Reminders about fire safety

Recent fire-related incidents on campus provide an opportunity to remind the Stevens community about the importance of fire safety as well as efforts being made to protect the community from fire.

Stevens employs a combination of engineering, education, and enforcement practices to maintain a successful fire safety program. In accordance with the New Jersey Fire Code, Stevens residence halls are sprinklered and actively monitored by a fire detection system. Fire systems are tested and inspected by a licensed contractor in compliance with the fire code. 

Educating the Stevens Community about fire safety is critically important to the success of the fire safety program. As the Stevens Fire Safety Coordinator, I conduct multiple fire safety training sessions throughout the year. Working closely with the Offices of Residence Life and Student Affairs, I provide fire safety training for all Resident Assistants (RAs) and for freshmen, as part of the orientation program. Fire safety talks are given during each of the four required evacuation drills in residence halls. I’m available to meet with any Stevens group to discuss the Stevens Fire Safety Program.

Enforcement is another important tool that is used in an effective fire safety program. The Stevens Student Handbook provides fire safety information as well as rules regarding fire safety. Students must be familiar with the handbook and understand that these rules have been enacted to protect the Stevens community from fires on our campus. 

A few reminders about fire safety:

• Report unsafe conditions or actions to your RA or Stevens Police
• Familiarize yourself with two ways out of any building you visit
• In the event of an alarm activation, exit the building immediately and follow the direction of emergency responders
• If you have information as to the cause of the alarm activation, please inform the Stevens Police Officers at the scene

Thankfully, no students were injured as a result of the recent fire incidents. Unfortunately, during the most recent incident, a Stevens Police Officer was seriously injured while evacuating students from the building. This is a sobering reminder of how important fire safety is to the well-being of the Stevens community and that we need everyone to do their part to ensure a safe campus.