BU's Resident Assistants Learn Fire Safety

8/27/2012 (Updated 8/28/2012 1:07:07 AM)

(Source: Kate Thornton)

Monday afternoon, Resident Assistants (RA's) and Resident Directors (RD's) at Binghamton University participated in the Annual Fire Safety Training Session.

Residential Life and the Vestal Fire Department collaborated to put on this hands-on program for the students so they know what to do if a fire were to occur.  "The fact that we're able to offer them a hands-on lesson rather than just a lecture style makes it that more meaningful," said Fall Training Coordinator and RD Steven Knepp.

For some first time RA's like BU Junior Heather Bergling, this was their first time learning how to use a fire extinguisher, and maneuver out of a smoke filled room.  "I was worried about how to  deal with those big problems that could arise," said Berling.  "I didn't know how to use a fire extinguisher, I didn't know how to get people out of the building.  So, this three hour crash course is teaching me everything that I need to know.  I think it's really useful."

Other RA's said what they learned are skills they can take with them even beyond campus. "I would definitely trust the training here.  The fire department is very good and so I would definitely trust my training and my own skills now that I've been through it," said RA Jonathan Hanna.

The program gives Residential Life a piece of mind that those in charge of the safety of students are equipped with the knowledge to act quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.  "We need to know that when the fire alarm is going off, our RA and staff know what to do, know to get these people out of the building and that the people in the building know they have to leave for their protection, " said James Rea from the Environmental Health and Safety department at BU.

The Vestal Fire Department said they respond on average to 300-400 fire alarms a year at BU.