Fire safety
EHS, Residence Life provide students with online fire safety training
10:40 a.m., Feb. 25, 2015--Every year one hears about a fire at a college or university that involves students and their residence. Some incidents result in tragedy that could easily be avoided.
To ensure that University of Delaware students are knowledgeable about what to do should a fire occur, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and Residence Life and Housing have partnered to share this important emergency training information.
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"The ability for our students to react to a fire or other type of emergency is of paramount interest to our EHS and Residence Life departments," said Kevin McSweeney, fire marshal at UD. "The ways and means of getting fire and emergency training to the residents is challenging due to their busy academic schedule."
A joint effort between EHS and Residence Life has provided the funding for an online Fire Safety Training Program by the National Institute of Fire Safety Training (NIFAST). Through this initiative, training is now available at the student’s convenience and is readily accessible 24/7. They simply access a special website, provide their student ID and UD login and begin the training.
NIFAST offers all UD students, both on and off the campus, pertinent safety topics including fire safety/prevention, active shooter reaction, UD Alert System and natural disaster/weather related emergency training. When an on-campus residence hall or apartment is selected, the student is provided a floor plan with emergency egress routes from the residence hall and the meeting place to assemble upon exiting the building. Each topic is provided in a separate training module, and an exam is administered after completion of the training modules. Those who achieve a score of 70 percent or higher receive a certificate of completion provided once the training is successfully completed.
To heighten student involvement, EHS and Residence Life added a new aspect during the fall semester by creating some friendly competition between the residence halls. The residence hall floor with the highest NIFAST attendance and greatest test score average was awarded a pizza party and other promotional gifts. A similar competition was held for Greek housing residents.
Winners for this year’s competition were Rodney B, Third Floor, and Alpha Delta Pi, which is located on Laird Campus. The contest boosted the overall participation with NIFAST to nearly 450 users, the best year to date with the program.
All students and faculty are encouraged to take NIFAST for a test drive. "You’ll be surprised how much information is provided to assist you when dealing with emergencies," McSweeney said. "Your feedback is always welcome as program improvement and increased participation is a constant goal."
For more information or to share feedback, contact McSweeney at 831-6847.
Photos by Lane McLaughlin