Protecting College Kids From Fires

As college students settle into their dorm rooms and off-campus housing, the U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a resolution – put forth by Jersey’s senior U.S. Senator – to designate September as Campus Fire Safety Month.

“During National Campus Fire Safety Month” says U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, “schools across the country hold events to raise awareness about how to prevent and respond to fires on campus. Increasing fire safety awareness on our college and university campuses will help avoid tragedies like the deadly Seton Hall University fire.  We need to take every step possible to keep our students safe so they can focus on their education.”

Senator Lautenberg and Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell have introduced the “Campus Fire Safety Education Act” to provide schools with the resources they need to educate students about preventing fires.

The measure would create a new competitive Campus Fire Safety Education Grant Program at colleges and universities, and increase fire safety awareness among college students by helping to improve their fire safety training.

Congressman Pascrell points out “as students are welcomed back to their campuses across the nation, it's important for them to recognize National Campus Fire Safety Month and its impact on ensuring a safe learning experience. We must do all that we can to keep our nation's students safe and informed…we must do everything in our power to ensure the safety and security of our children when they leave for college.”

Following the tragic Seton Hall University fire 12 years ago that killed three students, Senator Lautenberg and Congressman Pascrell introduced the “Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act,” which was later signed into law.  The law requires colleges and universities to make public crucial fire safety records and provide detailed reports on the number of fires in each on-campus student housing facility.  It also requires the Department of Education to identify and disseminate exemplary fire safety programs and practices.