N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9 § 5.103

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 25, June 18, 2024

Section 5.103 - Executive order no. 103: establishing the task force on campus fire safety

WHEREAS, the protection of the health and safety of students attending public and private colleges and universities in New York State is of paramount importance, and such institutions must be diligent in protecting the students entrusted to their care; and

WHEREAS, in light of the recent tragedy at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, it is necessary and appropriate to review fire safety standards, policies and practices as they apply to student residence halls at public and private colleges and universities in New York State;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE E. PATAKI, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New York, do hereby establish the Task Force on Campus Fire Safety (Task Force).

I. Membership

The Task Force shall consist of the Secretary of State, who shall serve as Chair, the Executive Director of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the Chancellor of the State University of New York, the Chancellor of the City University of New York, the President of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, a student representative of the State University of New York appointed by the Chancellor of the State University, a student representative of the City University of New York appointed by the Chancellor of the City University, a student representative of a New York State private college or university appointed by the President of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, the Executive Director of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and such other members as the Governor may appoint. The members of the Task Force shall receive no compensation but shall be entitled to reimbursement for any necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their official duties.

II. Responsibilities and Powers

A. The Task Force shall conduct a thorough review of the following issues:

1. The adequacy of building and fire codes as applied to student residence halls in public and private colleges and universities in New York State;

2. The record of compliance by public and private colleges and universities in New York State with fire safety laws and code requirements applicable to student residence halls;

3. Fire safety policies and procedures with respect to student residence halls at public and private colleges and universities in New York State, including fire drills and evacuations, staff training and student orientation;

4. Fire safety policies and procedures with respect to student residence halls at public and private colleges and universities outside of New York State;

5. Statutory and college disciplinary penalties for false alarms, misuse of fire safety equipment and the setting of fires in student residence halls of public and private colleges and universities in New York State;

6. The extent and adequacy of fire suppression and detection systems, including but not limited to sprinklers and smoke detectors, in student residence halls at public and private State colleges and universities in New York State;

7. The potential costs associated with any recommended upgrades of fire suppression and detection systems or related programs in student residence halls at public and private New York State colleges and universities; and

8. Any other matters relating to fire safety at public and private colleges and universities in New York State, as the Governor may direct.

The Task Force shall also develop a comprehensive State-wide campus fire safety plan, which may include recommendations for changes in laws, regulations, policies and practices relating to fire safety in student residence halls at public and private colleges and universities in New York State.

B. The Task Force is authorized to:

1. Call upon any agency, department, office, including the Office of Fire Prevention and the Office of Code Enforcement within the Department of State, division, or public authority of this State to supply it with such information, data, resources, personnel and other assistance as the Task Force deems necessary and appropriate to discharge the responsibilities conferred upon it by this Order;

2. Provide a forum for college, fire and building code officials to share ideas and information concerning best practices used throughout the State and the country; and

3. Consult with leading experts in fire prevention, safety and suppression to identify the latest and best practices for preventing and detecting fires in residence halls and other facilities where students congregate.

III. Expiration

The Task Force shall issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor within ninety days of the date of this Order and shall be deemed dissolved thirty days after issuance of such report unless otherwise directed by the Governor.

Signed: George E. PatakiDated: February 14, 2000

[FN*] [Revoked by Executive Order No. 5 (Eliot Spitzer), infra.]

[Revoked by Executive Order No. 9 (David A. Paterson), infra.]

[Revoked by Executive Order No. 2 (Andrew M. Cuomo), infra.]

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 § 5.103