Off Campus Safety Letter

Dear Parent/Guardian/Concerned Party:

The decision of where your student will reside while attending college is very important and should not be taken lightly.  We are writing in the hopes that should your student be considering living off campus next year, or already resides in a private residence off campus, that you will be seriously attentive to fire and other safety initiatives in off campus residences.

The Center for Campus Fire Safety, a non-profit organization that compiles information on campus-related fires reports that almost 80% of the fire fatalities have occurred in off-campus occupancies such as rented houses and apartments. Common factors include:

Fayetteville State University and the Fayetteville Fire Department work collaboratively in order to assist students in learning the steps they can take to protect themselves, their friends and roommates from fire. Some important considerations for you and your student to be aware of include:

·         Encouraging fire-safe housing that includes automatic fire sprinklers; under the current North Carolina Fire Code, sprinklers are not required in residential units other than dormitories.

·         Installing interconnected smoke alarms on every level and ensuring that they are working at all times; battery back-up interconnected systems are required in buildings with three or more residential units.

·         Knowing two ways out, no matter where you are. A residence hall, your house or apartment, a restaurant or a movie theatre. The Fayetteville Fire Department, upon request will conduct educational programs to assist in the students understanding as to how they should react in the event of a fire.

·         If a smoke alarm is being activated unintentionally on a regular basis, such as by cooking or steam from a shower, request assistance from the responsible maintenance personnel.

·         Properly dispose of smoking material by using ashtrays. Refrain from dumping ashtrays in garbage cans located within the house. Using a metal receptacle outside and away from the house is safest.

·         After parties, check the cushions on couches and chairs to locate any smoldering cigarettes.

·         Learn how to use a fire extinguisher BEFORE it really becomes necessary; read and follow the manufacturer’s instruction on the use of these devices. Contact the Fayetteville Fire Department and they will answer any questions you may have on the proper use of fire extinguishers.

·         Avoid using extension cords and use all electrical appliances properly.


 

Parents/Guardians/Concerned Parties who have concerns regarding their student’s fire safety or the compliance of a residence where their student is residing are encouraged to contact the Fayetteville Fire Department at 910-433-1728.

Thank you for allowing us to share these important matters with you.  Be assured of our continuing concern for the safety of all our students.

Sincerely,