With classes starting up again soon, it is important for students to keep fire safety in mind as they head off to school. September is campus fire safety month, so it is a great time for young adults to review safety practices as they move into college dorms or off-campus housing.
Safety Fire Tips for College Campuses
When choosing housing to live in, students should always check to make sure that their housing has a sprinkler system installed and that there are smoke alarms in every room. Smoke alarms should be regularly tested and have working batteries in them at all times. Students must learn their evacuation drills and practice them. According to the NFPA, 6 out of 7 fires started in dormitories occur while cooking. It is important to remember never to leave the kitchen while cooking and to understand how to work the appliances before using them.
Fire Protection Requirements for Colleges
While it is important for students to take fire safety measures, colleges also have to do their part to protect students from potential fires. Each building on a college campus is required to have smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and fire alarms installed and inspected in accordance with codes and standards. Having fire protection systems in buildings can help to protect the students on campus in classes or in dormitories.
Fire Safety Education
Students should be instructed by campus safety departments on the evacuation procedures, how to use fire extinguishers, and how to report fires. When students are knowledgeable about what to do when a fire occurs, it can prevent injury or loss of lives.
In 2008, the Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act was passed to increase campus fire safety awareness across the nation. Colleges and universities are now required to provide students with information on fire safety records as well as publicly post fire safety statistics, policies, and concerns.
September was designated as campus fire safety month by congress in 2013. During September, colleges are encouraged to provide fire safety educational programs to students as well as evaluate the fire safety conditions in on-campus and off-campus student housing. In addition, colleges should review and enforce local fire codes.
Campus Fire Protection Systems
At International Fire Protection, we have experience installing fire protection systems in college campuses. Our systems can be designed for mass notification across entire campuses with one central monitoring station. We can install fire sprinkler, fire suppression and fire alarm systems for your facility as well as provide 24-hour emergency and monitoring services. Contact IFP to learn more about installing a fire protection system in your educational facility. We serve customers in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida.
