As a result of a recent nursing home tragedy, new questions have been raised and new testing methods have been established to determine the safety versus flammability of carpeting. (Editor)

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

Designing fire protection into a building is complex; it requires effective coverage, an economical installation, and compliance with many regulations. (Author)

Notes that economic and service factors may dictate that special fire protection measures be given to computer rooms. The discussion covers emergency planning, various types of fire detection and suppression systems, and future options, with particular attention to halon and possible halon replacements. A list of suggested readings is provided.…

Homes in wooded areas or in the wildland/urban interface are at special risk for wildfire. The article provides a checklist of what to keep on hand to make homes safer from wildfire, focusing on vegetation around the home and maintenance of the yard and home. (SM)

The fire that struck in the Eastern Illinois University's Blair Hall on April 28, 2004, disrupted a number of professional lives, though no one was killed or injured due to a good emergency plan dutifully executed. Several tips on disaster preparedness and recovery that could benefit institutions caught in a similar situation are presented.

Using the past 3 years of data, for 2003 to 2005, from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) database, the yearly national fire loss for fires on nonadult school properties is estimated at $85 million. Such losses are the result of an estimated annual average of 14,700 fires that required a fire department response. Fires on school…

Many schools are almost entirely reliant on alarms and sprinklers for their fire protection. As these devices need to be triggered and supplied with power or water to work properly, they are vulnerable to errors. To provide adequate safety, a good fire-protection program must have three primary elements: fire protection and suppression, and…

AN EFFICIENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM SHOULD--(1) PROVIDE WARNING OF FIRES THAT START IN HIDDEN OR UNOCCUPIED LOCATIONS, (2) INDICATE WHERE THE FIRE IS, (3) GIVE ADVANCE WARNING TO FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION SO THAT PANIC AND CONFUSION CAN BE AVOIDED AND ORDERLY EVACUATION OCCUR, (4) AUTOMATICALLY NOTIFY CITY FIRE HEADQUARTERS OF THE FIRE, (5) OPERATE BY…

Describes a study conducted to assess selected aspects of the utility of bibliographic data bases for the prospective National Fire Data Center. (PF)

This videotape teaches about the threat and power of fire, presents some fire prevention tips, and suggests ways a person can protect himself or herself from a fire. The emphasis of the video and the accompanying facilitator's guide is on getting out of a building safely. Included with the guide is a self-assessment which allows participants to…

Fire safety as provided for by building codes is examined critically, and the characteristics of building fires are reviewed. A new design approach is suggested. (Author)

Theft and arson can be fought by involving students to the point where they have a vested interest in maintenance of facilities. (RA)