Essay/Term paper: Fire safety

Essay, term paper, research paper:  College Essays

Fire Safety Essay



After a recent fire at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ killed three students who did not respond to what they thought was a false alarm, officials at Oswego State University are being especially careful when it comes to the issue of fire safety. This semester there is a new policy regarding the confiscation of items considered being hazardous. The policy states that any items that are found and have the potential to cause a fire, such as candles, incense, and certain appliances like microwaves, and sandwich makers, will be confiscated and not returned to the students they were taken from. Under the old policy students were able to get the items back at the end of the year. Around 200 candles were taken from students in Onondaga Hall alone last year.

According to the Oswego Fire Department, the dorms are built compartmentalized, which means that if the door to a room in which there is a fire is shut, the fire will be somewhat contained. This procedure will help the fire from spreading rapidly. The doors to all rooms are fire resistant. Although these safety features help increase





students' chances of survival in the case of a tragedy, they cannot be relied on as the only life-saving precaution. In order to guarantee everyone's safety, students need to be aware of their own roles in regard to fire safety regulations. Smoking, possession of candles, and incense are serious causes of fires and students need to obey the rules.

Another hazardous practice that most students living in dorm rooms need to pay attention for is plugging several cords into one multi-outlet that allows several cords to be plugged into at once. Modifying this practice will heavily decrease the chances of a fire occurring as a result.

In the event of a real fire, the most important thing students can do is to keep the exit doors to stairways and escape routes closed. Although many students believe that keeping the doors open will help others escape, is the worst thing they can do, because it helps the fire spread where if you close the fire-resistant door will help contain it.

In 1998 there five occurrences in which a student pulled the fire alarm as a prank. Students should turn in anyone who, to their knowledge, has pulled a false alarm. These people, are endangering the lives of everyone they live with. Although some students tend to sleep through alarms involuntarily. For the students who purposely ignore



them, it is not the job of their resident advisors to check the rooms for those left inside. For students who are either hearing impaired or heavy sleepers there are strobe lights available for their alarms.

Residence Hall Fire Safety is a serious issue because of the population and potential for injury and loss that could occur as a result of a fire. In Oswego State University there are fire safety rules in which every student is expected to know and follow. Each residence hall conducts periodic fire drills so that residents can learn the proper evacuation procedures and escape routes. Failure to do so is a violation of residence hall rules and can result in disciplinary action. The procedures and routes are posted on the inside of each door in resident hall rooms and throughout the building. All students should know the location of all the exits on their floor and how to reach them in case of darkness.

Every hall is equipped with heat and smoke sensors, fire extinguishers and fire alarms. When a student moves into a residence hall they should familiarize themselves with the location of this equipment. Tampering with any of the fire protection equipment is prohibited. Intentional activation of alarm systems for any reason other than to report a fire is strictly prohibited.

Furniture , decorations and other items which increase the flammability of the residents room may be prohibited at the discretion of the residence hall staff. Excess amounts of wall decorations can promote rapid flame spread in the event of a fire. Fishnets, parachutes or tapestries, hanging from the ceiling is strictly prohibited.

Resident hall staff inspect all dorm rooms with prior notice at least once each semester. In doing this residents are advised of any hazards and are told what they can do to fix the problem.

Oswego University offers a variety of opportunities and resources for students to learn about fire prevention. Students should educate themselves about their personal fire safety needs. Fire safety discussions are a part of meetings conducted by residence hall staff.

Some of the main things to do during a fire are to first notify the fire department by pulling the fire alarm. Next if it is a little fire you may try to fight it by using a fire extinguisher. When the alarm is sounded students should put shoes and appropriate clothing and evacuate the building. Then close all windows, check room door, if it is



hot call #5555 and tell public safety that you are trapped and cannot leave your room. Another main point is to not use the elevators. Vacate the building using the safest route. Then remain outside until told otherwise.

I understand that I broke the law and broke the Oswego laws of fire safety and I could have been punished much more severe, and I appreciate your lenience towards my actions. When I talked to Mr. Henderson he told me that the rules are in my student handbook and I should read them. So, indeed I did and learned the laws of fire safety. I have learned the laws and how important they are and I will abide and go along with the rules and regulations of Oswego. I have learned my lesson of fire safety and have come to realize how important it is to follow rules with a school the size of Oswego. I have learned my lesson and will do my best to set an example for my fellow students. I am giving my final apology and thank you for guiding me in the right direction.