Running head: CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 1

Transcription

1 Running head: CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 1 Campus Fire Safety for Florida's State Universities Casia Sinco Florida State Fire Marshal s Office, Tallahassee, Florida

2 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 2 Certification Statement I hereby certify that this paper constitutes my own product, what where language of others is set forth, quotation marks so indicate, and that appropriate credit is given where I have used language, ideas, expressions, or writings of another. Signed:

3 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 3 Abstract There are twelve state universities located throughout Florida with a total enrollment of over 300,000 students. The problem was that the Florida State Fire Marshal s office (SFM), which is the authority having jurisdiction for all state-owned universities, has not developed or offered a statewide campus fire safety campaign for either the students living in dormitories or the members of the Greek (fraternity or sorority) communities of Florida s state universities. The purpose of the research was to explore the elements needed to develop an effective and relevant statewide campus fire safety campaign for Resident Assistants (RA) and members of the Greek communities of state universities. The research questions were: 1. What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Florida state university dormitories? 2. What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Greek housing in Florida state university campuses? 3. What elements are needed to create a campus fire safety program that is current and relevant to today s college students? 4. What fire safety training do Greek members currently engage in? A descriptive research method was used that included surveys of SFM firesafety inspectors conducting inspections of state university dormitories, local Authorities Having Jurisdiction in the cities in which state universities and Greek housing are located, Greek community members, and RAs on state university campuses. Results indicated common fire risks in all state university dormitories and Greek housing. A desire for in-person delivery of fire safety education as opposed to online training was identified in both RAs and Greek members.

4 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 4 Training was prevalent with a good percentage of state university RAs but there was a low percentage of fire safety education being offered to Greek members.

5 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 5 Table of Contents Certification Statement 2 Abstract 3 Table of Contents.5 Introduction..6 Background and Significance...6 Literature Review 10 Procedures 20 Results..23 Discussion 26 Recommendations 30 References 34 Appendicies Appendix A: Fire risks in Florida state university dormitories survey 37 Appendix B: Fire risks in off-campus Greek housing survey.38 Appendix C: Fire safety education among Resident Assistants survey..41 Appendix D: Fire safety education for the Greek community survey.44

6 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 6 Campus Fire Safety for Florida's State Universities Introduction The problem is the Florida State Fire Marshal s Office, which is the authority having jurisdiction for all state-owned universities, has not developed or offered a statewide campus fire safety campaign for either the students living in dormitories or the members of the Greek (fraternity or sorority) communities of Florida s state universities. The purpose of this research is to explore the elements needed to develop an effective and relevant statewide campus fire safety campaign for Resident Assistants and members of the Greek communities of Florida s state universities. This is a descriptive research project. The research questions are: (1) What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Florida state university dormitories? (2) What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Greek housing in Florida state university campuses? (3) What elements are needed to create a campus fire safety program that is current and relevant to today s college students? (4) What fire safety education or training do Greek members currently engage in? Background and Significance Pursuant to statute, the Chief Financial Officer is the head of the Department of Financial Services. The Division of State Fire Marshal is one of fifteen divisions that comprise the Department of Financial Services (Department of Financial Services, 2013). The Florida State Fire Marshal (SFM) is statutorily mandated to minimize the loss of life and property in this state due to fire. (State Fire Marshal; authority; duties; rules, 2013) In order to best accomplish this goal, the SFM is comprised of four separate and distinct bureaus: Fire Standards and Training (BFST), Fire Prevention (BFP), Forensic Fire and Explosives Analysis (BFEA), and Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI). The BFP is the most diverse bureau within the SFM, with four

7 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 7 separate business sections (Plans Review, Boiler Safety, Inspections, and Regulatory Licensing) and responsibilities ranging from the review of all construction plans for all state-owned or stateleased facilities, conducting fire and life safety inspections of all state-owned facilities, issuing licenses and disciplinary functions for five regulated industries throughout the state, adopting the state s Florida Fire Prevention Code, and inspecting all uninsured boilers located in public assembly locations. The workforce for the BFP is composed of 66 individuals, with one headquarters office and field personnel spread throughout the state in six (6) regions. The operating budget for BFP was $4,295, for the fiscal year 2013/2014 (State of Florida Budget, 2013). Pursuant to Section (1), Florida Statutes, the SFM is charged with inspecting each state-owned building on at least a recurring basis, although occupancies that are defined as high hazard pursuant to statute are required to be inspected at least annually. (Inspections of state buildings and premises; tests of firesafety equipment; building plans to be approved, 2013) Section (1)(e)1.a, Florida Statutes define a high hazard occupancy as any building or structure that meets one of four requirements: I) That contains combustible or explosive matter or flammable conditions dangerous to the safety of life or property; II) At which persons receive educational instruction; III) At which persons reside, excluding private dwellings; or IV) Containing three or more floor levels. (Inspections of state buildings and premises; tests of firesafety equipment; building plans to be approved, 2013) The SFM is also charged with ensuring that fire drills are conducted in all high-hazard state-owned buildings at least once a year. (Inspections of state buildings and premises; tests of firesafety equipment; building plans to be approved, 2013) State universities within Florida contain a wide variety of buildings that are

8 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 8 fall within the statutory definition of high hazard including dormitories, medical facilities, and laboratories. The Inspections section is housed within the BFP and consists of a Senior Management Analyst Supervisor (SMAS) and six (6) regions spread throughout the state. Each region consists of one Fire Protection Specialist Supervisor (FPSS), and Administrative Assistant, and at least three or more Fire Protection Specialists (FPS), with the actual number varying based on population and workload. Each FPSS and FPS are required to maintain a certification as a firesafety inspector, pursuant to Section , Florida Statutes.(Inspection of buildings and equipment; orders; firesafety inspection training requirements; certification; disciplinary action, 2013) The inspections of all state-owned buildings in Florida, including state universities, are conducted by the Fire Protection Specialists in each region. The inspectors are also responsible for conducting public fire safety education and outreach upon request. To assist in the education and outreach efforts, BFP purchases several brochures and other materials focusing on a number of different fire safety issues for distribution to the public at events. BFP also utilizes four fire extinguisher trainers (three are live fire and one is digital) to train groups on the proper use of a fire extinguisher when requested. There are twelve state universities in Florida. The total enrollment for all Florida state universities totaled 337,750 students in the year (State University System of Florida, July 7, 2013) Currently, BFP FPS s conduct fire safety inspections of all state university buildings but do not consistently conduct firesafety education of the university students. If requested by university staff, the FPS s may conduct some education in either general fire safety or the use of an extinguisher but this is done on an as requested basis and is not delivered as part of a BFPdeveloped educational campaign.

9 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 9 Of special concern are student dormitories located on-campus and the risks student housing presents. State university Residential Living offices often rely on Resident Assistants (RAs), who are themselves students, to provide leadership and management in these dormitories. Thus, the fire safety education these RAs receive is crucial to the fire prevention efforts within state university dormitories. Moreover, in the case of most Florida state universities, Greek housing is privately owned, not state-owned. This creates a situation where the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) have inspection jurisdiction over the Greek housing, as opposed to BFP. Although the inspections of these houses may be done on an annual basis by the AHJ, they may not have the resources or personnel to conduct any fire safety education efforts to the residents of the housing themselves. In 2012, there were 1,087 fires in Dormitories/Other Residential properties in Florida, resulting in a total dollar loss of $7,283, (2012 Florida Fires, 2012, p. 56) This study is important for three reasons. First, a detailed analysis of the current fire safety education offered to RAs and the Greek community will give BFP information that can be used to determine where BFP s primary fire safety education efforts should be focused. Second, information obtained regarding the common fire risks identified in dormitories and Greek housing will assist BFP in developing education efforts focused on preventing those risks. Finally, information obtained from the students themselves on the method of delivery for such education will enable BFP to develop a campus fire safety program that will be current and relevant to today s college community. This Applied Research Project (ARP) relates to the Five E s, Education/Behavior Change Intervention, as taught in the Executive Analysis of Community Risk Reduction course,

10 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 10 particularly the first E, Education/Behavior Change Intervention (EACRR- Student Manual, 2012). This research project relates to the United States Fire Administration operational objectives to reduce risk at the local level through prevention and mitigation. Determining the current firesafety education offered to Resident Assistants and the Greek community and the means of delivery for such education preferred by those groups, as well as identifying the most prevalent risks seen in both occupancy locations during inspections will aid the State Fire Marshal in developing a comprehensive and effective campus firesafety educational program. Literature Review In order to provide a basis for this study the author broke this literature review into four research questions: 1) What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Florida state university dormitories?; 2) What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Greek housing in Florida state university settings?; 3) What elements are needed to create a campus fire safety program that is current and relevant to today s college students?; and 4) What fire safety training do Greek members currently engage in? On January 19, 2000, a fire in Boland Hall, a dormitory at Seton Hall, New Jersey, took the lives of three students and injured countless more. The dormitory housed 600 freshmen and did nto have fire sprinklers installed. More importantly, the dormitory had been suffering from a rash of false alarms in the weeks before the blaze, causing a lot of the students to disregard the fire alarm when it sounded that night. (Patterson, January 20, 2000) Five years later, a fire that started on a couch in a third floor lounge of Thatcher Hall on the campus of Southern Adventist University in Tennessee killed one student. ("Fire Ruled Accidental," 2005) The cause of the

11 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 11 fire was ruled accidental and investigators believed the cause of the fire may have been an unattended candle. ("Sprinklers Planned," 2005) The fire risks experienced in dormitories are as varied as college students and college campuses are but there are some common fire risks witnessed in dormitories and they remain fairly consistent throughout the years. From the years 1994 to 1998, there were an average of 1,425 dormitory fires per year, causing 58 injuries and approximately $6.3 million dollars worth of property damages. (Henry, 2006, p. 30) Of those fires, the top three causes, in order from first to third, were incendiary or suspicious (32%), cooking (19%), and smoking (12%). (Henry, 2006, p. 30) In August 2013, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released a more current report on fire risks in dormitories that covered the years (Campbell, 2013) It is important to note that in 2000 the National Fire Incident Reporting System changed the classification of dormitory to include other occupancies such as military barracks, nursing quarters and monasteries. (Comeau, 2007, p. 19) The NFPA report was able to separate the Greek houses and barracks in their report but was unable to distinguish or separate any other types of dormitories to allow for a specific count to college or university dormitories. (Campbell, 2013, table A) From , the number of fires in dormitory type residences increased to an annual average of 3,040 but the average annual number of injuries decreased to 25. The average annual property damage also decreased from $6.3 million to $5 million. (Campbell, 2013, table A) Campbell takes care to credit, at least partially, the increase in fires to a change in reporting and automatic detection technology but is unable to provide firm data to confirm this position. (Campbell, 2013, p. 2)

12 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 12 Despite the possible causes of the change in counts of fires, the facts concerning the top three fire causes for those years remain the same. The top three causes, as listed in Campbell s report, remained the same but their order changed in a significant manner. Cooking equipment claimed the top spot with a staggering 84% of the total fires. Intentional causes were second (7%) and smoking materials remained third (4%). (Campbell, 2013, figure 3) Unattended equipment was identified as the most common factor contributing to the ignition of fires in dormitory-type properties. The second most common factor was abandoned or discarded material. (Campbell, 2013, figure 4) This is consistent with Ward Caldwell s observations that college students are just learning to cook on their own and that the environment in which a college student lives is dynamic and fluid in that situations change and people come and go at the drop of a hat. Macaroni and cheese cooking in the microwave or a lit candle in the bedroom can be instantly forgotten when friends stop by unannounced to go out or something happens down the hallway that draws attention away. (Caldwell, 2007, p. 30) At Duke University, fire and safety officials identified a few specific fire risks that they noted as common in their dormitories. Candles and incense lit in dormitory rooms, even in the presence of a policy forbidding the use of such items, is a common issue. As Duke fire and safety manager William Boten stated in an article by Katherine Stroup, There s a written policy and everyone s been told, but students insist on using open flames. Every year we have a fire because of it. (Stroup, 2000, para. 20) Boten also identified overloaded circuits as a common fire risk seen in Duke s dormitories, stating If you go in any dorm room, there are gangs and gangs of plugs going into one circuit, because everybody needs to have a computer and a stereo and a hair dryer. (Stroup, 2000, para. 21)

13 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 13 The literature review indicates that the top fire risks in college and university dormitories have remained fairly consistent for the past fifteen to twenty years. It is necessary to determine if the national data concerning the top fire causes and risks in college and university dormitories remain consistent for Florida s state university dormitories as well or if there are regional or state anomalies. Possessing this knowledge would enable the Division of State Fire Marshal to better tailor a campus fire safety plan to the risks prevalent in our state and would also assist in determining if the use of previously prepared national educational materials would be effective. In order to determine the top fire risks in Florida s state university dormitories, a survey was conducted among the State Fire Marshal s fire safety inspectors assigned to conduct inspection of the university dormitories in their region. The survey asked them to identify the top five fire risks they observed in their inspections of those dormitories. As essential as it is to identify the risks experienced in university dormitories when establishing a campus fire safety program, it is just as important to identify fire risks in another large population on Florida s state universities, fraternity and sorority members (also known as the Greek community). In 1996, a fire at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house at the University of North Carolina killed five students when a cigarette ignited a pile of trash in a basement. The fire killed three fraternity members sleeping on the top floor the next morning. (Comeau, 2007, p. 84) From the years , the average annual number of fires in fraternities and sororities was 141, with 17 injuries and causing $2.8 million dollars of property damage. During these years, the top three causes of fires were, in order from first to third, incendiary or suspicious (22%), cooking (19%), and smoking (12%). (Henry, 2006, p. 30) The NFPA s 2013 report indicates that from the years , the average number of fires had increased

14 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 14 slightly from the numbers to an annual average of 200 fires. The number of injuries was significantly reduced, however, from 17 to 2 and the amount of property damage remained fairly consistent at $3 million dollars. (Campbell, 2013, table A) As Ed Comeau details in his article Fraternity Row, a great number of states and local communities have attempted to reduce fires in fraternities and sororities by mandating the installation of fire sprinklers in Greek housing. (Comeau, 2007) It is also important to note that some fraternities and sororities are renting houses or apartments that are used solely for entertainment. Several fires have occurred in these units. (Comeau, 2007, p. 22) Parties are typical Greek affairs but they can lead to significant fire risks in fraternity and sororities. The Austin Fire Department recognized that theme parties held at Greek housing can lead to increased fire risks due to elaborate decorations and even construction of temporary props such as decks, tunnels, ships and even volcanoes. (Whitaker, 2001, p. 56) The size of the parties as well as the fact that guests are unfamiliar with the layout of the Greek house were also concerns identified by Whitaker in his article. (Whitaker, 2001, p. 56) This is also echoed in Ed Comeau s article, Off-Campus Fire Safety. In his article, Comeau reiterates that in the aftermath of a party, there can still be a large number of guests in the house. (Comeau, 2007, p. 86) Comeau also hits on another issue prevalent at Greek parties, students under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol can impair the students ability to respond to a fire and evacuate properly. (Comeau, 2007, p. 86) The former director of fire protection at North Carolina State University, Russell Bisbee, elaborates on this further in Comeau s article when he states Typically, it was my experience that alcohol didn t play a role in the fire getting started, but it did have a significant role in the building occupants response. (Comeau, 2007, p. 86)

15 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 15 In Off-Campus Fire Safety, Comeau identifies some common fire risk factors that are present, whether in off-campus housing, Greek housing, or residence halls. First, students bringing a large number of electrical devices to campus and then either exceeding the capacity of the electrical system of the building or plugging too many devices into one outlet. (Comeau, 2007, p. 83) Second, Comeau discusses the issue of hidden smoking, where the students attempt to find ways to conceal smoking in their housing to avoid punishment for violating campus smoking prohibitions. (Comeau, 2007, p. 83) Comeau also identifies poor housekeeping (i.e. bicycles stored in egress paths, large accumulations of trash, etc.) as another common fire risk factor. As a result of the literature review, a survey was conducted of local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) in the cities in which Florida state universities were located. This survey asked the AHJs to identify the fire risks observed in Greek housing in their jurisdictions. Knowledge of the fire risks associated with both Greek housing and university dormitories is essential when designing a fire safety education plan directed at the residents of those occupancies. Also essential when developing a campus fire safety education plan is knowledge of the elements needed to create a program that is current and relevant to today s college students. Understanding your audience is key when developing a relevant campus fire safety program. A four-year study of college students conducted by Arthur Levine and Diane Dean indicates that there are stark contradictions between student beliefs and the realities of their lives; a gulf between their dreams and the diminished conditions of the world in which they live for today s students. (Levine & Dean, 2012, para. 3) However, five years earlier, Ed Comeau identified one of the major characteristics of college students as their propensity toward socially

16 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 16 responsible issues and products and their involvement in these issues in his article Marketing Campus Fire Safety. (Comeau, 2007, p. 118) Levine and Dean also note that today s students are digital natives, who are better at communicating online than in person and are often more closely connected to a virtual socialmedia community than to a physical campus community. (Levine & Dean, 2012, para. 8) Ed Comeau also identified that today s college students can be described by using the words technology and mobility in Marketing Campus Fire Safety. (Comeau, 2007, p. 118) Ward Caldwell also identifies a difficulty in reaching students who feel they don t need the information because it doesn t apply to them; they are invincible, and bad things only happen to other people. (Caldwell, 2007, p. 28) He goes on to explain that this attitude helps to create what he calls the cry wolf syndrome, in which students progressively become more apathetic to fire drills as false alarms increase throughout the year. (Caldwell, 2007, p ) Caldwell feels that this issue is one of the largest hurdles administrators face as they work with students community living attitudes and behaviors. (Caldwell, 2007, p. 29) It is also essential to recognize that students are less likely to receive and absorb information from their peers rather than from an authority figure or adult. In Marketing Campus Fire Safety, Ed Comeau recognized that college students look to their friends above any other influence for guidance and approval. (Comeau, 2007, p. 120) Probably one of the largest obstacles to campus fire safety is a lack of previous fire safety education given to students. Often times, the last times students were taught fire safety was in grade school. Campus Fire Safety- A U.S. Overview, reports that when students are asked What should you do if your room catches on fire?, the response is a shocking range from a blank look or a response such as stop, drop and roll? (Comeau, 2007, p. 24) As Comeau states

17 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 17 in his article, Off Campus Fire Safety, Today s student demographic has a lack of relevant fire safety information. What is meant by relevant is that students know what to do to protect themselves from fire in their current stage of life. (Comeau, 2007, p. 88) Once an understanding of the audience is achieved, that understanding can be used to determine the key elements of a campus fire safety program that is current and relevant to today s college students. The Austin Fire Department (AFD) used that knowledge of the Greek community in their jurisdiction to develop a Greek Fire Academy. (Whitaker, 2001) They recognized that the enforcive nature of their previous efforts for code compliance were not as effective as they could have been and led to an unproductive relationship marked by distrust and animosity. (Whitaker, 2001, p. 57) In a new effort, they partnered with the University of Texas at Austin Interfraternity Council to form a Fire Safety Committee. They also developed an event, the Greek Fire Academy, that they used to provide basic background and skills, and create a fun environment with hands-on activities. (Whitaker, 2001, p. 57) AFD held a separate event for fraternities and a separate event for sororities. The one-day event was separated into a classroom segment which covered a variety of topics including fire science and the dangers of fire and a hands-on segment in which students were outfitted in turnout gear and an SCBA and participated in fire extinguisher training, ladder challenges, operating hoselines, and negotiating through smoke-filled tunnels. (Whitaker, 2001, p. 57) The participants also witnessed a burn of a simulated college room. The program was such a success that the event was even incorporated into the Greek chapter agreements with the university. (Whitaker, 2001, p. 58) The program s success can be demonstrated by one participant s statement that Fire safety was always kind of

18 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 18 in the back of my mind, he said, but now I m definitely aware of possible dangers. (Whitaker, 2001, p. 58) The Greek Fire Academy is also a perfect example of the use of graphic demonstrations that Ed Comeau advocates as part of fire safety education in his article, Marketing Campus Fire Safety. (Comeau, 2007, p. 122) Comeau indicates that fire safety needs to separate itself from the other messages competing for students attention, and there are many. Comeau feels that utilizing fire as a draw is a distinct advantage fire safety educators can use to help separate itself from the competition. (Comeau, 2007, p. 122) He notes that fire extinguisher training is a great, interactive training opportunity that draws in students. (Comeau, 2007, p. 122) He also indicates that another great training opportunity would be building and burning an example of a student room to let them witness the effective of a fire. He adds that this burn is one that sticks with the students and impresses on them the speed with which fire can spread. (Comeau, 2007, p. 122) In 2007, the Peoples Burn Foundation of Indiana utilized their knowledge of students as digital natives to develop on online program to help education college students about campus fire safety. This effort is described in Ed Comeau s article, Stop, Drop, and Log On. (Comeau, 2009) The foundation developed two components of the program, a DVD called To Hell and Back: College Fire Survival, and a website, based on their knowledge of students and their focus on online communications and social media. (Comeau, 2009, p. 60) They determined that a video produced from the student s perspective would be one of the most effective methods of delivering the fire safety message to today s students. (Comeau, 2009, p. 61) They also recognized that making the same content available over the Internet would help tremendously in leveraging the information. (Comeau, 2009, p. 61)

19 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 19 Based on the literature review, a survey was delivered to Greek members and Florida state university resident assistants to determine the avenues of delivery and method they would desire to receive fire safety education. It is essential to identify the elements needed to create a campus fire safety program that is current and relevant to today s college students by knowing your audience, their education, and reviewing other successful programs that exist. It is also important to identify what education, if any, college students and Greek members currently engage in. In 2000, the Center for Campus Fire Safety was created as an organization centered exclusively on campus fire safety issues. Prior to that, there wasn t a centralized, coordinated effort to bring together these groups and allow for an opportunity to share ideas. (Comeau, 2006, p. 23) The Center s website contains links to various fire safety programs developed and conducted by various colleges, universities, and fire departments throughout the country but there is no comprehensive list of all programs. ( Aside from anecdotal evidence of programs offered by various organizations, such as the Greek Fire Academy developed by the Austin Fire Department (Whitaker 2001), the types of programs offered on various campuses for campus fire safety appear to be kept mainly to the organizations themselves. A review of one national fraternity s risk management policy also demonstrates a lack of required fire safety education. Phi Gamma Delta, the fraternity that lost three fraternity brothers in the 1996 fire that killed five people, has incorporated fire safety into its risk management policy, but only by requiring that all chapter houses should meet all local fire codes and that they should have evacuation routes posted in locations throughout the house. (Phi Gamma Delta policy, 2013, para. 15) Phi Gamma Delta s risk management manual also includes fire safety

20 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 20 education within its topics and even includes some fire safety topics to address as part of an educational program but the national fraternity only strongly recommends that each chapter subscribe to an ongoing educational program. (Phi Gamma Delta manual, 2013, p. 103) The Phi Gamma Delta risk management manual states that it was adapted from the FIPG, Inc. s risk management manual. (Phi Gamma Delta manual, 2013, p. 2) FIPG s risk management manual reveals similar fire safety tips and recommendations to Phi Gamma Delta s manual. (FIPG Manual, 2013) A review of FIPG s website ( reveals a list of 51 national fraternities and sororities who are members of this organization so it can be assumed that these organizations have adopted similar policies to these at least. Due to the literature review, a survey was delivered to Greek sorority and fraternity members of Florida universities to determine whether the fraternities and sororities currently engage in fire safety education, how often they engage in that education, and the methods of delivery they would desire that fire safety education to come in. Procedures The procedures used to explore the development of a comprehensive, current, and relevant campus fire safety educational program for Resident Assistants and the Greek community of Florida state universities by the State Fire Marshal s Office included the distribution of an internal survey to State Fire Marshal firesafety inspectors, a survey delivered to AHJ s in cities where Florida state universities are located, a survey delivered to Resident Assistants employed at Florida state university dormitories, and a survey delivered to sorority and fraternity members at Florida state universities. What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Florida state university dormitories?

21 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 21 As the Authority Having Jurisdiction for all state-owned buildings, including dormitories on Florida state university campuses, the State Fire Marshal s firesafety inspectors are uniquely positioned to identify the fire risks they witness in Florida state university dormitories. The firesafety inspectors charged with inspecting Florida state universities were asked to identify the top five fire risks they observed while conducting inspections of dormitories. This request was delivered via internal department and responses were delivered by the individual inspectors or through their regional supervisors. (see Appendix A) What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Greek housing in Florida State university campuses? On most university campuses in Florida, fraternities and sororities own or rent houses that are not located on state-owned property. Thus, the Division of State Fire Marshal does not conduct inspections of the properties. As such, the inspection of Greek housing is left to the Authorities Having Jurisdiction in the Florida cities or counties in which the universities are located. To determine the fire risks witnessed in Greek housing, a six (6) question survey (see Appendix B) was developed and distributed to the Fire Marshals or Fire Chiefs for the AHJs in the eleven (11) cities in which the universities are located. The survey was created using Survey Monday and distributed electronically to the AHJs via a letter which contained a link to the survey. The questions were designed to establish whether Greek houses existed in the jurisdiction, if inspections were conducted on those houses, the types of fire risks witnessed in those houses, whether the AHJs conducted fire safety education and the methods of delivery for that education. Limitations of the survey are the small sample size and a possible even smaller response rate of the AHJs, especially considering the fact that some of the universities either do not

22 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 22 support fraternities and sororities or require Greek housing to be on campus. Responding to a survey, even one issued by the State Fire Marshal s Office, may not be a top priority for the possible respondents. What elements are needed to create a campus fire safety program that is current and relevant to today s college students? The best source of information regarding a campus fire safety program s method of delivery and effectiveness is the students themselves. A five (5) question survey (see Appendix C) was developed and distributed to Resident Assistants (RAs) employed by Florida state universities. The survey was created using Survey Monkey and distributed electronically to the RAs through the Residential Living departments of the state universities. The Residential Life departments were asked to distribute the survey to RAs and request its completion. The questions were designed to determine if fire safety education is currently offered to RAs, the frequency of that education, who conducts the education, the level of interest in fire safety education, and the most effective means of delivery for that education. A seven (7) question survey (see Appendix D) was also developed and distributed to the fraternity and sorority members of Florida state universities. The survey was created using Survey Monkey and distributed electronically to the members through the universities Greek Life offices. The Greek Life offices were asked to distribute the survey to each fraternity and sorority on campus and request its completion by one member of each organization. The questions were designed to determine the location of each house (on- or off-campus), whether they currently conduct fire safety education within the chapter, the frequency of that education, their interest in fire safety education, and the most effective means of delivery for that education.

23 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 23 Limitations of the surveys are the response rate, especially among the Greek community. Students tend to brush off those things that they perceive are not necessary to their lives and education. What fire safety training do Greek members currently engage in? The survey developed and delivered to the Greek members in Appendix D was also used to determine the level of fire safety training currently engaged in by fraternities and sororities and their desire to engage in that fire safety training. The same methods of development and delivery previously mentioned were utilized. As well, the same limitations exist. Results What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Florida state university dormitories? There were fifteen (15) fire risks identified by the State Fire Marshal s firesafety inspectors. (see Appendix A) Of those 15 fire risks identified, the top three risks identified by the inspectors overall were: 1) misuse of electrical cords, 2) unattended candles, and 3) unattended cooking or overall carelessness when cooking. Misuse of electrical cords was identified by 9 inspectors as a fire risk, while unattended candles was identified by 8 inspectors, and improper cooking was identified by 7 inspectors. Other fire risks identified by State Fire Marshal inspectors included misuse or disposal of cigarettes, arson (fires intentionally started), laundry, trash chutes, overloaded circuits, decorations, improper use of laptops, curling irons, space heaters, missing/damaged/disabled smoke detectors, mechanical rooms, and sprinkler heads used as hangers. Several of the other fire risks identified were identified by three (3) inspectors. Those risks were cigarettes, arson, missing/damaged/disabled smoke detectors, and mechanical rooms. (see Appendix A). Risks identified by two or fewer inspectors were laundry, trash chutes, overloaded

24 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 24 circuits, decorations, improper use of laptops, curling irons, space heaters, and sprinkler heads used as hangers. What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Greek housing in Florida state university campuses? Five (5) of the eleven (11) surveys delivered to local authorities having jurisdiction were returned with responses. (see Appendix B) 60% of the survey respondents indicated that they did not have fraternity or sorority houses within their jurisdiction. Of those that responded that they did have fraternity or sorority houses within their jurisdiction, 67% indicated that they did not conduct fire and life safety inspections on those properties. Only two (2) of the survey respondents answered the question about the type of fire risks they most commonly found then they conducted those inspections. Those respondents indicated that the risks they found were associated with cooking, drinking, blocked egress, electrical hazards, and interior finish. (see Appendix B) What elements are needed to create a campus fire safety program that is current and relevant to today s college students? Fourteen (14) of the surveys delivered to Greek members were returned with responses. (see Appendix D) 86% of the survey respondents indicated that they felt the most effective avenue of delivery for fire safety education would be in-person delivery by a fire safety inspector. 21% of the respondents indicated they felt a DVD available for watching in chapter meetings would be the most effective avenue of delivery. 7 % of the respondents felt that the most effective means of delivery would be online education via a website and brochures available for distribution to chapter members.

25 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 25 One hundred (100) of the surveys delivered to Resident Assistants (RAs) were returned with responses. (see Appendix C) 82% of the survey respondents indicated that they felt the most effective avenue of delivery for fire safety education would be in-person delivery by a fire safety inspector. 22% of the respondents indicated they felt online education via a website would be the most effective avenue of delivery. 13% of the RAs indicated they felt brochures available for distribution to residents would be the most effective and 11% felt that a DVD available for watching in floor or resident meetings would be the most effective. (see Appendix C) What fire safety training do Greek members currently engage in? Fourteen (14) of the surveys delivered to Greek members were returned with responses. (see Appendix D) Of those respondents, eight (8) were from a fraternity and six (6) were from a sorority. Eight (8) respondents also indicated that their chapter house was on campus. 79% of the survey respondents indicated that they currently include fire safety education in their chapter meetings. When asked how often they conduct fire safety education, 50% of the respondents indicated they conduct education once a year. 33% of the respondents indicated they conduct education twice a year and 17% of the respondents responded they conducted fire safety education once a month or more. The six (6) respondents that indicated they did not conduct fire safety education were asked if they would be interested in adding it to their education or risk management program. Of those six (6) respondents, 67% indicated that they would be interested. Only one (1) of the respondents provided a text answer when asked if there were any other comments, questions, or concerns. That respondent indicated that as house manager of Delta Delta Delta, we conduct practice fire drills so that girls are constantly reminded of what to do in a situation where there is an emergency.

26 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 26 Discussion The results indicate that the fire risks within college and university campuses and within the Greek community are still prevalent in today s higher educational culture. The need for a fire safety education program is evident as well, especially among the Greek community and their off-campus housing situations and among college students living in dormitories. As Caldwell (2007) states, Fire safety on a college campus is a multifaceted issue involving the concerns of parents, the attitudes and behaviors of the student population, the social and fiscal responsibilities of college administrators, and the local and state regulations in which the college resides. (Caldwell, 2007, p. 28) What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Florida state university dormitories? Campbell s report for the National Fire Protection Association (2013) indicates that the top cause for fires in dormitory-type residences for the years was cooking equipment, as it was responsible for 84% of all fires in that residency classification. This is somewhat consistent with the survey of the fire risks identified by the State Fire Marshal inspectors, as unattended cooking /carelessness while cooking was one of the top three risks identified by the SFM inspectors. (see Appendix A) This risk was not the top risk identified by SFM inspectors but the correlation between this prominent fire risk and the percentage of fires caused by it remains strong. Campbell s report (2013) also indicates that smoking materials was the top third cause of fires in dormitory-type residences, causing 4% of the fires annually for the years This is consistent with the SFM fire risks survey as three SFM inspectors identified cigarettes as a fire risk identified while conducting inspections of Florida state university dormitories. (see Appendix A) Three SFM inspectors also identified arson or intentional fires as a top fire risk

27 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 27 and this remains consistent with Caldwell s report which identified intentional causes as responsible for 7% of the fires annually from The top two fire risks identified by SFM inspectors, misuse of electrical cords and unattended candles, (see Appendix A) were also the fire risks identified by Duke University s fire and safety manager William Boten as major safety concerns experienced on his campus. (Stroup 2000) Ed Comeau also identifies overloading of electrical cords as a significant fire risk for all occupancies, even dormitories, in his article Off-Campus Fire Safety. (Comeau 2007) Based on a comparison of national data, the survey of SFM inspectors, and the anecdotal evidence from Duke University, it is apparent that the fire risks identified in Florida s state universities are the same risks that are experienced throughout the nation, with cooking equipment, unattended candles, and electrical cords or overloaded circuits presenting the most common risks. What types of fire risks are experienced the most in Greek housing in Florida state university settings? As Campbell s 2013 report does not distinguish between dormitories and Greek housing, the data concerning the top causes of fire from the years must be considered as the same as the data for dormitories with the top fire risk as cooking equipment. (Campbell 2013) This fire risk was also identified by the Florida Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) with state universities in their jurisdiction responding to the survey in Appendix B. (see Appendix B) Whitaker (2001) and Comeau in Off-Campus Fire Safety (2007) both identify alcohol and parties as significant fire risks experienced in Greek fraternities and sororities. Whitaker (2001) identifies the decorations and unfamiliar layout for guests as the reasons behind why Greek parties are significant fire risks. The AHJ survey respondents identified interior finishes

28 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 28 as a significant fire risk. It is difficult to determine whether or not the AHJs had party decorations in mind when they mentioned this fire risk but it certainly could include decorations from a party. (see Appendix B) Comeau provides additional reasoning to this in Off-Campus Fire Safety (2007) with his contention that students under the influence of drugs or alcohol, especially during these parties, can also present a significant fire risk. Both these risks are also identified by the AHJs in the survey distributed to them. (see Appendix B) Comeau also identifies overloading electrical devices as a fire risk in Off-Campus Fire Safety, (2007) as well as poor housekeeping such as blocked egress paths. These fire risks are also identified by the AHJs in the survey. (see Appendix B) The fire risks identified in Greek housing nationwide are remarkably similar to the fire risks identified by the Florida Authorities Having Jurisdiction conducting inspections of Greek housing in their jurisdiction. The literature review and survey both identified cooking, alcohol, blocked egress, and overloaded electrical hazards as fire risks in Greek housing. What elements are needed to create a campus fire safety program that is current and relevant to today s college students? Levine and Dean (2012) identified that students today are digital natives and communicate online frequently. Ed Comeau also identifies this quality of technological mobility and proficiency in his article Marketing Campus Fire Safety (Comeau 2007) and it were these qualities that led to the development of the To Hell and Back DVD and in Comeau s Stop, Drop, and Log On article (Comeau 2009). In that article, Comeau discusses the fact that, due to the focus of today s Millennial Generation on Internet-based applications such as YouTube, Facebook, and other social media tools, (Comeau 2009) the product had to take a visual nature as opposed to a text-driven brochure. This finding is consistent with the

29 CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY FOR FLORIDA'S STATE UNIVERSITIES 29 results of the surveys of both Resident Assistants and Greek members in that a very small percentage of respondents indicated that they felt brochures would be an effective method of fire safety education, 13% and 7%, respectively. (see Appendicies C and D) What is interesting to note, however, and is contrary to Comeau s assertions is that an even smaller percentage of RA s (11%) indicated they felt that a DVD available to watch in floor or building meetings would an effective method of fire safety education. (see Appendix C) This does not hold true for the Greek community, though, as the second largest percentage of Greek respondents (21%) indicated that they felt the DVD would be an effective means of communication. The largest percentages of respondents in both the Resident Assistant and Greek surveys indicated they felt in-person delivery by a fire safety inspector or other educator was the most effective means of delivery, 82% and 86% respectively. This is consistent with Ed Comeau s opinions in Marketing Campus Fire Safety that graphic demonstrations and hands-on training make the most impact on today s college students. (Comeau 2007) This is also echoed by Whitaker s description of the Greek Fire Academy s success utilizing fire inspectors and firefighters to conduct in-person, classroom training and hands-on practical training. The physical presence of the educators and trainers is clearly visible in the written literature and the preference for that type of delivery of educational material is evidenced by the overwhelming survey responses from both the Resident Assistants and Greek community. What fire safety training do Greek members currently engage in? Despite the fact that there were an average of 200 fires a year in Greek fraternity and sorority houses from , causing over $3 million dollars worth of damage annually (Campbell 2013) and despite the fact that there have been significant losses of lives in Greek housing in the past, such as the Phi Gamma Delta fire at University of North Carolina- Chapel