## COllege 

## fire 

## safety 

## forum

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.0in" height="4.0in"}

### Final Report

## 

United States Fire Administration

National Fire Protection Association

## Table of CONTENTS

##  Page

Introduction 2

1.  Overview of the Problem 3

2.  Findings/Conclusions

    1.  Matrix 7

    2.  Audiences 8

    3.  Use of existing programs (video tapes) 9

    4.  Clearinghouse 9

    5.  Tools 10

    6.  Fixed protection 11

    7.  Financial Impact 11

    8.  Location of the problem 12

    9.  Alcohol 13

    10. Umbrella organization 14

    11. Networking 14

    12. Future meetings 15

    13. Partnerships 15

    14. Campaigns 16

    15. Internet 17

    16. Marketing 17

3.  Suggested Future Activities

    1.  Umbrella organization 19

    2.  Develop a toolbox 19

    3.  Develop a networking mechanism 19

4.  Conclusion 20

Appendix A List of participants 21

Appendix B Program Agenda 24

Appendix C List of related organizations 26

Appendix D List of Internet resources 32

Appendix E Forum handout material 34

## Introduction

A cooperative agreement was drawn up between the United States Fire
Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) to look at the issue of fire safety at colleges and universities.
A forum was held at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts, on
August 25 and 26. The participants represented a variety of different
disciplines and included fire chiefs, college administration, college
fire safety specialists, insurance and the Greek system as well as USFA
and NFPA. (A list of participants is included as Appendix A of this
report).

To stimulate discussion, the participants devoted the first part of the
forum to presentations. Following these presentations, the remainder of
the forum focused on identifying what actions are needed to improve the
level of fire safety across the country in academic institutions, what
materials are needed, and how to implement fire safety programs.

**Project Officer Tom Minnich, USFA**

**Project Manager John Hall, NFPA**

**Moderator Meri-K Appy, NFPA**

**Coordinator and report author Ed Comeau, writer-tech.com**

## 1.0 Overview of the problem

According to statistics from the U.S Department of Education, there will
be a record number of students enrolling in colleges and universities.
Approximately 14.9 million students will enroll for the 1999 fall
semester, which is up from 14.6 million in 1998, and is a 10 per cent
increase over the past decade.[^1]

Because of these record numbers, several attendees stressed that college
administrators are going to be challenged to find housing for all of
these students. For example, rooms that once housed two students may now
house three or more, or lounges may be turned into dormitory rooms. This
is going to create a challenge in ensuring that adequate levels of
safety are maintained.

Annually, there are approximately 1,700 documented fires in college
dormitories, classroom buildings and fraternities and sororities. Within
the dormitories, the number one cause of fires is arson or suspected
arson, which accounts for 1/6 of the fires. Arson is considered a "young
person's" crime because over half of those arrested for arson in all
kinds of properties are under the age of 18 and most are male. Motives
for the juvenile arsons include peer pressure, a cry for help, and
struggling with the pressures of the environment. All of these
conditions can exist in a college environment where young people often
encounter more pressure than they have ever experienced.

The second leading cause of college building fires is cooking, while the
third leading cause is smoking. In comparison, smoking is the number one
cause of fatal fires in society, in general. While the problem of
candles in dormitories, fraternities and sororities was not broken out,
it is a major cause of campus fires. Also, the overall problem of candle
fires is rising nationwide.

In college housing, 2/3 of the fires have flame damage limited to the
object in origin. In other words, these fires are relatively small,
compared to those seen in structure fires in general. This could explain
why there aren't more fatalities in these occupancies since there are a
lot of fires that either self-extinguish or are suppressed before
reaching full-room involvement

Over 90% of the campus building fires reported to fire departments
occurred in buildings where there were smoke alarms present. However,
only 27% had sprinklers present. (NOTE: The statistics indicate only
that smoke alarms were present. They do not indicate if they were
operating at the time of the fire.)

An interesting note is that 25% of the college housing fires are
occurring in high-rise dormitory buildings.[^2]

One of the participants noted that he feels there is an under-reporting
of fires on campus because the colleges will frequently investigate the
incident and not call the fire department if it is not a significant
fire. It was noted that the same problem exists in all properties and
has been documented in hospitals.

One of the points that emerged during the program on the first day is
that many participants believe that the larger area of concern is in
off-campus housing (apartments, fraternities and sororities). In many
communities, these are not under the control of the institution. These
facilities are not as regulated as the campus housing facilities, which
means the risk to the students living in them is probably greater.
Furthermore, since fires that occur in these facilities are not
identified in the statistics as being linked to the academic
institutions, there is an underreporting of fires involving students
that misses the most critical properties.

Another participant spoke of the need to have a well thought-out plan of
action for responding to a fire and its aftermath from the
administration's point of view. For a smaller college or one that might
be operating on a financial brink, a serious fire could easily cause
them to close their doors. Administrators should have a plan that
involves functions such as immediately communicating with the students
and parents, providing for housing, arranging to immediately replace
lost textbooks and other supplies, and other logistical concerns. This
will help to ensure that the students' education can continue with
minimum interruption and avoid having them leave the institution, which
could have a serious immediate financial impact and a long-term effect
on image and visibility.

A number of institutions are doing very effective jobs of providing a
fire-safe environment for the students. These efforts, however, are very
much focused on the local level and use material developed specifically
at and for the institution. In some cases they are using existing
programs, videos, etc., but this material was not prepared for the
academic environment and is often not directly applicable to the
situations that these educators encounter.

There are two products just released that will help to fill this void.
Both were developed under contracts with the USFA and were shown at the
forum.

The first is a video called "Get Out and Stay Alive" that was developed
by the Eau Claire (Wisconsin) Fire Department. It is targeted towards
students and carries a number of important fire safety messages, as well
as testimonials from parents who have lost children in fires at colleges
and universities. This video is packaged with a brochure and a
facilitator's guide. (The brochure can be downloaded from the USFA web
site at <http://www.usfa.fema.gov/about/press/99-184.htm>).

The second is a video called "Ready to Respond." This tape was developed
by the University of Maryland and is directed towards administrators. It
explains the value of a multi-pronged approach to fire safety involving
fixed suppression and detection, coupled with fire prevention and
occupant training.

Both of the videos were released in August and were sent to a broad
audience of college administrators, fire departments, state fire
marshals and Greek organizations.

## 2.0 Findings/Conclusions

Based on the participant's presentations and the subsequent discussions,
the following findings/conclusions emerged from the forum.

**2.1 Matrix**

An overall matrix, tying much of the following discussion together, was
developed during the forum.

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # Concept                         | # Product                         |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Champion coalition (build a local | -   Model strategy (how have      |
| team to get the job done)         |     coalitions worked elsewhere)  |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Toolboxes built around USFA       | -   Model components (for toolbox |
| videos                            |     elements)                     |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Reinforce (explain how to     | -   Clearinghouse                 |
|     best use the videos)          |                                   |
|                                   | -   Customization methods (how to |
| -   Follow-up (evaluate and       |     customize to local needs)     |
|     re-train)                     |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Customize (adapt to local     |                                   |
|     needs)                        |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Delivery strategies               | -   List of ideas                 |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Media                         | -   Experiences and evaluations   |
|                                   |     (what works and how well)     |
| -   Meetings (e.g., orientation)  |                                   |
|                                   | -   Clearinghouse                 |
| -   Mentors (e.g., parents,       |                                   |
|     alumni)                       |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Information on problem (making    | -   Analysis (valid statistics)   |
| the case that action is needed)   |                                   |
|                                   | -   Anecdotal information (vivid  |
|                                   |     examples)                     |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

## 2.2 Audiences

There are several specific target audiences that could have an impact
upon fire safety that were identified as a result of the discussions:

-   Students

    -   On campus

        -   Dormitories

        -   Fraternities/Sororities (under control of the institution)

    -   Off campus

        -   Fraternities

        -   Sororities

        -   Off-campus housing (apartments, etc.)

-   Parents of college students

-   Administrators

-   Property owners

-   Fire service

Some interesting discussion arose regarding two of the audiences-the
students and the parents.

While much of the current fire safety efforts have been directed towards
the students once they arrive at the university or college, some locales
are starting to reach out to the seniors in high school and give them
the college fire safety message. By doing so, these organizations have
already "primed" the students for reinforcement of the message once they
arrive at school as freshman.

The parents are a group that everyone felt has been overlooked. By
developing messages targeted towards this group, colleges can help
parents to make more informed decisions regarding fire safe housing.
Also, if groups of informed parents were inquiring about the fire safety
of the institution, this would place pressure on the institutions to
ensure that they do have a fire-safe environment.

Each of the nine audiences listed above has unique needs/demands that
cannot be universally met with a "one size fits all" approach, so a
"toolbox" concept (which is covered later in this report) was felt to be
the best method of reaching out to the various audiences.

**2.3 Use of existing programs (video tapes)**

The two videotapes developed under grants from USFA (*Get Out and Stay
Alive* and *Ready to Respond*) should be included as part of an
aggressive fire safety program. Efforts should be made to ensure that
both of these tapes are placed directly into the hands of the
individuals at the institutions who can best make use of them.

The group suggested that one avenue to do this is to ensure that the
local fire chiefs are made aware of the tapes. These individuals often
know who, at the college or institution in their jurisdiction, are the
proper people to use the tapes during student orientation or who, in the
administration, would be most receptive to the messages in *Ready to
Respond*.

**2.4 Clearinghouse**

There is a need to create a mechanism to centralize much of the
information that currently exists and to allow for the sharing of
information among practitioners. The information could include existing
programs, statistics, model ordinances and anecdotal stories. This could
possibly be a "virtual" clearinghouse located on the Internet. By having
such a clearinghouse available, campus fire safety professionals would
be able to build on the successes of others in developing programs. This
would also allow them to be more responsive by having valuable
information such as statistics, ordinances or anecdotal information,
when an incident should happen, either within their jurisdiction or
elsewhere.

**2.5 Tools**

The colleges and universities across the country have different needs
when it comes to fire protection. Some have sprinklered properties, some
have control over their fraternities and sororities, and others have
some distance to go in making fire safety changes. Because of these
differences, coupled with issues such as staffing for fire safety
personnel, jurisdictional issues, etc., it is difficult to prescribe a
"one size fits all" nation-wide solution to a local problem.

The consensus of the group was that there is a need for a "toolbox"
approach to the problem that the fire safety personnel at an institution
could use and apply to their local needs. This toolbox would include:

-   The two videos *Get Out and Stay Alive* and *Ready to Respond*

-   Print, audio and video public safety announcements (PSAs)

-   Sample ordinances that an authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) can
    use to implement fire safety measures. These would be especially
    helpful to have in-hand following an incident.

-   Contact lists of other practitioners who can provide guidance or
    suggestions

-   A list of questions for parents to ask colleges and universities
    regarding fire safety when they are visiting campuses or selecting a
    school for their child to attend.

One feature of this toolbox is that it should be "customizable" so that
the local AHJ or college can modify it (without changing the basic
messages) to fit their local needs.

Possible methods for getting this information to the target audiences
could include campus radio and television stations, MTV or similar
programs/channels, newspapers, brochures and the Internet.

## 2.6 Fixed protection

A number of the attendees are working on getting the campus housing,
fraternities and sororities sprinklered, but with varying degrees of
success. In some cases, ordinances have been pushed through following a
tragic event. It was stressed that it is important to have a plan in
place to start moving on such an initiative quickly, because
institutional memory is short. For example, even in the few years since
a tragic fraternity fire at the University of North Carolina killed five
students, the fire marshal reported that she is receiving resistance in
implementing fire safety changes.

## 2.7 Financial Impact

A fire occurring at a college or university can have ramifications
beyond the immediate loss of life or property damage. Longer-term
impacts can include

-   Students dropping out of the current semester because of the trauma
    of the fire.

-   Students (or parents) demanding tuition reimbursements because the
    student was not able to complete their studies or perform at their
    expected level.

-   Reduced future enrollments because of the negative image created by
    a fatal or serious fire.

-   Loss of research capabilities or funding if the fire occurs in an
    academic building.

For some institutions, which may be operating on a financial brink
already, a fire may be enough to force them to close their doors.

**2.8 Location of the problem**

While the potential for significant loss of life exists in the campus
environment, this is not the location where the greatest loss of life is
occurring. NFPA statistics show the actual loss of life is extremely
low, both as a share of the total U.S. fire deaths and relative to their
populations. Within the campus environment, loss of life is greater in
residential facilities than in other campus buildings, and within campus
housing, the greater loss of life occurs in fraternity housing.

There were several reasons for this last point offered by the
participants. One is that, typically, dormitories are more under the
control of the university, and, therefore, are more likely to meet some
level of fire safety and, in particularly, to have fixed fire protection
systems installed. Furthermore, the students and resident advisors
usually receive fire safety training or orientation (but to a varying
degree from locale to locale.)

Fraternity properties, on the other hand, are more often not under
control of the university, but instead belong to the individual
fraternal organization. Some use a property manager to maintain the
property, while others do not. Enforcement of local codes falls to the
local AHJ. These problems, coupled with issues such as poor maintenance
of housekeeping and more frequent risky behavior, contribute to the
higher risk of fire death seen in fraternities.

The contrast between the fire risk in sororities and fraternities was
highlighted by one of the participants. Sororities tend to have better
housekeeping, the women focus on the appearance of the house as a
recruitment asset, and there is a very active involvement of the alumnae
in the sorority's leadership. A downside of this successful
property-loss track record is that it is not possible for an insurance
carrier to offer a significant insurance break for sprinklering a
property because the property insurance rate is already very low,
reflecting a low loss history.

The subject of off-campus housing in apartments (and similar properties)
was discussed several times during the forum. It is the opinion of
several of the participants with fire experience in college communities
that the fire problem involving students living in off-campus housing is
serious and because fire incident reports do not record the campus
connection, under-reported. A fire that occurs in an apartment occupied
by students is not reported as a college-related incident.

These students are some of the hardest ones to reach with a fire safety
message, too. Students living in dormitories are relatively accessible
and must go through some type of mandatory orientation. Students living
in Greek housing are also accessible, although possibly to a lesser
degree. Those in off-campus housing, however, lack the same channels of
communication and training, and so are extremely difficult to reach
effectively with fire-safety messages.

One strategy that was suggested in this area is working with the
property owners to ensure that they have properties that meet (or
exceed) minimum fire safety requirements, and then encouraging them to
use this as a marketing tool. It was also suggested that it might be
possible to require students to watch the *Get Out and Stay Alive* video
as part of the lease-signing process.

## 2.9 Alcohol

Nationwide, there is a link between fires and the use of alcohol.
Alcohol consumption on campuses has been receiving significant attention
lately, and many institutions are undertaking steps to reduce
consumption by the students. Greek organizations are also taking steps
in this direction by declaring that their houses will be alcohol-free.
The National Panhellenic Council has agreed that their women's groups
will not participate in events involving alcohol after the year 2001.

By encouraging this movement, and associating fire safety with alcohol
consumption, it may be possible to reduce the fire losses on and off
campus.

## 2.10 Umbrella Organization

Right now, much of the networking that is going on between college fire
safety professionals is on an informal basis. There are some
organizations, such as the New England College and University Fire
Safety Officers Organization (get correct name from Sawyer) and an ad
hoc group of fire chiefs that meet at the International Association of
Fire Chiefs annual meeting. However, there is no nation-wide, umbrella
organization that is bringing people together on a formal, structured
basis.

The group felt that this would be an invaluable resource to have
available. This would allow them to share ideas, ask questions of their
counterparts, avoid repeating mistakes that other have made, and work on
successes that others have experienced.

## 2.11 Networking

One of the greatest benefits of any organization or meeting is the
networking with peers that develops. Right now, for the most part, those
involved in campus fire safety are communicating with each other on an
informal basis. The participants believed that it would be invaluable if
they could not only keep in touch with one another, but if the
networking group of people involved in campus fire safety could be
expanded.

It was agreed that the first step in this networking was the
continuation of the web site and the list serv that were created for
organizing the forum. However, neither of these was set up with a focus
on continued use beyond the forum. It was decided to observe how much
use was made of these communications tools and then determine if they
should be expanded in the future.

Information that the group felt would be valuable to share would
include:

-   Success stories, such as a fire controlled through sprinkler
    activation, for example.

-   Tragedies

-   New resources that become available and may not be widely known to
    the campus fire safety community.

-   Upcoming events of interest.

-   Statistics relating specifically to campus fire safety that would be
    of use to the group in furthering the cause within their
    jurisdiction.

#### 2.12 Future meetings

There is also a need for opportunities for this group, and other
like-minded individuals, to come together on a regular basis to further
the exchange of ideas. At this time there are no common conferences or
meetings that are universally attended by everyone where such meetings
could be held. Therefore, if there were to be future meetings they would
have to follow the model of this forum. Several attendees, however, did
state that they would be willing to fund their own travel to attend such
meetings. Developing a mechanism to make such meetings a reality in the
future would be an invaluable asset to campus fire safety professionals.

**2.13 Partnerships**

Along with networking, it was felt that there are organizations where
partnering efforts would be effective in helping to "spread the word."
By joining with other organizations, it might be possible to enlist
their assistance and reach out to audiences that are not normally
reached through traditional campus fire safety efforts, such as parents
or off-campus students.

These organizations could include the national fraternal and Panhellenic
organizations, traditional fire safety groups, college administrator
professional organizations, and others. These groups should be
identified with the goal of either involving them in a coalition or
using them as a conduit to spread the fire safety message to their
constituency. (A list of possible groups is included in this report in
Appendix C.)

Many Greek chapters embrace a charitable cause for their members to work
on throughout the year. If chapters are encouraged to participate in
fire safety programs in the community, a higher level of fire safety
awareness within the chapter will be a probable result. Indirectly,
chapter members will learn fire-safe behaviors and practices as they
provide a valuable community contribution.

Greek organizations could also serve as a conduit by using their various
leadership and educational programs they offer for their members.

## 2.14 Campaigns

Discussion was held regarding the possibility of a national campaign,
similar to Fire Prevention Week, focused upon college/university fire
safety. This campaign (be it a day or a week long event) would use
material developed for the toolbox that could be applied by the
individual institution in a way that best suits its needs.

The timing on this campaign would have to be flexible because of the
different operating schedules of many schools. The beginning of the fall
semester was identified as the best time to reach the students with this
fire safety message because the students are new to the environment and
are the most receptive to receiving new information.

**2.15 Internet**

The Internet received special mention throughout the forum. Not only was
it recognized as a communication medium, but also there was discussion
of using it to deliver information to the target audiences. Some
organizations, such as insurance companies and national fraternities,
have a nationwide audience that they need to reach. Fire safety
information could be placed on the Internet for students to download or
read. However, to ensure that the information is being read, it would be
useful to also have the students take on-line quizzes to reinforce the
information. The Internet could be an extremely effective (and
cost-effective) method of reaching out to a wide and diverse target
audience (on and off campus, fraternity and sorority).

**2.16 Marketing**

One way of getting administration "buy in" into fire safety is to pose
it as a marketing tool to attract students and parents to their
institution, as is being done very successfully by one of the
institutions at the forum. When prospective students and their parents
tour the campus, the fire safety features of the dormitories are
emphasized. The parents are encouraged to compare these features with
other schools that they might be visiting. In an environment where the
schools are competing aggressively for students, this has become a
potent weapon.

This could be tied into the trend that seems to be emerging related to
crime activities at academic institutions. Colleges and universities are
now required to provide statistics on crime within their institutions.
By emphasizing their fire safe environment this can help position the
school as a safe environment for parents to send their children.

Furthermore, students are being held more responsible for their
activities, both on and off campus. This is evident in the recent trend
that some institutions are embracing of notifying parents whenever the
student is involved in an alcohol-related incident. This "social
norming" is an effort to ensure that the students are aware of what is
considered acceptable behavior and then being held responsible for their
behavior and the consequences. This could also be extended to include
proper fire safety behavior.

## 3.0 Suggested future activities

A number of important ideas were brought out as a result of the
presentations and discussions during the forum. While the objective of
the forum was not to develop a specific list of action items that should
be undertaken, there were three specific items that the group agreed
would be worthwhile endeavors.

> **3.1 Umbrella organization** There is a need for an umbrella
> organization to be developed that could serve as a clearinghouse for
> information and coordination. There is a need for someone to assume a
> leadership role in this area and to start drawing together all of the
> necessary resources, information and organizations. There are a number
> of different organizations either involved in campus fire safety, or
> that could serve as valuable partners in promoting campus fire safety
> (a partial list of such organizations is included as Appendix C.)
>
> **3.2 Develop a toolbox** This could be done in incremental stages and
> could incorporate existing material, such as *Get Out and Stay Alive*
> and *Ready to Respond*. Again, someone needs to step forward and
> assume a leadership role in developing this toolbox.
>
> **3.3 Develop a networking mechanism** Mechanisms could include email,
> list servs, web sites, regular meetings/forums. There are several
> informal, ad hoc mechanisms in place right now, but a more formalized
> system is needed.

**4.0 CONCLUSION**

There are some unique challenges faced by those responsible for campus
fire safety. These include a large population coupled with an
environment that poses a variety of construction types and occupancies.
Because of the complexity of the problems faced, it is difficult to
develop a uniform solution that will meet everyone's needs across the
nation.

There is already a significant amount of information in existence that
could be either broadly used, or would be effective in other locations.
However, currently there is no structured mechanism to facilitate any
information exchange. This forum is a major step in bringing together
these people working to provide a fire safe environment and create a
strong, collaborative effort that will reduce the impact of fire in
higher education facilities across the country.

## APPENDIX A

**List of participants (in alphabetical order)**

# Appy, Meri-K

Vice President

NFPA

One Batterymarch Park

Quincy, MA 02269

1-617-984-7288 (tel)

1-617-770-0200 (fax)

<mappy@nfpa.org>

www.nfpa.org

# Barr, Richard

Major/Fire Marshal

Lawrence-Douglas Fire and Rescue

746 Kentucky Street

Lawrence, KS 66044

1-785-832-7604 (tel)

1-785-832-3040 (fax)

<rbarr@ci.lawrence.ks.us>

# Comeau, Ed

writer-tech.com

196 Franklin Street

Belchertown, MA 01007

1-413-323-6002 (tel)

1-413-323-5295 (fax)

<ecomeau@writer-tech.com>

www.writer-tech.com

# Corcoran, Jeff

Captain/Manager of Technical Services

University of Cincinnati

Three Edwards Center

PO 210215

51 W. Corry Street

Cincinnati, OH 45221

1-513-556-4900 (tel)

1-513-556-4940 (fax)

<jeff.corcoran@uc.edu>

www.uc.edu/pubsafety/techserv

# Donner, Larry

Chief

Boulder Fire Department

1805 33rd Street

Boulder, CO 80301

\(303\) 441-3357 (tel)

\(301\) 441-4350 (fax)

<ldonner@ix.netcom.com>

www.ci.boulder.co.us/fire/

# Duval, Robert

Fire Investigator

NFPA

One Batterymarch Park

Quincy, MA 02269

1-617-984-7476 (tel)

1-617-984-7110 (fax)

<rduval@nfpa.org>

www.nfpa.org

# Fuerbringer, Bruce

Assistant Chief

Eau Claire Fire Department

216 South Dewey Street

Eau Claire, WI 54701

1-715-839-5024 (tel)

1-715-839-1696 (fax)

bafuerbr@ci.eau-claire.wi.us

**Hall, John**

Assistant Vice President

NFPA

One Batterymarch Park

Quincy, MA 02269

1-617-984-7460 (tel)

1-617-984-7478 (fax)

<jhall@nfpa.org>

www.nfpa.org

# Hoyle, Keith

Chief

Amherst Fire Department

PO Box 654

Amherst, MA 01004

1-413-256-4082 (tel)

1-413-256-4087 (fax)

# Maruskin, Larry

Fire Prevention Specialist

USFA

16825 South Seton Ave.

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

\(301\) 447-1141 (tel)

\(301\) 447-1213 (fax)

<larry.maruskin@fema.gov>

www.usfa.fema.gov

# Mellon, Cap

Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal

Chapel Hill Fire Department

302 N. Columbia Street

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

1-919-969-2006 (tel)

1-919-932-2956 (fax)

<cmellon@town.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us>

# Minnich, Tom

Branch Chief

16825 South Seton Ave.

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

1-301-447-1200 (tel)

1-301-447-1102 (fax)

<tom.minnich@fema.gov>

# Mowrer, Fred

Associate Professor

Department of Fire Protection Engineering

University of Maryland

College Park, MD 20742

1-301-405-3994 (tel)

1-301-405-9383 (fax)

<fmowrer@eng.umd.edu>

# Pinciaro, Joe

Safety Officer

MIT

77 Massachusetts Avenue

Building E19-207

Cambridge, MA 02139

1-617-253-9494 (tel)

1-617-258-9638 (fax)

<pinciaro@mit.edu>

www.mit.edu

# Rooney, Paula

President

Dean College

99 Main Street

Franklin, MA 02038

1-508-541-1658 (tel)

1-508-541-1924 (fax)

<prooney@dean.edu>

www.dean.edu

# Sactor, Alan

Fire Marshal

Department of Environmental Safety

University of Maryland

College Park, MD 20742

1-301-405-3970 (tel)

1-301-314-9294 (fax)

<asactor@accmail.umd.edu>

www.inform.umd.edu/CampusInfo/Departments/EnvirSafety/fire.html

**Stellhorn, Cindy**

Vice President

MJ Insurance

PO Box 50435

Indianapolis, IN 46250

1-888-442-7470 (tel)

1-317-580-2968 (fax)

<cindy_Stellhorn@mjinsurance.com>

# Swain, Mike

Fire Safety Officer

Environmental Health and Safety

Morrill Science Center

University of Massachusetts

Amherst, MA 01003

1-413-545-2682 (tel)

1-413-545-2600 (fax)

<mjswain@uhs.umass.edu>

www-unix.oit.umass.edu/\~safety/

#  Zizzo, Steve

Associate Executive Vice President

NIC

3901 West 86^th^ Street

Suite 390

Indianapolis, IN 46268

1-317-872-1112 (tel)

1-317-872-1134 (fax)

<steve@nicindy.org>

[www.nicindy.org/](http://www.nicindy.org/)

**APPENDIX B**

**Program Agenda**

Wednesday, August 25, 1999

## Welcome/Introductions *Meri-K Appy*

## Review program agenda *Meri-K Appy*

## Definition of the problem *John Hall*

## Review of existing programs

> **USFA Initiatives *Tom Minnich***
>
> **NFPA Fire Investigations Duval**
>
> **BREAK**

**Dean College Dormitory Fires *Paula Rooney/Keith Hoyle***

> **Video Tape Program for Administrators *Fred Mowrer***
>
> **Boulder, Colorado *Larry Donner***
>
> **Get Out and Stay Out *Bruce Fuerbringer***
>
> **University of Massachusetts *Michael Swain***

##### LUNCH 

> **MIT *Joe Pinciaro***
>
> **University of Maryland *Alan Sactor***
>
> **Lawrence, Kansas *Richard Barr***
>
> **Chapel Hill, NC *Cap Mellon***
>
> **University of Cincinnati *Jeff Corcoran***
>
> **BREAK**
>
> **Sorority Insurance/Risk Management *Cindy Stellhorn***
>
> **Fraternity Risk Management Programs *Steve Zizzo***

### **Open Sessions**

> **Academic/support facility issues**
>
> **Shortcomings in existing programs**

### **Adjourn** 

#### Thursday, August 26, 1999

### **Future Program Needs**

### **Development of Future Programs**

### **Delivery mechanisms**

### **Networking Methods**

### **Allied Organizations**

### **The Future**

### **Adjourn**

## Appendix C

## List of related organizations

The following is a list of organizations that were identified as either
involved in campus fire safety, or might serve as partner organizations
in promoting a fire safe campus environment. (NOTE: The annotations for
each organization were taken from their web sites.)

**United States Fire Administration**

16825 S. Seton Ave.

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

301-447-1000 (tel)

[www.usfa.fema.gov](http://www.usfa.fema.gov/) (web site)

> As an entity of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission
> of the United States Fire Administration is to reduce life and
> economic losses due to fire and related emergencies, through
> leadership, advocacy, coordination and support. We serve the Nation
> independently, in coordination with other Federal agencies, and in
> partnership with fire protection and emergency service communities.
> With a commitment to excellence, we provide public education,
> training, technology and data initiatives.

## National Fire Protection Association

1 Batterymarch Park

Quincy, MA 02269

\(617\) 770-3000 (tel)

<webmaster@nfpa.org> (web site)

[www.nfpa.org](http://www.nfpa.org/)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), headquartered in
Quincy, Massachusetts, USA, is an international, nonprofit, membership
organization founded in 1896 to protect people, their property and the
environment from destructive fire.  In more than 100 years of advocacy,
NFPA has established its role as the leading worldwide advisor on the
topics of fire safety and protection.  More than 65,000 strong, NFPA\'s
membership represents nearly 100 nations and is open to all individuals
interested in promoting a safer world.

## Association of College and University Housing Officers-International

Riverwatch Tower

364 West Lane Ave, Suite C

Columbus, OH 43201

\(614\) 292-0099 (tel)

\(614\) 292-3205 (fax)

<osuacuho@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu> (email)

[www.acuho.ohio-state.edu/](http://www.acuho.ohio-state.edu/) (web site)

> In response to an unprecedented rise in college enrollment after World
> War II, and the subsequent concerns of housing and feeding this
> growing student population, the Association of College and University
> Housing Officers was officially organized in 1951-52. In 1980, the
> \"I\" was added to the ACUHO name, indicating the membership\'s
> commitment to international expansion. Today, ACUHO-I boasts a
> membership of over 5,800 individuals, from to over 900 colleges and
> universities, serving 1.8 million students worldwide, and over 165
> companies.

#### 

#### Association of Fraternity Advisors, Inc. (AFA) 3901 West 86^th^ Street

#### Suite 390

#### Indianapolis, IN 46268

#### (317) 876-4691 (tel) 

#### (317) 876-4692 (fax) 

#### [**afa29@idt.net**](mailto:afa29@idt.net) (email) 

[www.fraternityadvisors.org/](http://www.fraternityadvisors.org/) (web
site)

## The Association of Fraternity Advisors exists to support and stimulate persons who advise fraternities and sororities in higher education and to enhance the positive influence of the fraternity and sorority experience in student development by providing definition and recognition for the profession, encouraging research, establishing networks among related interests and creating forums for interaction and learning.

## 

**Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association
(CSHEMA)**

#### 1121 Spring Lake Drive 

#### Itasca, IL 60143 

#### 708-775-2026 (tel)

#### 708-285-1613 (fax)

#### [**ray_richards@ualberta.ca**](mailto:ray_richards@ualberta.ca) (email)

#### [**http://www.ualberta.ca/\~rrichard/cshema.html**](http://www.ualberta.ca/~rrichard/cshema.html) (web site)

The CSHEMA is a member organization of the National Safety Council and
is comprised of professionals working in safety, health and
environmental management within institutions of higher education. Its
officers are volunteers that have been appointed to carry on the
excellent work in this organization.

#### Center for the Study of the College Fraternity (CSCF) Indiana University Franklin Hall 206 Bloomington, IN 47405 (812) 855-1228 (tel) 

#### The CSCF encourages research and disseminates information about fraternities and sororities and their contributions to host institutions. 

## College Parents of America

700 13^th^ Street NW

Suite 950

Washington, DC 20005

202-661-2170 (tel)

202-661-2189 (fax)

<collegeparents@worldnet.att.net> (email)

[www.collegeparents.org/](http://www.collegeparents.org/) (web site)

College Parents of America (CPA) is the only national membership
association dedicated to helping parents prepare and put their children
through college easily, economically and safely. Today, college parents
represent an estimated 12 million households. An additional 24 million
households are currently saving and otherwise preparing children for
college. CPA is a resource, an advisor and an advocate working on behalf
of these millions of families.

**The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention**

55 Chapel Street

Newton, MA 02158-1060

\(800\) 676-1730 (tel)

\(617\) 979-5979 (fax)

HigherEdCtr@edc.org (email)

[www.edc.org/hec/](http://www.edc.org/hec/) (web site)

The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention is a
national resource center established by the U.S. Department of
Education. The Center\'s goal is to assist colleges and universities as
they work to change campus cultures, foster environments that promote
healthy lifestyles, and prevent student alcohol and other drug abuse.

## International Association of Fire Chiefs

4025 Fair Ridge Drive

Fairfax, VA 22033

\(703\) 273-0911 (tel)

\(703\) 273-9363 (fax)

<dirmic@iafc.org> (email)

[www.iafc.org](http://www.iafc.org/) (web site)

To provide leadership to career and volunteer chiefs, chief fire
officers and managers of Emergency Services Organizations throughout the
international community through vision, information, education, services
and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities.

## 

## National Association of Campus Activities

13 Harbison Way

Columbia, South Carolina 29212-3401

\(803\) 732-6222 (tel)

<aland@naca.org>

www.naca.org/

NACA is a member-based, not-for-profit association composed of colleges
and universities, talent firms and artists/performers, student
programmers and leaders, and professional campus activities staff. We
are a clearinghouse and catalyst for information, ideas and programs
promoting a variety of college and university activities, from
leadership development to student programming.

## National Fire Sprinkler Association

National Fire Sprinkler Association\
PO Box 1000

40 Jon Barrett Rd.\
Patterson, NY 12563

\(914\) 878-4200 (tel)

\(914\) 878-4215 (fax)

<info@nfsa.org> (email)

[www.nfsa.org/nfsahome.html](http://www.nfsa.org/nfsahome.html) (web
site)

> To create a market for the widespread acceptance of competently
> installed automatic fire sprinkler systems in both new and existing
> construction, from homes to high-rise.

#### National Panhellenic Conference

3901 W. 86^th^ Street

Suite 380

Indianapolis, IN 46268

\(317\) 872-3185 (tel)

<npccentral@aol.com> (email)

[www.greeklife.org/npc/](http://www.greeklife.org/npc/) (web site)

National Panhellenic Conference, founded in 1902, is an umbrella
organization for 26 inter/national women\'s fraternities and sororities.
Each member group is autonomous as a social, Greek-letter society of
college women and alumnae. Members are represented on over 620 college
and university campuses in the United States and Canada and in over
5,300 alumnae associations, making up over 3 million sorority women in
the world.

**National Safety Council**\
1121 Spring Lake Drive

Itasca, IL 60143-3201\
(630) 285-1121 (tel)

\(630\) 285-1315 (fax)

<webmaster@nsc.org> (email)

[www.nsc.org/](http://www.nsc.org/) (web site)

The mission of the National Safety Council is \"to educate and influence
society to adopt safety, health and environmental policies, practices
and procedures that prevent and mitigate human suffering and economic
losses arising from preventable causes.\"

#### New England College and University Fire Safety Officers

Joe Bouchard

Fairfield University

1073 North Benson Road

MCA Room 111

Fairfield, CT 06430

\(203\) 254-4000 x2546 (tel)

\(203\) 254-4239 (fax)

**The Chronicle of Higher Education**

1255 23rd Street, N.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20037.

\(202\) 466-1000 (tel)

\(202\) 452-1033 (fax)

[editor@chronicle.com.](mailto:editor@chronicle.com) (email)

<http://chronicle.merit.edu/> (web site)

> *The Chronicle of Higher Education* is the academic world\'s No. 1
> source of news and information.

#### University Risk Management and Insurance Association

Two Wisconsin Circle, Suite 1040\
Chevy Chase, MD 20815\
(301) 718-9711 (tel)\
(301) 907-4830 (fax)\
[URMIA@uimc.com](mailto:urmia@uimc.com) (email)

[www.urmia.org/](http://www.urmia.org/) (web site)

-   Provide higher education\'s forum for the exchange of risk,
    insurance and benefits information.

-   Encourage the use of common concepts and practices and the
    implementation of a risk and/or employee management program.

-   Provide opportunities for familiarizing members with current
    developments in related industries.

-   Develop and maintain interest in continuous improvement of the
    principles and practices of risk, insurance, and employee benefits
    management and corporate loss control in higher education.

-   Foster and maintain the pursuit of risk management functions as a
    profession with professional ideals and standards.

#### US Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW\
Washington, DC 20202-0498\
1-800-USA-LEARN (tel)\
<CustomerService@inet.ed.gov> (email)

[www.ed.gov/](http://www.ed.gov/) (web site)

#### Appendix D

#### Internet resources

#### 

#### The following is a list of some useful sites that were identified in the course of the forum. (NOTE: Some annotations were taken from the organization's web sites.)

#### 

**Get Out and Stay Alive**

[www.usfa.fema.gov/about/press/99-184.htm](http://www.usfa.fema.gov/about/press/99-184.htm)

This site contains the press release issued by USFA regarding the Get
Out and Stay Alive video. It also includes a link to allow users to
download the pamphlet for the video program.

**MIT Fire Safety Page**

[web.mit.edu/afs/athena.mit.edu/org/s/safety/fire/fire.html](http://web.mit.edu/afs/athena.mit.edu/org/s/safety/fire/fire.html)

> This site has information regarding the fire safety policies adopted
> by MIT.

**NFPA Material**

> *Fire Investigation Report Summaries*
>
> Berkeley Fraternity Fire
>
> [www.nfpa.org/research/summaries/berkeley.html](http://www.nfpa.org/research/summaries/berkeley.html)
>
> Chapel Hill Fraternity Fire
>
> [www.nfpa.org/research/summaries/chapel_hill.html](http://www.nfpa.org/research/summaries/chapel_hill.html)
>
> Franklin Dormitory Fire
>
> [www.nfpa.org/research/summaries/franklin.html](http://www.nfpa.org/research/summaries/franklin.html)
>
> *Chapel Hill Fraternity Fire Article*
>
> www.nfpa.org/Research/Fire_Investigation/Articles/Chapel_Hill_Fire/chapel_hill_fire.html

## 

## ResidentAssistant.com

[www.residentassistant.com/](http://www.residentassistant.com/)

A web site that has a number of resources available for RA's to use. It
includes programming ideas and has a free newsletter that is sent,
on-line, to subscribers.

## RESnet

[www.housing.ucf.edu/RESnet/index.htm](http://www.housing.ucf.edu/RESnet/index.htm)

RESnet was designed to share ideas in programming, newsletter fillers
and motivational tidbits. Many housing departments, and specifically
Resident Assistants or Advisors, feel alone in the struggle to increase
participation and provide exceptional programming for their residents.
This site proves that that is not the case. The programs are written so
that they might be replicated at any institution interested in improving
their programming efforts.

## StudentAffairs.com

[www.studentaffairs.com](http://www.studentaffairs.com/)

> Welcome to StudentAffairs.com, your guide to the Internet for college
> student affairs. We strive to be the first place you look when you
> need to find a student affairs related
> [website](http://www.studentaffairs.com/web/) or
> [listserv](http://www.studentaffairs.com/lists/).

## The National Residence Hall Association Index

[www.netsquirrel.com/rha/](http://www.netsquirrel.com/rha/)

> RHA Online is a collection of links to Residence Hall Association Web
> pages around the world.

## The Virtual Pamphlet

<http://uhs.bsd.uchicago.edu/scrs/vpc/vpc.html>

This web site, sponsored by the University of Chicago, is a collection
of virtual pamphlets on a number of issues being faced by college
students. (Fire is not one of the subjects listed.)

**University EH&S Sites**

[www.uky.edu/FiscalAffairs/Environmental/otherehs.html](http://www.uky.edu/FiscalAffairs/Environmental/otherehs.html)

> A listing of university Environmental Health and Safety web sites
> across the country.

**University of Maryland's fire safety site**

[www.inform.umd.edu/CampusInfo/Departments/EnvirSafety/fire.html](http://www.inform.umd.edu/CampusInfo/Departments/EnvirSafety/fire.html)

> This site contains information on the University of Maryland's fire
> safety program in dormitories and Greek occupancies as well as a fire
> safety screen saver.

**Appendix D**

**Handout material provided by participants during forum**

[^1]:
    ##  [A Back to School Special Report on the Baby Boom Echo, No End in Sight]{.underline}. August 19, 1999, U.S. Department of Education \<http://www.ed.gov/pubs/bbecho99/index.html\>.

[^2]: The general definition of a high-rise building is any structure
    over seven stories in height.