In the wake of a residence hall fire at Ashland University and flooding at Ohio State University, John Carroll University Residence Life officials are reminding students of the importance of emergency preparedness and safety protocols.
In a joint statement, Kyle Wolfe, director of Residence Life, and Amber Karel-Gerace, associate director of Residence Life for residential education, addressed the recent incidents and outlined procedures in place to protect students during emergencies.
In a statement, Wolfe and Karel-Gerace expressed relief that no injuries were reported from the fire in Amstutz Hall at Ashland University, but acknowledged the impact such incidents can have on students.
“We are glad to hear that nobody was injured in the fire in Amstutz Hall at Ashland University,” the statement said. “We also recognize that a situation like this can cause significant distress to students due to potential damage to belongings and having to be relocated mid-year. Our colleagues at Ashland University have been in our thoughts as they navigate this situation.”
The statement also responded to flooding at Taylor Tower at Ohio State University, noting the complexity of addressing water damage in residence halls.
“Floods create complex circumstances that require multifaceted approaches,” it said. “Hearing of the flood at Taylor Tower, we recognize the nuances that go into making appropriate decisions on how to move forward. Repairing water damage can be an extensive process to ensure a building is safe for all occupants.”
Wolf and Karel-Gerace emphasized that students should take all emergency alerts at JCU seriously and follow established safety procedures.
“In the event of a fire alarm, all residents should leave their rooms and evacuate the building in a safe and orderly manner,” the statement said. “It is important to treat all alarms as if they are real.”
When a fire alarm is activated, John Carroll University Police Department and the University Heights Fire Department are automatically dispatched, according to the statement. Students should not reenter the building until they are given the all-clear by JCUPD, UHFD or Residence Life staff.
In the event of flooding, Residence Life would work closely with university facilities staff to identify the source of the issue and determine next steps.
“Facilities has equipment that can extract water, test for moisture and ensure the building is safe for occupancy,” the statement said. “Residence Life would work with JCU Facilities to communicate any updates to residents who may be affected.”
The administrators said the most important step students can take during any emergency is to contact authorities immediately.
“In the event of any emergency such as fire or flood, it is important to immediately contact JCUPD at 216-397-1234,” the statement said. “JCUPD’s dispatch will immediately alert Facilities and Residence Life to respond to the incident.”
The statement also emphasized the role students play in preventing emergencies.
“Fire safety truly starts with our students,” Wolf and Karel-Gerace said. “It is important to ensure all fire safety policies are being followed in the residence halls, including no candles, UL-certified power strips and not covering smoke detectors.”
Wolfe and Karel-Gerace encouraged students to remain attentive to campus alerts, follow safety protocols and respond promptly during emergencies, emphasizing that preparedness and cooperation are key to keeping the campus community safe.
