Fire and Life Safety Services (FLSS) took the University’s resident advisors (RAs) through a Fire Safety Academy ahead of the fall semester. During the day, participants rotated through stations where they learned important information and skills needed when it comes to fire safety.
“The goal of the Fire Safety Academy is to provide the RAs fire safety related information and responsibilities through a hands-on and interactive educational setting. They are then able to convey the fire safety information to their fellow students at their respective floor meetings,” says John Rossiter, manager of FLSS.
A resident advisor uses a fire extinguisher during Fire Safety Academy.
The stations consisted of learning about the history of FLSS and the actions it takes to prevent fires, walking through a smoke-filled hallway, using a fire extinguisher and best practices in the event of a fire.
The group ended the academy with a showcase of two mock residence hall rooms that had a fire break out. One of the rooms showed how the sprinkler system activates and gets control of the fire. The other room showed what happened in a room without a sprinkler system. At Syracuse University, every residence hall has a sprinkler system.
“Student Living, Fire and Life Safety and Syracuse Fire Department have been holding this training for a number of years. While I hope that our community never experiences a fire of any size, it is a reality we need to be prepared for, and education is the best measure to protect our communities,” says Mel Molsberry, assistant director of Student Living. “This collaboration allows our team to experience simulated aspects of a fire-related emergency and practice fire safety in a controlled and safe environment, which is a rare opportunity. Ultimately, this awareness serves our team members beyond their time at Syracuse University, and I feel it’s so important to recognize that.”
FLSS, with the help of Syracuse Fire, conducts a mock dormitory fire.
In addition to Student Living, Fire and Life Safety Services and the Syracuse Fire Department, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Syracuse University Facilities Services, ABJ Sprinkler and Parking and Transportation Services also assisted during the day.
