Fire Safety Tips

These tips for college leaders are offered by Columbus State Community College (With campuses located in several communities in Ohio, Columbus State Community College was named #1 for Best Campus Security 2016 by the website BestColleges.com):

  • Safety and security design consultants should be retained early during design and construction for system recommendations.
  • A risk analysis of the building’s contents and risks inherent to certain educational programs such as aviation can determine the appropriate fire detection and suppression systems.
  • Designers and planners should consider best practice in occupant design which will provide safer and timelier evacuations, enhanced by integrated emergency messaging directing crowd flow via public address systems integrated into fire systems, smartphone apps and digital signage.
  • Just as Building Information Modeling (BIM) software programs have resulted in more efficient buildings, the evolution of Fire Dynamic Simulator software programs can lead to more effective fire systems in the original building design based on actual modeling of your proposed building attributes in the event of a fire.
  • The best fire suppression system is one that’s never used. Sensor technology is evolving — such as infrared devices that can sense even sooner when the potential for fire exists — sparing the college from property loss, water and fire agent damage, and continuity of operation impacts.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

    Minnesota District Completes $49.7M Addition, Renovation Project

    St. Paul Public Schools in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $49.7-million addition and remodeling project at two district schools, according to a news release.

  • Zurn Elkay Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the release of its annual sustainability report, according to a news release. The 2025 report discusses the organization’s efforts to maintain good environmental stewardship and the solutions provided in helping customers meet sustainability goals.

  • UTampa Breaks Ground on STEM Academic Facility

    The University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla., recently broke ground on one of its largest academic facilities ever, according to a news release. The Dickey Science Innovation Center will measure 153,000 square feet and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.