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.

A DISCUSSION ON THE SELECTION OF CARPETING CONCLUDES INITIAL COST OF THE CARPET INSTALLATION STILL RANKS AMONG THE MOST EXPENSIVE. IN SELECTION, CARPETING MUST BE CONSIDERED IN TERMS OF COLOR, PATTERN, SIZE, WEARABILITY, CLEANIBILITY, AND FIRE HAZARD. WEARABILITY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY--(1) TYPE AND QUALITY OF FIBER GRADE USED, (2) CONSTRUCTION…

An intensive fire safety training program for profoundly mentally retarded institutionalized persons resulted in a significant decrease in mean evacuation time and gradual substitution of verbal for physical prompts. (CL)

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)

Fire protection is one of the most important considerations in the construction and operation of industrial plants and commercial buildings. Fire insurance rates are determined by fire probability factors, such as the type of construction, ease of transporting personnel, and the quality and quantity of fire protection equipment available. Because…

There was rapid growth of Alabama community colleges in the late 1960s. At the same time, there was rapid growth nationally of fire science associate degree programs. With these concurrent events, one would expect fire department personnel in Alabama to benefit from new community college opportunities in fire science and fire administration.…

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…