Fanning the Flames of Prevention

(CSULA – UT) According to the National Fire Protection Association, on average per year, an estimated 750 structure fires in adult education institutions such as colleges and adult centers were reported during 2003-2006 years. Fire officials say it is important to have awareness programs and fire prevention measures to minimize the number of campus fires. Not only do campuses need these programs but schools need to get the students involved and somehow well-informed of these procedures. CSULA’s Public Safety department is responsible for fire prevention services at CSULA. The Department of Public Safety works to keep the campus a safe place for students, faculty and staff to study, work, teach, visit and reside. They are responsible for protecting this campus and the people on it from disasters. CSULA has an emergency notification system for which students can sign up to receive real-time text notifications in case of a campus emergency such as a fire.

Public Safety Department Chief Gregory King says, “It is our goal to provide a multifaceted safety and law enforcement program that results in a high level of confidence in our public safety endeavors.” The Department of Public Safety distributes emergency preparedness documents, such as emergency plans, operations and checklist that are available online. In addition to having these documents accessible to the public, teaching programs can be a more effective way for the students to gain knowledge on fire awareness and prevention as on other campuses.

The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) is a non-profit organization, which works to reduce campus fires across the nation. The CCFS encourages fire safety awareness among campuses by getting them involved in activities, such as fire forums, fire safety months and the Firewise Campus program. In this program safety professionals provide an instructor-led program in schools targeting fire safety and prevention measures. Some of members of the CCFS include the University of Arizona, University of California-Berkeley and California State University-Stanislaus. CSULA is currently not a member of the CCFS.