RMS
Fire Safety Festival
9/8/2022
September is Campus Fire Safety Month and Auburn University is gearing up for the first ever FIRE SAFETY FESTIVAL on Wednesday September 14th from 10 am until 2pm. RMS team members and volunteers will be set up around campus with games, giveaways, and prizes.
The Brain Burners Fire Safety Quiz will be on the Haley Concourse. Participants will be asked three questions related to fire safety. Get them right and spin the wheel to win a prize!
The Hot Shots Selfie Station will be set up at the Edge at Central Dining. It’s easy to participate. Just snap a selfie and post it on social media or send it to a friend. Once you do, you win!
The Power P.A.S.S. station will be set up in the Melton Student Center. Get firsthand experience fighting fires with our state-of-the-art extinguisher simulator. Once you learn to P.A.S.S. then you’re all set and you win!
Punch-cards will be available at each station. Participants who visit all three stations on September 14th can be entered to win a number of amazing grand prizes.
Learning more about Fire Safety has never been easier or fun!
For questions or additional information, please contact Kevin Ives at pki0002@auburn.edu
Risk Management and Safety Warns of Using Certain Dehumidifiers.
8/17/2021
Over two million dehumidifiers have been recalled due a fire and burn hazards. There have been over 100 incidents so far due to these units overheating or catching fire. So far, no injuries have been reported but the incidents have resulted in almost $17 million in property damage.
This recall involves 25-, 30-, 35-, 45-, 50-, 60-, 65-, 70-, and 74-pint dehumidifiers, manufactured before September 1, 2017, with the brand names including AeonAir, Amana, ArcticAire (Danby), Classic (Danby / Home Hardware Stores), Commercial Cool, Danby, Danby Designer, Danby Premiere, De’Longhi, Edgestar, Friedrich, Generations (Danby), Haier, Honeywell (JMATEK / AirTek), Idylis, Ivation, perfect aire, SuperClima, Whirlpool, and Whynter.
Please check the model number of your dehumidifier’s model number here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/two-million-dehumidifiers-with-well-known-brand-names-recalled-due-to-fire-and-burn and confirm it is part of the recall.
Risk Management and Safety recommends you stop using the dehumidifiers immediately and contact New WideTech for a refund. Contact New Widetech toll-free at 877-251-1512 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.recallrtr.com/nwtdehumidifier or http://www.newwidetech.com/en/ and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.
Fire Alarm Emergency Notification Test
5/4/2020
Campus Safety & Security will be conducting testing of the fire alarm emergency notification system in 60 buildings on campus after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. The testing should take an hour or less.
During this time, horns will sound, strobes will flash, and a series of emergency messages will be broadcast throughout affected buildings.
If at any time during the testing you believe there is a real emergency, DIAL 911 immediately. If an actual emergency occurs, a live public address message will be broadcast to provide instructions to building occupants.
We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please email campussafety@auburn.edu.
Stay Fire Safe
9/18/2019
Join Auburn University Risk Management and Safety for "Stay Fire Safe", an interactive fire safety training presentation. This event will show how to use a fire extinguisher, cooking safety tips, pet fire safety tips, and more. Plus, as an added bonus there will be door prizes including an iPad, Auburn Tailgate Tent, Gift Cards, and more! Everyone who attends will get either a Risk Management and Safety Microwave Pinch Mitt or a Fire Extinguisher Stree Reliever. Join us in Haley Room 2370 from 6:30pm until 7:30pm on Wednesday September 25th
Annual Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Inspection
4/16/2019
On Wednesday April 24th, Auburn University Risk Management and Safety will hold their annual Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Inspection from 12pm until 4pm at the Facilities Vehicle Servicing Area. This event serves as an easy and convenient opportunity to have all University Fleet vehicles equipped with a Fire Extinguisher to have their existing units checked, tested, or even replaced.
The process is simple, and participants will be back on the road in a short time. The Annual Vehicle Fire Inspection helps ensure that all fleet vehicles and equipped with adequate and working extinguishers and ensures that the University Fleet can operate safely and efficiently.
If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Pressley at Auburn University Risk Management and Safety.
Auburn RMS and Auburn Global partner for unique Fire Safety Presentations
4/8/2019
Auburn University Risk Management and Safety (RMS) partnered with Auburn Global for a series of Fire Safety Demonstrations. Three separate sessions were held and were attended by close to 450 students. Safety and Health Specialist Jon Haney delivered a specially tailored message to promote fire safety in off-campus living spaces. This message included a hands-on demonstration of proper fire extinguisher use, video examples of the power of fire, and simple and effective tips for cooking safety.
This collaboration between Auburn Global and Auburn Risk Management and Safety to was specifically designed to serve Auburn’s International Student population and to target an area of need on campus. RMS is committed to find unique and specialized trainings and outreach efforts to better serve the entirety of Auburn University.
After the success of this event, RMS will incorporate more individual and specialized trainings during September’s Campus Fire Safety Month. If your group, organization, or office would like to arrange Fire Safety Training or partner with RMS during Campus Fire Safety Month then please contact Auburn Risk Management and Safety at aurms@auburn.edu
Annual Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Inpsection
3/25/2019
On Wednesday April 24th, Auburn University Risk Management and Safety will hold their annual Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Inspection from 12pm until 4pm at the Facilities Vehicle Servicing Area. This event serves as an easy and convenient opportunity to have all University Fleet vehicles equipped with a Fire Extinguisher to have their existing units checked, tested, or even replaced.
The process is simple, and participants will be back on the road in a short time. The Annual Vehicle Fire Inspection helps ensure that all fleet vehicles and equipped with adequate and working extinguishers and ensures that the University Fleet can operate safely and efficiently.
If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Pressley at Auburn University Risk Management and Safety.
Campus Building Surveys to be conducted February 25 through March 1
2/15/2019
Risk Management & Safety will be working with Duff and Phelps, LLC to survey properties insured by the State Insurance Fund. Representatives will be on campus from February 25, 2019 – March 1, 2019 to assess current condition and valuation of select buildings. You may notice the surveyors entering mechanical rooms, electrical closets, and other restricted areas; however, they will be accompanied by AU Facilities Management. Every effort will be made to schedule surveys at times that are convenient for building occupants.
Questions or concerns may be directed to Risk Management & Safety at 844-4533.
Campus Fire Safety Month 2018 is a success for RMS and Auburn
10/1/2018
With September ending, Auburn University Risk Management and Safety wrapped up another successful Campus Fire Safety Month. The month of September saw an increased push for fire awareness and campus readiness with activities, events, and signage throughout campus and the community.
The events kicked off with “Popcorn and Prevention”, where RMS Staff met students and handed out bags of microwave popcorn. The popcorn was labeled with cooking safety tips and was chosen because improperly cooked popcorn was one the leading cause of fire alarms going off. This simple example showed how even the smallest things should be noticed and remembered when it comes for fire safety.
RMS Staff members also brought a new activity to students, faculty, and staff: the FireSmarter Gameshow. The knowledge of basic fire safety tips was tested in a fun and interactive man-on-the-street game and after answering, students could spin the wheel for prizes and left a little fire smarter and fire safer.
Finally, Risk Management and Safety welcomed national renown speakers Sean Simons and Alvaro Llanos as they shared their personal and inspirational story of recovery, redemption, and hope after surviving a fatal campus fire at Seton Hall University. This intimate setting allowed for a personal communication and a better appreciation of this impactful and life-affirming message.
This year, Governor Kay Ivey acknowledged, recognized, and proclaimed September officially as Campus Fire Safety Month across Alabama. The Auburn University Student Government Association also recognized Campus Fire Safety Month and passed their own resolution to personally recognize and participate in the event.
“Campus Fire Safety Month,” was founded by the Center for Campus Fire Safety, and is a nationwide effort to raise fire and life safety awareness on college campuses throughout the month of September each year. According to the Center, August and September are historically the worst times of the year for fatal campus-related housing fires.
Auburn University Risk Management & Safety (RMS) has recognized officially recognized and support Campus Fire Safety Month for over three years. Through their participation, Risk Management and Safety hopes to bring understanding to our 25,000-plus student body (and eventually, the surrounding community) about the dangers of housing-related fires. Students need to be aware of how fire could touch their lives, that fires DO happen in campus-related settings, and that they should take steps to protect and educate themselves about fire safety, no matter their place of residence.
The 2018 edition of Campus Fire Safety Month at Auburn University was supported and sponsored by Auburn Bank, Belfor Restoration Johnson Controls, and Brendle Fire Equipment. Risk Management and Safety personally thanks these community partners and their commitment to keeping Auburn University safe.
For more information on Campus Fire Safety Month and to be a partner in 2019, please contact Kevin Ives at pki0002@auburn.edu or follow Risk Management and Safety on Twitter @AuburnRMS.
RMS ALERT: Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall
2/5/2018
The Kidde Corporation is recalling over 40 million fire extinguishers. Specifically two styles of Kidde disposable fire extinguishers: plastic handle and plastic push-button. This recall does not include Kidde Professional or Badger branded fire extinguishers. Units with metal handles/valve assemblies are not included in the recall. According to the manufacturer:
The replacement program was initiated because certain fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to activate, posing a risk of failure to discharge. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard. The product recall involves two styles of Kidde disposable fire extinguishers: plastic handle fire extinguishers and plastic push-button fire extinguishers.
If you feel that you are affected by this recall, please follow these steps:
- Locate and College the Model Number, Serial Number, and Date Code of your extinguisher. For help identifying this information refer to these documents
- Contact Kidde at at (855) 271-0773 between 8:30 a.m.. and 5 p.m.. EST Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), or between 9 a.m.. and 3 p.m.. during the weekend to determine whether your extinguishers are affected.
- Retain your original existing extinguisher until your replacement has been received. Upon receipt, you will be given instructions how to return your recalled unit.
Auburn University Department of Risk Management and Safety will monitor and address all on-campus fire extinguishers. If you feel that you are in possession of an affected model then please contact Risk Management and Safety at 334-844-4870.
For additional information and support please refer to Recall FAQ or watch the tutorial video below:
Media Contact: Kevin Ives, RMS Communications & Marketing | 334-844-2502 | pki0002@auburn.edu
Auburn Fire Department, university units to conduct special fire safety training at Jordan-Hare
6/29/2017
The Auburn Fire Department will conduct a training exercise at Jordan-Hare Stadium this summer that will have long-term benefits for not only local firefighters, first responders and the university community as a whole, but future game-day fans as well.
On Thursday, June 8, between 10 and 15 Auburn firefighters will hook up firehoses to pressurized pipes at different connection points around the stadium to conduct firefighting scenarios. The training will take place from 8 a.m. to noon, and several sidewalks around the stadium will be closed during this time, due to water that will be released from the hoses. The sidewalks on the east side of the stadium near the Tiger Transit bus stops and the Student Center will be closed, as well as the sidewalks on the west side of the stadium on Donahue Drive. Ongoing summer construction projects around the stadium will also be a factor, so anyone entering the area during this time is required to follow proper safety precautions by wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as a hard hat, safety glasses and steel-toed or sturdy shoes.
The firefighter-training event was scheduled in conjunction with testing of the stadium’s sprinkler system, to be performed by university contractor Brendle Sprinkler Company. According to the Auburn University Risk Management & Safety Department’s (RMS) Safety & Health Programs Manager Chris Carmello, the university is required by the National Fire Protection Association to test dry sprinkler systems every five years.
“It was time for us to test the system at Jordan-Hare, and the fire department had already asked if they could come get some training at the stadium if we ever charged the pipes with water,” Carmello said. “This is not a safety issue; that’s not why we’re doing this. This is simply a once-in-every-five-years opportunity for the fire department to get some hands-on experience on-site, at an outdoor location where they’ll actually be able to use high-pressure water hoses while training.”
According to Carmello, there are important differences between a “wet sprinkler system” and a “dry sprinkler system” that made this training at the stadium more attractive to the fire department. Wet sprinkler systems always have water in the pipes, but dry sprinkler systems, such as those at the stadium, do not, which means there will be a bit of a lag in the time it takes the water to spread throughout the pipes when charged.
“This training will give the fire department a better idea of how quickly the water can get to where it needs to be in the event of an emergency at the stadium,” Carmello said.
In addition, unique factors during the training will present some challenges to the firefighters. For example, there are three connection points around the stadium that will be utilized for training – one on the east side of the stadium and two on the west side. The connection on the east side requires a different type of connection, so the firefighters will be challenged to run a different type of hose.
Carmello said this entire scenario would be a troubleshooting opportunity for everyone involved. “The fire department will get to troubleshoot what kind of issues they might be presented with during the event of a real emergency at a very high profile facility. Our contractor, Brendle, will be able to look for leaks or any weaknesses in the pipes, and, based off these results, RMS will be that much more prepared and able to address issues that could arise during game days. This entire effort ensures the safety of our game days and our game day fans.”
Several university departments and units worked with the fire department to make this training possible, including Risk Management & Safety, Auburn University Athletics, Facilities Management and Auburn University Public Safety.
Media Contact: Kati Burns, RMS Communications & Marketing | 334-844-2502 | klb0095@auburn.edu
Special Firefighter Training Day at Jordan-Hare: Auburn Fire commends RMS for help making game days safer for fans
6/29/2017
Despite recent days of dark clouds and heavy rainfall, firefighters with Auburn Fire Division were thankfully met with sunny blue skies for their training at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 8. It had been a busy night and morning for Auburn firefighters, with more emergency calls than usual, but close to 10 firefighters were on hand for the special fire safety training the division had desired to do for more than a year.
The fire department partnered with Auburn University Risk Management & Safety (RMS) to receive important training on the stadium’s wet and dry fire protection systems, while university contractor Brendle Sprinkler Company and RMS tested the sprinklers at the same time. This testing of the stadium’s dry water fire protection systems happens every five years, a requirement of the National Fire Protection Association.
“This was a once-in-every-five-years opportunity for the fire department to get some hands-on experience on-site, at an outdoor location where they would actually be able to use high-pressure water hoses while training,” said Chris Carmello, RMS Safety & Health Programs manager. “There are important differences between a “wet sprinkler system” and a “dry sprinkler system” that made this training at the stadium more attractive to the fire department.”
Wet sprinkler systems always have water in the pipes, but dry sprinkler systems, such as some of the standpipe systems at the stadium, do not, which means there will be a bit of a lag in the time it takes the water to spread throughout the pipes when charged. There are five fire hydrants around the stadium and two standpipe systems inside the stadium.
The training began on the ground level of the stadium with firefighters and staff with Brendle testing the pressure of the water and releasing any old water standing in the pipes. Firefighters then carried hoses up five flights of stairs to the very top of the stadium where they hooked up to the stadium’s standpipe system and waited for the hose to fill with water.
“It’s invaluable that we have this kind of training where some 80,000 fans could be gathered,” said Jeff Nolin, Auburn Fire Division battalion chief. “We need this kind of muscle memory and the experience of stretching the hoses in a building that we’re actually going to be working in.”
The training lasted from 8 a.m. until about noon. The testing allowed both firefighters, RMS and Brendle to find any leaks, breakages or other defects throughout the system.
“These scenarios help us to think about logistics ahead of time, like where we need to have personnel during game days and any situations they might run into trying to get to the fire,” said Deputy Fire Chief Matt Jordan. “If there is a fire, we’re going to have to evacuate people, move people around also.”
The stadium training was the first opportunity the Auburn Fire Division has had to use the “high-rise packs” purchased specifically for the stadium almost two years ago. The division typically has firefighters staged at the stadium during game days, with additional personnel to call-in if need be.
“This time of year, we’re thinking about football season, putting our people in place and just preparing for any new developments – like new constructions that may have gone up that could affect our response times or typical staging areas,” Jordan said.
“It’s our job to prepare for “worst case scenarios.” The university has done a great job making this a safe environment for the university community and the fans. RMS does a great job collaborating with us, inspecting fire extinguishers ahead of time, and managing contractors and vendors. We are always very impressed with their help.”
Media Contact: Kati Burns, RMS Communications & Marketing | 334-844-2502 | klb0095@auburn.edu
Auburn RMS Campus Fire Safety video named a “Pearls of Wisdom” contest winner
5/24/2017
Auburn University’s Risk Management & Safety Department (RMS) was recently named a winner in the United Educators (UE) 30th Anniversary “Pearls of Wisdom” video contest.
Member institutions of the UE were tasked in late 2016 with highlighting through a short video the innovative ways they have successfully reduced liability exposures on their campuses. Videos were judged on creativity and universal impact, or rather, their potential to teach others how to promote safer communities at their own institutions. Winners of the video contest received a $3,000 prize.
The winning video submitted by RMS featured the university’s first annual Campus Fire Safety Month campaign, part of a national awareness initiative created by the Center for Campus Fire Safety and recognized annually throughout the month of September. The video showed scenes from the department’s four-week series of fire safety activities, which included: A mock firefighter training obstacle course with the City of Auburn Fire Department; fire extinguisher training; informational campus booths; and a speech/documentary film screening given by Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons, two survivors of the 2000 Seton Hall University dormitory fire.
Photos and snippets of videos shot on staff members’ smartphones were pieced together using Windows Movie Maker to form the more than six-minute final video, and RMS Safety & Health Programs Manager Chris Carmello was the voice behind the narration.
According to Safety & Health Specialist Jon Haney, who led planning for Auburn’s Campus Fire Safety Month, most college students living on their own for the first time have not had fire safety education since elementary school, and the goal of the campaign was to reach as many students as possible.
“Unfortunately, students do not always realize how quickly a fire can occur,” Haney said. “Our job is to educate them and the campus community, to provide them with the tools they need to prevent fires from happening. Every individual has to take responsibility for fire safety.”
Haney thanked RMS Executive Director Christine Eick, Associate Director Chris O’Gwynn and Carmello for putting together the video and for their support, along with other members of RMS and the students for participating and making the campaign a success. “It’s truly an honor to receive this recognition,” Haney said. “A year’s worth of planning went into making this awareness campaign happen, and to have it recognized in our first year just reiterates that we’re headed in the right direction.”
Planning for the 2017 Auburn University Campus Fire Safety Month is already underway. To see Risk Management & Safety’s winning Campus Fire Safety video, click here. Other winners of the UE “Pearls of Wisdom” video contest included Gonzaga University’s four-minute video on managing risks presented by campus activities and events.
Media Contact: Kati Burns, RMS Communications & Marketing Specialist | 334-844-2502 | klb0095@auburn.edu
National Fire Protection Association offers fire safety tips on crowded buildings
12/15/2016
Take necessary precautions to protect yourself in crowded buildings this holiday season and always be aware of your surroundings were just two of several tips offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The NFPA delivered the tips following the recent fire catastrophes in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Oakland, California and Cambridge, Massachusetts, urging people to not be complacent.
In early December, a small forest fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, grew into an uncontrollable inferno as a result of sudden high winds and dry weather, burning thousands of homes and businesses, and killing 14 people. In Oakland, California, a deadly fire engulfed a warehouse during an electronic dance concert, killing at least nine people. And in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a massive, fast-moving 10-alarm fire – described as the largest seen in Cambridge in more than 35 years – destroyed 11 buildings and several cars before it was contained.
According to NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley in a statement to Occupational Health & Safety Online, these reminders are particularly important during the holiday season, when public areas are often overcrowded. “Most people don’t consider fire a significant risk, and complacency is one of the greatest dangers when it comes to fire safety,” Pauley said. “No one ever thinks it will happen to them. We hope these tragic incidents remind people that fires can and do happen, and that they need to be prepared in the event of one.”
NFPA’s fire safety tips for entering and spending time in crowded buildings include some of the following reminders:
- Be aware of surroundings. Are exits visible and easily accessible? Know your escape route ahead of time. If exits are blocked, file a complaint with the local fire marshal.
- Have a communication plan in place. In the event of an emergency, know who you will contact, and designate a “family meeting spot” outside of the building.
- React immediately. If an alarm sounds or there is smoke, exit the building. Do not return to the building for any reason; let trained firefighters conduct their operations.
For the full release from the NFPA, visit ohsonline.com. For specific questions or concerns about fire safety on the Auburn campus, visit RMS Fire Safety.