By:  K.P.Martin

On Wednesday, August 18th, members of Hamden Fire Department’s Local 2687 participated in fire extinguisher training at Quinnipiac University.  Prior to the start of the school year, the R.A’s (resident assistants) for each QU residence hall are instructed on the proper use of the extinguishers located in the residence halls.  Firefighters educated the students on the different types of extinguishers, and instructed the students on the use of extinguishers using the common acronym, P.A.S.S.—Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze the handle, Sweep at the base of the fire.  All of the R.A’s had the chance to practice this method during a hands on training session with a simulated flammable liquid fire.

Welcome back, Quinnipiac University students, teachers, and staff.  Please remember to stay safe!

Some interesting facts according to the United States Fire Administration:

 - An estimated 3,800 university housing fires occur each year in the United States.
 - Eighty-three percent of university housing fires are cooking fires. Small, confined cooking fires account for 77 percent of university housing fires. Cooking fires account for 6 percent of all non-confined university housing fires.
 - University housing fires peak in September and October; this peak accounts for 23 percent of fires.
 - The three main causes of non-confined university housing fires are intentionally set fires (17 percent), open flames (15 percent), and other unintentional causes (12 percent).
 - One-fifth of non-confined university housing fires in bedrooms are started by candles. **

**source: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/tfrs/v10i1.pdf

For more interesting facts on the fire service and fire safety and prevention tips, visit:
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/