Fire Training for Baylor Residence Life Personnel Set for Aug. 16

by LoAna Lopez

In light of various college and university fires around the country that have injured students, Baylor University's residence life personnel will undergo fire safety training at 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16, in the back lot of the Ferrell Special Events Center.
William McNair, university environmental health and safety manager, said this is the first such training for Baylor personnel. Data prepared in March by the National Fire Protection Association shows that in 1996 there were 1,500 fires on college and university campuses in the United States, resulting in 68 injuries and $5.9 million in damage. More than 100 people connected with dorm facilities on the campus will get a hands-on opportunity to use fire extinguishers to put out a real fire.
"One of our main concerns on campus is residence life and protecting the integrity of the buildings," McNair said. "The safety of the students, faculty and staff at Baylor is of utmost importance. If we can prevent even one small incident from becoming a larger incident, then this training will have been well worth it. Also, this training is something that people can take with them off the job, and feel secure and comfortable about using an extinguisher."
The city fire inspector and members of the Waco Fire Department will participate in the training. Central Texas Security and Fire will provide extinguishers. Also, Aramark Dining Services will provide refreshments.
For more information about the fire training, contact McNair at 744-7269.