U.S. Fire Administration Offers Colleges and Universities Tips for Fire Safety

Oct. 20, 2006
A proactive approach involves preparing facilities and students for fires

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an entity of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing tips and information to colleges and universities on fire safety. The USFA’s Fire Safety 101 for Colleges and Universities offers facts, advice, necessary safety precautions, and likely causes. The white paper indicates that there is a strong link between alcohol and fire-related fatalities on college campuses. According to the administration, “In more than 50 percent of adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence at the time of the fire.” Among the leading causes of fire injuries on college campuses was cooking, careless smoking, and arson. The following excerpt from Fire Safety 101 provides a sample of the safety precautions provided:

  • Provide students with a program for fire safety and prevention.
  • Install smoke alarms in every dormitory room and every level of housing facilities.
  • Maintain and regularly test smoke alarms and fire-alarm systems. Replace smoke-alarm batteries every semester.
  • Regularly inspect rooms and buildings for fire hazards. Ask you local fire department for assistance.
  • Inspect exit doors and windows and make sure they are working properly.
  • Create and update detailed floorplans of buildings, and make them available to emergency personnel, resident advisors, and students.
  • Conduct fire drills and practice escape routes and evacuation plans. Urge students to take each alarm seriously.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets and make sure extension cords are used properly.

The administration has also released Living with Fire: A Program for Campus and Student Fire Safety.This program offers a toolbox for individuals interested in developing a fire-safety program and contains PowerPoint presentations, promotional materials, incident investigations, and lesson plans.

To review these resources in their entirety visit the USFA website (www.usfa.dhs.gov/safety/atrisk/campus/101.shtm).

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...