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. On campus, maintenance staff test and replace fire alarm batteries annually. Report any issues with exit lights and/or emergency lighting in the workplace to Physical Plant/Facilities.
- 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. If a fire extinguisher is used, get it replaced immediately.
Campus Fire Safety is crucial for both students and employees to ensure everyone’s safety. Here are some essential tips to prevent and respond to fire hazards on campus:
- Never ignore fire alarms. Get out and stay out when alarms sound. You may return to your building once an “all-clear” is given by the fire department.
- 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.
- Cook only in designated areas/where permitted, and make sure the area is clean and free of flammable materials. Never leave cooking unattended.
- Candles are not allowed on either campus.
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 not extension cords.
- Make sure all power strips are tested and approved by a laboratory such as UL.
Know how to get in touch with Life Safety/Security in the event of an emergency:
- At Saint John’s dial: (320) 363-2144
- At Saint Ben’s dial: (320) 363-5000
You may also contact the CSBSJU Safety Committee anytime at [email protected] with any general safety related questions or to report any safety concerns on either campus.