State fire marshal’s educational program available to all campuses

Contact: Nikki Ploskonka 502-564-5525
             Jodi Whitaker 502-564-2611

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 31, 2006) – Governor Ernie Fletcher, citing a troubling lack of fire-safety awareness on campuses, has proclaimed September as Campus Fire Safety Month.

At least 88 people have died in student housing fires nationwide since January 2000, yet students “are not routinely receiving adequate fire-safety education,” Governor Fletcher said.

“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,” the Governor said. “I encourage all campus administrators to provide fire-safety education to students and to evaluate the level of fire safety being provided in their student housing facilities.”

The Office of State Fire Marshal, an agency of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, has developed a program on campus fire safety that will be made available to all college campuses in Kentucky.

The program 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 dormitory hazards – extension cords, careless smoking, untended candles, lamps and small appliances – and the many ways in which students can spot problems and protect themselves.

Information about the program is available from State Fire Marshal Rodney Raby, 502-573-0382, or by writing Office of the State Fire Marshal, 101 Sea Hero Rd., Frankfort, KY 40601.

In Kentucky, the Michael Minger Act, named in memory of a student killed in an arson fire at Murray State University in 1998, gives the state fire marshal authority to inspect, investigate or take other necessary action to prevent fire loss or to determine the origin of a fire on college campuses.