Sept. 14, 2009
Contact:
Liz Babiarz, 404-413-1356 University Relations
ATLANTA - Georgia State University is holding its first annual Fire Safety Carnival this month to teach students and community members that there's more to know than "stop, drop and roll."
The carnival, held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 30 in Hurt Park, will feature contests, games and activities that highlight fire safety and prevention tips for dorm rooms, Greek houses and off-campus living.
GSU students and community members will learn how to use fire extinguishers, practice safe cooking techniques, test fire alarms, notify the fire department using 911 and identify fire hazards such as unattended candles.
"We wanted to do something special to promote fire safety throughout our university," said James Brundage, Georgia State University's fire safety officer. "We hope to make it a fun event by having interactive exhibits, free prizes, food, fun games and live burn demonstrations."
Firefighters will also demonstrate a live burn of mock dorm rooms, one with a sprinkler and one without, to show how quickly a fire can spread. It will also highlight the importance of working smoke alarms and sprinklers.
Officials from Georgia State's Office of Emergency Management, the Atlanta Fire Department, Georgia State Fire Marshal's Office, Georgia Emergency Management Agency and corporate sponsors will be on hand to address the importance fire and life safety for college students.
"Campus safety and preparedness has become a critically important issue," said Andy Johnson, district general manager of the SimplexGrinnell's Atlanta office. "We join the leaders of Georgia State in their commitment to promote fire prevention, enhance campus safety and provide reliable protection for students, faculty, staff and visitors."
September is National Campus Fire Safety Month. More than 1.4 million fires occurred in the United States in 2008, according to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency. In cases where fire fatalities occurred on college campuses, alcohol was often a factor. More than 50 percent of adult fire fatalities in residences were under the influence of alcohol. Careless disposal of cigarettes is also a factor in about 45 percent of smoking material fires.
For more information, visit http://www.gsu.edu/oem/35296.htm