LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 20, 2006) − The University of Kentucky is observing Campus Fire Safety Month as proclaimed by Gov. Ernie Fletcher.  Various activities are planned throughout campus during the month of September including many "hands on" fire safety demonstrations for students, faculty and staff.

Among the activities are a smoke house, infrared camera, and sprinkler buggy demonstrations, a simulated basket rescue above ground between buildings, and a car extraction demonstration.  UK is working in conjunction with the Lexington Fire Department to provide these activities.

"We want the campus community to get involved in these events, so we have made them as interesting and attractive as possible," said Christy Giles, UK Emergency Management director, "but the message is very serious.  We want to protect our students and employees by educating them about fire safety and prevention."

In proclaiming September Fire Safety Month, Fletcher noted that 88 people had died in student housing fires nationwide since January 2000. "It is vital to educate future generations of our nation about the importance of fire safety to ensure their safety during their college years and beyond," he said.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal has developed a program on campus fire safety that explores "high risk" attitudes – "It can't happen to me" – and behaviors such as disabling fire detection devices and ignoring fire alarms.  It also covers common fire hazards such as extension cords, careless smoking, unattended lamps and small appliances and the many ways in which students can spot problems and protect themselves.

“This campus fire safety program is available to all colleges and universities in Kentucky,” said State Fire Marshal Rodney Raby.  “It is our hope this program will increase awareness and enhance fire safety affecting the entire student body.”

In addition to observing Campus Fire Safety Month, UK officials provide extensive training to employees and students working in the residence halls.  Each year before the start of the fall semester, UK Fire Marshal Garry Beach and Assistant Fire Marshal Greg Williamson conduction mandatory fire safety training for campus residence hall directors and advisers.  In turn, hall directors are required to conduct mandatory fire escape drills for residents.  Also, each residence hall on UK's campus is equipped with automatic sprinklers and smoke detectors.

“Fire prevention learned at UK is also applicable to one’s family life after leaving the university," Beach said.

The remaining schedule for the Campus Fire Safety Month events at UK is as follows: