Governor Blunt Proclaims September
as Campus Fire Safety Month
JEFFERSON CITY, September 6, 2007- With students heading
to colleges and universities, Gov. Matt Blunt is proclaiming September
as Campus Fire Safety Month. Fire Marshal Randy Cole encourages educational
leaders to establish an open line of communication with their local
fire department and work together to address fire safety issues.
"Fire safety is a critical component of campus
safety and I encourage all students, educators and administrators
to be mindful of fire safety, emergency plans and detection equipment
on their campuses," Blunt said.
"This proclamation emphasizes the need to address
the problem of campus fire safety by raising the awareness level of
students and parents and to develop strategies on how to reduce fire
related incidents," Cole said. "Adequate and properly installed
fire protection systems in on and off campus housing should be embraced
by higher educational leadership to ensure not only housing, but all
facilities, are protected."
Since the Virginia Tech tragedy, much attention has
been focused on campus safety and planning for emergency situations
so students and faculty members are better prepared to respond in
a manner to reduce the risk of injury or death. Campus safety awareness
should be all inclusive and not be limited to incidents involving
an armed person. Fire safety awareness and education cannot be left
on the sidelines.
Every year campus-related fire deaths and injuries
occur nationwide, many of which could have been avoided with pre-planning,
fire safety education and more importantly commonsense awareness to
potential fire hazards. During the 2006-2007 academic year, one of
the most fatal years on record, 20 campus-related fire deaths occurred
nationwide. Since January 2000, 113 campus related fire deaths have
occurred. Over 80 percent of these incidents have occurred in off-campus
housing where more than two-thirds of the students live, according
the National Fire Protection Association.
Most fatal fires involving college students have four
common factors: missing or disabled smoke detectors, careless disposal
of smoking materials, lack of automatic sprinkler system, and alcohol
consumption. Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries on college
campuses, closely followed by careless smoking and arson.
On and Off Campus Fire Safety Tips:
*Install U.L.-listed smoke alarms in every room.
*Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
* Look for housing that is equipped with automatic fire sprinkler
systems.
*Know two ways out of every building.
*Properly dispose of smoking materials. After parties, check the cushions
on couches and chairs for smoldering cigarettes.
*Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it before a fire
occurs. (Always notify the fire department before attempting to extinguish
a fire)
*Do not overload electrical circuits. Use U.L.-listed extension cords
and appliances.
*If fossil-fuel burning appliances, such as gas stove, furnace or
water heater are in use, install a U.L-listed carbon monoxide detector
on every floor and near sleeping areas.
* Never leave candles or incense unattended and keep them away from
items that could easily catch fire.
"Raising awareness of proper fire safety behaviors can greatly
reduce fire related injuries or death. Higher educational leaders
are encouraged to devote more attention to educating today's students
about fire safety," Cole said. "This education will not
only protect them during their college careers, but throughout their
lives."