By Ed Comeau
Georgia, Wisconsin and Illinois are the first three states to issue proclamations forNational Campus Fire Safety Month in 2014.
In the 10 years of the program, there have been 267 proclamations issued, plus resolutions in the United States Senate and House of Representatives and this has helped in raising awareness about the importance of fire safety on our nation’s campuses
Since 2000, there has been a definite downward trend to campus-related fire deaths since its peak in 2006-2007 with 20 fatalities. Off-campus housing is still the greatest risk where 87% of the fire deaths happen. The last fatal fire in a fraternity was 2006 and the last residence hall fire death occurred in 2005, a testimony to the strong efforts being made by schools and communities across the country. More detailed information on campus-related fires including a map, spreadsheet and firelog is available online.
There is more information online about the National Campus Fire Safety Month campaign, including the letter co-signed by parents who have lost children in campus fires that was sent to the nation’s governors and the list of states that have issued proclamations over the years .
Information on campus fire safety is available from Campus Firewatch, including a Campus Firewatch Information Sheet, a map showing the locations and details of campus-related fires since 2000 as well as educational material, including the video documentary 9 Fires.
Campus Firewatch is a social enterprise focusing on campus fire safety that was started in 2000. For more information, visit our website at HUwww.campus-firewatch.comUH.
