Syracuse Sun

Fire and Life Safety Services (FLSS) conducted a Fire Safety Academy for the University’s resident advisors (RAs) in preparation for the fall semester. Participants rotated through various stations to acquire essential fire safety information and skills.

“The goal of the Fire Safety Academy is to provide the RAs fire safety-related information and responsibilities through a hands-on and interactive educational setting. They are then able to convey the fire safety information to their fellow students at their respective floor meetings,” said John Rossiter, manager of FLSS.

The academy included training on the history of FLSS, navigating a smoke-filled hallway, using a fire extinguisher, and best practices during a fire event. The session concluded with demonstrations involving two mock residence hall rooms where fires were simulated—one with an activated sprinkler system and one without. Syracuse University ensures that every residence hall is equipped with a sprinkler system.

“Student Living, Fire and Life Safety, and Syracuse Fire Department have been holding this training for a number of years. While I hope that our community never experiences a fire of any size, it is a reality we need to be prepared for, and education is the best measure to protect our communities,” stated Mel Molsberry, assistant director of Student Living. “This collaboration allows our team to experience simulated aspects of a fire-related emergency and practice fire safety in a controlled and safe environment, which is a rare opportunity. Ultimately, this awareness serves our team members beyond their time at Syracuse University, and I feel it’s so important to recognize that.”

Additional support during the day was provided by New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Syracuse University Facilities Services, ABJ Sprinkler, Parking and Transportation Services, along with assistance from Syracuse Fire Department.