Safeguarding College Campuses and Students from Fire Hazards: Fire Safety and Sprinkler Systems
Fire safety is essential for college campuses to consider when housing their students. Coupled with a steady rise in occupancy in off-campus housing and dormitories, it is essential that campuses have the proper procedures in place to protect their communities from fires.
From 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,840 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and other related properties, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires caused annual averages of 29 civilian injuries and $11 million in direct property damage.
One of the most effective ways to combat potential catastrophes is by conducting regular sprinkler tests and inspections. Communication Company offers these services, helping protect residential buildings from dangerous and potentially life-threatening fires.
Sprinkler tests conducted by the Communication Company include a thorough inspection of all system components, including sprinklers, control valves, test valves, piping systems, alarms, detectors, and control panels. These tests help identify any issues that could lead to a malfunction or failure of the system in an emergency situation. Not only does this help keep students safe while living on campus, and it lessens the risk of property damage due to a fire outbreak.
In addition to our sprinkler fitter partner inspecting sprinkler systems, Communication Company also offers other fire safety services such as smoke detector/fire alarm testing and installation, emergency lighting testing and maintenance, and fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance. These inspections are not only vital for ensuring that all components are functioning properly to be effective in a fire emergency but are also mandated per NFPA Code.
Tips for Students, Parents, and Staff
Inspection and testing alone cannot provide complete protection against fires. Understanding vulnerabilities and sharing awareness of hazards can help in mitigating disaster.
As such, there are other important steps students can take to reduce the risk on campus:
When a Fire Alarm Goes Off: Get out and stay out! Students should take any signs of smoke or heat seriously, as it may be symptomatic of an actual fire. They should evacuate immediately when they hear an alarm go off to stay safe from potential danger. According to the NFPA, September and October were the peak months for fires in dormitory properties, and they are more common during the evening hours between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. in 2015–2019;
Play It Fire Safe: Students should make sure not to overload power strips or outlets with too many appliances at once, as this greatly increases the chances of sparking a blaze;
Look For Working Sprinklers: When selecting where they will live (dorms or apartments), students should look up whether their building has proper working sprinkler systems installed;
Turn Off/Unplug Appliances: This can help reduce risks associated with overloaded circuits;
Clean Lint Filters: This helps avoid dryer fires which can spread quickly throughout a building;
Reduce Fire Risk In The Kitchen: Staying aware when cooking is essential for avoiding minor accidents, such as burning food, or major disasters like kitchen fires. Cooking equipment was involved in nearly nine out of 10 reported fires in dormitory-type properties (87%) from 2015–2019;
Keep Stairwells Clear: In the event of an evacuation during a fire, stairwells must remain clear if people need quick access out of the building;
Flameless Candles Reduce Fire Hazards: Instead of using open flames like traditional candles, which increase the risk of fire spreading quickly throughout a room/building, flameless candles can be used instead since they don’t generate heat or produce any flame whatsoever.
By utilizing Communication Company's services in tandem with these tips, students and school staff can dramatically reduce their chances of being involved in a dangerous building fire while living on campus. Contact us today to learn more about how we can safeguard students, staff, and property!