By Adam De Lucia
The University is stressing fire safety with the addition of new rules for dorms and a crack-down on false alarms.
Robert E. Scarabino, safety consultant for the University, addressed these issues during a mandatory campus fire safety program for all freshman and transfer students. The New York State Fire Commission mandates programs for fire safety for all New York State students each year.
Scarabino stressed program goals that were “aimed not only at on campus life but also at off-campus life and everyday life.”
“Hofstra is fully compliant with the Fire Code of New York State as of the latest inspection,” he said.
The New York mandate was enacted following a deadly fire at Seton Hall University that claimed the lives of three students.
Video footage of Dana Christmas, a resident assistant caught in the blaze at Seton Hall, was shown at the program to increase student awareness of campus fire safety. Christmas was severely burned in the fire.
One factor known to contribute to death, injury, and property loss during fire is student apathy. According to a presentation organized by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (NYFPC), frequent pranks and false alarms also contribute to a lack of concern for fire alarms.
“Hofstra has experienced 204 false alarms mostly in residence halls,” Scarabino said. “But only three fires since March.”
According to the NYFPC, one out of three students who attended the University’s program will have an experience with fire in their future. The NYFPC collects statistics to improve awareness of fire safety. These statistics are representative of campuses across New York State.
University policies relating to fire safety can be found in The Living Factor under Residential Life Policies. According to The Living Factor, University policies prohibit the obstruction of closing doors, use of extension cords or obstructed electric cords, and natural cut trees in residence halls. Wall posters must not exceed 50 percent of the total wall space or hang within 24 inches of the ceiling and tapestries are strictly prohibited.
Violations of fire safety policies may result in monetary, academic, and/or judicial sanctions for students.