove the
defective unit from service immediately.
6. Ensure that the power cord is properly plugged in
and is not damaged, crushed by objects, or covered
under carpet or rug.
104 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
7. Promptly report any unsafe or hazardous conditions
to EMFP and FOD.
8. Contact Emergency Management and Fire Prevention
for any space heater questions.
SPECIAL PUBLIC EVENTS
Exhibitions, Vendor Fairs, Parties,
Carnivals, Picnics
To prevent fires during indoor and outdoor public events
such as exhibitions, vendor fairs, parties, carnivals,
picnics, etc., and to ensure compliance with Ohio Fire
Code requirements, each school or unit administrator or
Building Coordinator should comply with the following
fire prevention and safety requirements for on-campus
indoor and outdoor public events. All such events
should be organized with appropriate consultation with
the Department of Public Safety. Compliance with all
applicable fire safety requirements for decorations and
lightings and electrical safety procedures outlined in this
guide is required.
Requirements for Indoor Events:
• Use or storage of propane cylinders and propane or
charcoal grills is prohibited.
• Implement these fire and life safety measures as a
minimum for all indoor events:
• Maintain clear aisle width and keep all
emergency exits accessible at all times. Avoid
the use of emergency exit corridors for seating
and tables. If these spaces must be used,
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention
(EMFP) must be consulted first to ensure safety
of the building occupants.
• Observe maximum occupancy limits for a specific
area.
• Maintain good housekeeping and areas free of
clutter.
• Follow the applicable electrical safety
procedures and comply with all applicable fire
safety requirements for decorations and lightings
outlined above.
• Have readily available at least two ABC-type fire
extinguishers of minimum 10-pound capacity
to extinguish small fires. Contact Facilities
Operations and Development (FOD) or EMFP to
obtain the needed fire extinguishers.
• Ensure that at least two individuals, trained in
the use of a fire extinguisher, are designated to
monitor any unsafe conditions for the duration
of the event. Contact the EMFP office for specific
training needs.
• In case of a fire, call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to
extinguish a large or spreading fire.
• Cooking appliances utilizing gas, electric or sterno
heat, toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, electric fry
pans, woks, and crock pots are not permitted to be
used inside of any university building unless such
use is necessary for conducting university business.
Permission should be obtained from the appropriate
school’s or unit’s administrative office after
consulting with EMFP. Where one or more of these
appliances are used, appropriate safety precautions
should be taken.
• In facilities where the use of sterno heat is
permitted, compliance with the following
requirements is mandatory:
• When in use, sternos must be attended at all
times.
• Keep all combustible materials, such as napkins
and paper plates, at a safe distance to avoid
overheating or fire.
• Appropriate metal or ceramic trays should be
used under the sterno cans to prevent accidental
contact with any combustible material.
• The person preparing the flaming foods shall
have a wet cloth towel immediately available for
use in smothering the flames in the event of an
emergency.
• A 10-pound ABC-type fire extinguisher should
be readily available and located within a 20-feet
distance to extinguish small fires. Use the fire
extinguisher fact sheet.
• Ensure that two individuals, trained in the use
of a fire extinguisher, are designated to monitor
any unsafe condition. These individuals must
not leave the area until all open flames are
extinguished.
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 105
Requirements for Outdoor Events
• In case of a fire, follow the campus emergency
procedure. Do not attempt to extinguish a large or
spreading fire.
• The use of propane cooking equipment is prohibited
on porches, balconies, or any other portion of a
building. All such equipment should be used at least
15' away from any building with consenting prior
approval through EMFP.
• Do not store any spare propane gas cylinder in any
part of the building.
• Charcoal grills are not permitted except in
preapproved recreational facilities in consultation
with EMFP.
• Keep all combustible materials away from grills
to avoid any fire. Have 10-pound ABC-type fire
extinguishers available to extinguish small fires.
• Ensure that at least two individuals, who are trained
in the use of fire extinguishers, are available during
any event. These individuals should be responsible
for monitoring any unsafe condition.
• Where tents are to be installed outside on campus
grounds, appropriate permits should be obtained
from the State of Ohio or the City of Columbus,
and fees must be paid. In this case, the State Fire
Official, Columbus Fire Inspector, or EMFP also may
choose to inspect the location before and during the
event. Contact Emergency Management and Fire
Prevention for assistance in coordinating approval.
• Open burning, bonfires, fire pits, fire rings, charcoal
grills, or similar fires are not permitted anywhere on
campus.
106 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
STORAGE SAFETY
Storage of materials, equipment and furniture in corridors
and stairwells used for an emergency exit can present an
impediment and falls and trips hazards to both building
occupants and responding firefighters. Storage in
corridors also may block installed emergency equipment
such as fire extinguishers, safety showers and fire hose
connections. Inappropriate storage height in sprinklered
areas can hinder effective firefighting. To avoid these
problems, the following should be complied with regard
to storage:
Storage in Egress Corridors
Corridors leading to exits or any other similar elements
of the means of egress should be maintained in a safe
condition, available for immediate utilization and free of
all obstructions at all times. Obstructions such as tables,
display cases, holiday decorations, powered equipment,
display boards, signs, coat racks and other movable
equipment that may interfere with firefighting access
are prohibited. Storage of combustible, flammable or
other hazardous materials, including compressed gas
cylinders and cryogenic liquid tanks, in any portion of an
exit, elevator, or under the stairway is prohibited. Chairs,
tables, and other furniture or equipment in each room
must be arranged to provide ready access to each egress
door.
Safe Ceiling Clearance for Storage
To allow for effective firefighting, the individual
departments should ensure that a 2' ceiling clearance
is always maintained when storing materials on shelves.
Any storage flush with the room walls is exempt as long
as such storage does not present other safety hazards
(e.g., storage that is unstable or very close to an electrical
fixture). All new furniture or equipment, including storage
racks or shelves, should allow a minimum of two feet clear
distance between the ceiling and the top surface.
FORMS AND PROCEDURES
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE 107
Department of Public Safety
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention
FIRE DRILL CHECKLIST
Facility Information
BASIC INFORMATION
Name and address of building
Name and contact information of individual completing document
Name and department(s) located in this facility
Number of building emergency egress/exterior doors
Number of stairways out of the building
Check for primary and alternative means of notifying
occupants of a fire or emergency
Check the primary and alternative means of reporting fires or
emergencies to the fire department
(
(
(
(
) Building is equipped with horns and strobe lights
) Building fire alarm issues a preprogrammed voice message
) Building is equipped with an intercom system
) Other—please describe
(
(
(
(
) Building is equipped with fire alarm monitoring
) Ohio State’s Public Safety Dispatch Center (Blankenship Hall)
) Other—please describe
) Dial 9-1-1
Number of manual fire alarm pull station boxes
Location of closest fire hydrants
Location of assembly points
Is there a Building Emergency Action Plan (BEAP)
available to building occupants?
Contact person for BEAP
FIRE DRILL EXERCISE QUESTIONS
RESPONSE
Date/time of fire drill exercise
Notification method used
Number of occupants evacuated
Weather conditions
Elapse of time to evacuate (goal is under 5 minutes)
Did identified sweepers confirm sweep of floor(s)
and report to evacuation point
Were any primary evacuation or secondary evacuation
routes blocked or were individuals unable to use exit doors
List issues, mistakes, or problems that occurred
during this fire drill exercise
Action steps to be taken to address issues, mistakes,
or problems listed above
Was this a successful fire drill exercise
Name
108 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Date
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Introduction
This general procedure has been developed to
promote the safety of people with disabilities and all
other building occupants during emergency situations,
including fire alarm evacuation. It also may be used with
appropriate modifications in areas where patients may
be undergoing medical procedures and where halting
any active patient care may pose an increased risk
to the patient. In these cases, those who are directly
involved in patient care should ensure that all necessary
communications, notifications, and safety measures
outlined in this procedure are implemented in addition to
any department-specific measures.
The evacuation route must be predetermined!
Procedure
Individual departments should ensure that the following
general procedure is followed as a minimum requirement
and should assign two volunteers per disabled person.
Any specific changes must be reviewed and approved by
the Building Coordinator in conjunction with Emergency
Management and Fire Prevention (EMFP).
Evacuation Assistants should:
• Follow the building-specific Building Emergency Action
Plan (BEAP) until specifically instructed otherwise by
the responding fire department.
• Note: The RFD may call for a different procedure
depending on their judgment and the nature of the
emergency.
• Identify any people with disabilities by observation and
inquiry. Ask if anyone is in need of assistance.
• Never attempt to move or evacuate any person using
stairs or using elevators unless authorized by RFD.
• Report the presence, exact number, and specific
location of any person with a disability in the building
to RFD.
Responding Fire Department
• Once on the scene, the responding fire department
should coordinate all evacuations for people with
disabilities, if necessary. Everyone must follow the
instructions of the responding fire department.
• Elevators typically return to the ground floor when a
fire alarm is activated and then can be operated only
by use of a firefighters’ keyed switch. In case of fire
emergencies requiring an evacuation, elevators should
be used only as per instructions of the responding
fire department. In the event of non-fire emergencies
requiring an evacuation, emergency responders may
use elevators, if it is safe.
Evacuation Assistants and/or Floor Evacuation
Coordinators should:
• Exercise caution to avoid falls and trips while assisting
the person with a disability.
• First remove the people with a disability from the area
of immediate danger and then move them carefully
to a primary (predetermined) waiting area, usually the
corridor by the nearest exit stair.
• Important: Do not lift any person unless you are
specifically trained and it is required by your
department-specific procedure. Provide a plain
brief note to a person having a hearing disability, if
necessary. Offer your elbow to any visually impaired
person to guide him or her to safety. Communicate as
needed, to ensure safe evacuation.
• If the primary waiting area is not safe (e.g., if you see or
smell smoke or fire), then move to the predetermined
secondary designated waiting area.
Designated Evacuation Assistants and/or Fire
Wardens should:
• Position youself and the person with a disability on one
side of the corridor near the stair door such that traffic
is not obstructed. Caution: Unless otherwise directed
by the responding fire department, buddies should use
only the Safe Waiting Area specified in the Building
Emergency Evacuation Plan (BEAP).
• Do not attempt to walk the person up or down the
stairwell.
• Note: Stairway evacuation of wheelchair users should
be conducted only by trained professionals such as
the responding fire department, and only after major
traffic has passed. Discourage any person with mobility
impairment from using stairs without assistance, even
though they may be able to go up and down stairs
easily. They may not be able to properly operate door
locks, latches, and other devices.
• Keep the stair doors closed at all times. Caution: If the
stairs doors are left open, the smoke may enter the
stairwell.
• Once people with disabilities are positioned at the safe
predetermined waiting area,
• Evacuate and report to the responding fire
department or to the Command Post, if set up.
• Report the exact location and number of people
with disabilities to the responding fire department
and/or other responders. Give them the disabled
person’s cell phone number.
• Wait at the designated assembly area or near the
Command Post, as directed by the emergency
responder, to provide any information as required.
• Follow-up with the responding fire department
if people with disabilities who were reported as
waiting in the building have been contacted or if
they are being assisted.
• Follow-up if the emergency seems to be of a
continuing nature or lasting for more than 10
minutes (for low-rise buildings) or 15 minutes (for
high-rise buildings).
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 109
Department of Public Safety
Emergency Management and Fire Prevention
EMERGENCY PLAN FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Update this information after each training and drill to reflect lessons learned.
Department:
Building/Room #:
Department Head/Supervisor:
Phone #:
E-mail address:
AREAS/GROUPS THAT SHOULD DEFEND-IN-PLACE (Indicate any critical patient areas or experiments that must continue)
Name of Area or Group
Location
Approximate # of people
FLOOR EVACUATION COORDINATORS
Name
Building/Room #
Phone Number
E-mail
1
2
3
4
5
EVACUATION ASSISTANTS (List names of those trained ONLY IF ALL staff members are NOT trained as Evacuation Assistants)
Name
Building/Room #
Phone Number
E-mail
1
2
3
4
5
DESIGNATED WAITING AREAS
Waiting Area
By Stair # / Nearest Room #
Primary waiting area
Secondary waiting area
110 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Nearest Available Phone # / Room #
TRAINING PARTICIPATION
Date 1
Trainee Group
Date 2
Total # Trained
Floor Evacuation Coordinators
Evacuation Assistants
Staff
People with Disabilities
Have provided clear written directions to
employees/students with disabilities
Have shown physically the path usable by the PWDs to
arrive safely at the safe waiting area
DRILLS PARTICIPATION (Each department is required to practice the PWD procedure at least twice a year)
Date
Drill scenario practiced (please describe)
PWD PLAN REVIEW AND UPDATE (at least annually or when changes occur)
Department Name
EMFP
Building Coordinator
Reviewed by:
Name/Signature
E-mail/Phone Extension:
Date Reviewed:
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 111
CHECKLIST FOR SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS
ACTION ITEM
1. Department-specific Emergency Plan for people with disabilities has
been developed.
2. The Plan has been provided for approval by the facilities
Building Coordinator.
3. The Plan has been provided to and approved by EMFP.
4. The Plan has been incorporated in the Building Emergency Action Plan.
5. There are areas of critical patient care (list all):
6. There are areas of critical experimental procedures (list all):
7. Have provided clear written directions to employees and students with
disabilities, e.g., brochure, map showing directional signs leading to safety.
8. Have shown physically the path usable by the PWDs to
arrive safely at the safe waiting area.
9. Have designated at least two Floor Evacuation
Coordinators for the department.
10. Have designated at least two evacuation assistants to assist PWDs.
112 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
YES/NO
COMMENT/STATUS
11. Adequacy of floor captains and evacuation assistants has been evaluated
(consider department size, staff location, and number of potential PWD)
Last evaluated: Date______
12. My department’s main function is patient care, and all staff members are required
to perform the duties of floor coordinators and evacuation assistants.
13. Each staff member is trained initially.
14. Each staff member is trained annually.
15. Each staff member performs his/her role during all fire alarms,
including drills and completes an evaluation form.
16. Primary waiting area, e.g., common corridor spaces by the exit stairs,
for the PWDs from my department is:
17. Secondary waiting area for the PWD from my department is:
18. Each floor captain and evacuation assistant has participated
in training and drills at least twice a year.
19. Have practiced the Plan for the PWDs at least twice every year
during the scheduled fire exit drills.
20. Formal evaluation of the procedure is done every time it is executed.
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 113
MOST COMMON FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS
COMPRESSED GAS
UNSAFE STORAGE
POOR
HOUSEKEEPING
BLOCKED EXIT
AND STORAGE
COMBUSTIBLES
EXIT BLOCKED
EXIT SIGN INOPERABLE
NO FIRE STOPPING
IN OPEN PENETRATION
UNSAFE STORAGE
OF CHEMICALS
OPEN
ELECTRICAL PANEL
DOOR WEDGE
STORAGE IN STAIRWELL
USING DOOR CHOCK TO
HOLD OPEN A FIRE DOOR
MATERIAL STORAGE
IN HALLWAY
USING EXTENSION CORDS IN
PLACE OF PERMANENT WIRING
114 — THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE SAFETY RESOURCES
While you can always call Emergency Management and Fire Prevention (EMFP) for assistance in fire safety matters, valuable
fire and life safety fact sheets are available on the internet. EMFP recommends that you use the information available from
the following two sources:
1. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website at nfpa.org » Public Education » Safety Tips Sheets.
2. U.S. Fire Administration’s website at usfa.fema.gov.
Fact sheets on the NFPA website include:
• Home escape planning: Learn the steps to create a home fire escape plan and putting it into practice.
• Prepare for an emergency: Your family needs to be prepared because you won’t have time to shop or search for
supplies when a disaster strikes.
• For people with disabilities: Ensure that people with disabilities are included in safety planning.
• Electrical safety: Safety in the home and with circuit interrupters.
• Fire protection equipment: Automatic sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms.
• Homeland Security: Free access to NFPA 1600 and other information and resources.
• Mine fires and explosions: Mining and mineral processing facilities represent significant fire and explosion exposures.
• Seasonal safety: Fireworks, Christmas trees, grilling, Halloween safety, winter and summer safety.
• Vehicles/gas/fuel safety: Gasoline at home, propane, service station safety, and more.
• Wild land fires: Learn to protect your family and community from wild land fires.
Related Topics on the U.S. Fire Administration’s website include the following:
• Candle Fire Safety
• Electrical Fire Safety
• Heating Fire Safety
• Portable Generator Hazards/Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Wildfire: Are You Prepared?
Other Links of Interest:
• American Red Cross (disaster services)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (portable generator hazards)
• National Candle Association (fire safety)
• ready.gov (preparing Americans for all kinds of emergencies)
• Older Adults
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
2018 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE GUIDE — 115