October is Fire Prevention Month! In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The goal of Fire Prevention Month is to raise fire safety awareness and help protect homes and families.
Did You Know?
- Installing reliable fire protection and being proactive is important to help keep you and your loved ones safe from a fire emergency.
- Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires (NFPA)
- The leading causes of campus fires include cooking, arson, and careless smoking.
- Campus fires are most common between 5 and 11 p.m. and on the weekends.
Take the following steps to minimize fire risk in your home and workplace:
- Be Proactive – Familiarize yourself with the campus’ emergency response guidelines and walk evacuation routes. At home, establish a family emergency action plan and discuss escape routes with family members.
- Fire Detectors/Emergency Lighting- Be sure to test fire alarms in your home on a regular basis and replace batteries annually. Report any issues with exit lights and/or emergency lighting in the workplace.
- Eliminate Clutter – Exercise good housekeeping. Clutter can easily become a fuel source in the event of a fire, allowing a fire to spread quickly and restricting access to emergency equipment and exit routes.
- Fire Extinguishers – Be aware of the location of fire extinguishers. At home, maintain the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers and conduct monthly and annual inspections to ensure they are in good, working condition.
Campus Fire Safety
- Never ignore fire alarms. Get out and stay out when alarms sound.
- Have a fire escape plan that includes two ways out.
- Make sure your exits and exit paths are free of clutter; make sure windows/doors open easily.
Electrical Safety
- Do not overload electrical sockets.
- Do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
- Avoid putting cords across doorways.
- Use power strips equipped with overload protection.
- Make sure all power strips are tested and approved by a laboratory such as UL
Contact Information – Know how to get in touch with Life Safety Services/Security in the event of an emergency. At Saint John’s dial: (320) 363-2144. At Saint Ben’s dial: (320) 363-5000.
Sent on behalf of the
CSBSJU Safety Committee
[email protected]