Since installing a comprehensive smoke alarm system, Princeton University has had no major fires in protected buildings. (Author)

A program at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst to assess the fire protection needs of its residential system is described. The study culminated in a multiphase fire safety improvement plan. (JMF)

After a $7 million arson fire destroyed part of a Virginia Beach high school, about 1,200 students were temporarily relocated to a refurbished former mini-mall, and a 16-month recovery project was initiated. The new design improved library and art facilities. School officials have since learned to fight fire with simple precautions, such as…

Discusses whether U.S. schools equipped with fire sprinklers and fire detection and intercom systems should be able to use a delayed evacuation policy when it comes to fire drills or actual fires. A controversial project in Minnesota is examining that question. The paper discusses concerns about delayed evacuation, the impact of delayed evacuation…

Describes how new intelligent fire and life-safety systems help assure proper functioning through networking with other systems and providing detailed status reports. Considerations for system specifications that match facility functions and risks are discussed. (GR)

Examines school fire-prevention and emergency-response systems. Advises how administrators can help to protect lives and property, and select the detection and alarm systems that can provide the best protection. Discusses types of extinguishing systems to consider. Provides advice for stopping arson, (GR)

A study completed by the fire department of the City of Winnipeg has documented the effectiveness of smoke detectors in reducing fire losses. The entire Winnipeg fire prevention program is described. (MLF)

Provides expert guidelines on ways to keep schools and children safe from building fires, such as maintenance of exits for easy egress in emergencies, maintaining fire-protection systems, and utilizing evacuation planning and drilling. Highlights fire-safety ideas as part of school-building and renovation projects. (GR)

A fire destroyed an elementary school in the East Rockaway (New York) school system. A substitute facility, furniture, and textbooks were secured and classes opened, missing only four school days. Future precautions include insurance to cover actual reconstruction costs, smoke detectors, and a computerized inventory system. (MLF)

Describes the operation of halon gas fire extinguishing systems, which have been installed in a number of libraries and archives across Canada where protection of special collections from water and mold damage resulting from operation of a standard water sprinkler system is paramount. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of system are…

Describes a computer system to monitor fire, burglary, and vandalism in school buildings. (JM)

Describes efforts of Washington Township (New Jersey) which have resulted in cutting vandalism over a three-year period to a quarter of its previous level. Outlines and prices alternative school alarm systems and offers a 30-item checklist for control of arson, burglary, and vandalism. (JMB)

School districts are integrating security and life-safety systems into school buildings to protect students and property. This proactive approach includes sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and security systems that monitor door movement. Some school districts that are incorporating the latest life-safety technology are in Missouri, Ohio, California,…

Fire protection in rural Alaskan communities depends on individual home fire prevention and protection rather than on the services offered by a centralized fire department. Even when help is summoned to extinguish a blaze, aid does not come in the form of a cadre of highly trained firefighters; it comes instead from whomever happens to be in the…