Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1926-09-22
FIRE SAFETY IN SCHOOLS.


A plea for the fire-safety of
schools is made bv State Fire Mar
shal c. l. Topping in the following
bulletin from his department. adj
dressed TO the school authorities and
teachers Of West Virginia.
The schools of West Virginia
opened last week, and every school
room is occupied BY the children Of
our State.
Those who are charged with the
responsibility of the care of these
children should be sure that every
thing has been done to insure their
safety. Be sure that every FIRE haz-
ard has been removed: that the heat
ing plant in each building is properly
installed and in correct repair: that
approved fire extinguishers have
been installed when and where
needed: that the installation of the
electrical wiring has been thoroughly
inspected and that same is in good
condition, and that exits and fire
escapes are in proper shape.
Al large per cent of all accidental
deaths in this country result from
hre. Each year some of our school
houses in West Virginia burn. Don't
let 1t be said that any school house
burns, or child loses its life. as q
result of your neglect or inattention.
"Elghty-tiye per cent of the fires
in this country are caused by care
lessness, a proportionate part of
which fires are in schools, not
through the carelessness of children.
but through the carelessness of
those charged with the legal obliga-
ton of safeguarding the limb and life
of your child and mine. This re-
sponslblllty rests upon every school
official. including teachers. If you
are member of school board, a
township trustee, county superinten-
dent of schools, or a teacher in the
schools, you are charged with the re-
sponsibility Of seeing that the chill
dren are properly protected. Every
parent should make it his or her
business to see that their children
are properly cared for.
Fire drills are extremely impor-
tant and should be held at least twice
a month. but perfection of drilling is
of little value if fire exits are omitted
or improperly designed, of if doors
are locked or do not open outward.
All doors to school buildings should
| be opened outward and should be
equipped with panic release bar
latches.
The Janitor is an important factor
/ In the prevention of fires and should
be made thoroughly acquainted with
the vital need for careful housekeep.
ing. It would be productive of bene-
fetal results if school principals OF
boards of education would supply
janitors with a short but comprehen.
sive notice concerning fire hazards
with view to enhancing the safety
of pupils.
What the country needs is nation.
al team work in fighting the fire
waste. Our schools have a double
responsibility and opportunity in tht
premises; first. to put their owl
houses in order, and, second, to yielC
a powerful educational influence.
at should be remembered that tn,
degree of attention given to fire pro
lection in the school buildings them
selves will, to a large extent deter
mine of fire protection in the estima
tion of the child
knowledge is the basis of all in
tellegent action. and whereproper
; protection is afforded the knowledge
Of the children as to the value of fir,
, doors, fire walls, automatic sprink
lers and properly executed fire drill
will do much toward preventing pan
ic.
Let each and every citizen of tn
the awful fire waste, which visits on
} state and nation each year"
state use their endeavors to redue.