Campus Fire Safety

The fall college semester begins soon, so it is time to start gathering school supplies and enrolling in classes. It is also important to know how to stay fire safe in your college housing, whether on or off campus.

Rich Campagnola, Principal Architect with our Architectural Services Division, is a member of the Center for Campus Fire Safety.  The Center for Campus Fire Safety (The Center) is a non-profit, membership-based, organization devoted to reducing the loss of life from fire at our nation’s campuses.  C.T. Male Associates’ vision follows these same guiding principles – the elimination of the loss of life and property associated with campus-related fire incidents through systems comprised of education, engineering, and enforcement. We can provide assistance with fire and safety inspections and have worked with college campuses, like Bard College, to update their campus fire safety and evacuation plans.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were 85 fatal fires in dorms, fraternities, sororities, and off-campus housing from 2000-2015. There are several specific causes for fires in college housing including cooking, candles, smoking, and overloaded power strips. Follow these tips to start being fire safe:

• Have a fire escape plan that includes two ways out of every room.
• Use surge protectors or power strips with internal overload protection.
• Never leave a candle unattended.
• Use flameless candles, which are both safe and attractive.
• Keep your cooking area clean and free of anything that can burn.
• If a fire starts in your microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.
• Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. Do not toss hot cigarettes into the trash.

Take action now, and know how to prevent fires by visiting: www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/college.html or contact our Architectural Services Division at 518-786-7400 to book a safety inspection and update your campus fire safety & evacuation plans!