Mercy Debates Over Sealed Windows in Dorms
John Ceravino
Issue date: 3/24/09 Section: News
Safety. Security. Liability.
These are some of the conditions that led to the window restrictions on the ground floor of the Mercy College dorms.
A screw was placed in order to "not allow them to open more than six inches," according to Mercy administration.
"There currently is no New York State FD code with regard to the windows…"said Irene Delgado, Dean of Student Affairs. "We are considering either break-away windows or a Hasp (Locking mechanism)."
Main concerns range from students sneaking in friends to more serious worries such as an intruder breaking into a wide open window. If either were to occur, lawsuits could be abundant.
Brian Cook, Building Inspector for the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department, states that, "In the case of a break in, who is liable in that situation is still in question."
Placing the screws in the windows was done to protect students from any theft or harm that may come to them from an outside source. But some students are concerned about the danger that could come in the form of a fire or some other unforeseen problem from within the building. In such a situation, climbing out a window may be ones only option.
"There was a reason why the screws were placed there to begin with," said Cook, "but if the window is intended to be an egress window, it must be free to open."
The students who are being directly affected by these decisions have their opinions too.
"I was pretty surprised," said freshman Leon Kelly. "My first thought was, 'what if there were a fire?'"
Yet some share the same sentiments as the school; they believe it is safer the way is it presently.
Lisi Coles, a junior, said, "I feel safe knowing my room can't be broken into from the windows. If they were easy to get into, I would probably want to move to a higher floor."
The school is currently "waiting to hear from the state on the matter, which overrides the Dobbs Ferry Department," said Delgado.
Mercy College, with regard to the safety of its students, already has many precautions in place in the event of an emergency.
Mercy's website lays out some basic fire safety tips: "Before opening a door, feel
near the top for heat. If it is cool, open it slowly, if smoke is present, close the door and use another route."
The problem right now is that no other route is present. One would have to break a window if this were to happen.
Director of Security Kenneth Gabelman stated, "Our dormitories are equipped
with a two level sprinkler system, fire extinguishers, alarms, strobe lights and fire doors to facilitate any need in the event of an emergency."
These are some of the conditions that led to the window restrictions on the ground floor of the Mercy College dorms.
A screw was placed in order to "not allow them to open more than six inches," according to Mercy administration.
"There currently is no New York State FD code with regard to the windows…"said Irene Delgado, Dean of Student Affairs. "We are considering either break-away windows or a Hasp (Locking mechanism)."
Main concerns range from students sneaking in friends to more serious worries such as an intruder breaking into a wide open window. If either were to occur, lawsuits could be abundant.
Brian Cook, Building Inspector for the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department, states that, "In the case of a break in, who is liable in that situation is still in question."
Placing the screws in the windows was done to protect students from any theft or harm that may come to them from an outside source. But some students are concerned about the danger that could come in the form of a fire or some other unforeseen problem from within the building. In such a situation, climbing out a window may be ones only option.
"There was a reason why the screws were placed there to begin with," said Cook, "but if the window is intended to be an egress window, it must be free to open."
The students who are being directly affected by these decisions have their opinions too.
"I was pretty surprised," said freshman Leon Kelly. "My first thought was, 'what if there were a fire?'"
Yet some share the same sentiments as the school; they believe it is safer the way is it presently.
Lisi Coles, a junior, said, "I feel safe knowing my room can't be broken into from the windows. If they were easy to get into, I would probably want to move to a higher floor."
The school is currently "waiting to hear from the state on the matter, which overrides the Dobbs Ferry Department," said Delgado.
Mercy College, with regard to the safety of its students, already has many precautions in place in the event of an emergency.
Mercy's website lays out some basic fire safety tips: "Before opening a door, feel
near the top for heat. If it is cool, open it slowly, if smoke is present, close the door and use another route."
The problem right now is that no other route is present. One would have to break a window if this were to happen.
Director of Security Kenneth Gabelman stated, "Our dormitories are equipped
with a two level sprinkler system, fire extinguishers, alarms, strobe lights and fire doors to facilitate any need in the event of an emergency."
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Tony Smith
posted 8/10/09 @ 9:44 AM EST
This very poorly written
New York Movers
posted 8/18/09 @ 11:06 AM EST
Given that the likelihood of break-in is probably much higher than the likelihood of fire, this seems like the safest solution. On the other hand, in case of a fire this would be a serious barrier to getting out safely. (Continued…)
angela
posted 8/31/09 @ 7:39 PM EST
mercy college offered me a scholarship and then did actually post it to my account because they claim a student must be a permanent resident or citizen to get it. (Continued…)
CV writing assistance
posted 12/08/09 @ 4:23 AM EST
Main concerns range from students sneaking in friends to more serious worries such as an intruder breaking into a wide open window.
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