Stony Brook University is hosting its annual “Heat & Heat” fire safety demonstrations this fall. In recognition of Fire Safety Season, Fire and Emergency Services, Campus Residences, and the Auxiliary Services Association are inviting campus community members to witness the power of fire and understand the importance of quick action in emergencies.
“For our campus residents, unattended cooking is one of the main causes of fire alarms in residence halls,” noted Scott Gershowitz, program manager and deputy fire chief. “The Heat & Heat events are important to all community members and demonstrate how quickly a fire can spread and the importance of quick evacuation.”
The “Heat & Heat” events will take place outside campus communities, showing residents a simulated fire in a mock residence hall and a stovetop cooking demonstration to highlight how rapidly a fire can spread. Attendees will get hands-on experience with fire extinguishers and receive tips on what to do during a fire to act swiftly and safely.
The events are scheduled at 8 pm in various communities:
- September 10: Roth/Tabler
- September 18: H, Mendelsohn, Toll
- September 26: Roosevelt
- September 30: West/Schomburg
- October 22: Chapin
Students who attend an entire event will receive a food truck voucher. Non-residents or faculty and staff may also attend by emailing Scott Gershowitz at scott.gershowitz@stonybrook.edu to RSVP.
On October 23 from 10 am to 3 pm, the Department of Environmental Health & Safety will host the annual Fire Safety Expo on the SAC Plaza with fire safety tips and giveaways. On October 28, further education on fire prevention will be provided during CommUniversity Day where the university’s newly branded fire engine will be displayed.
John Gallo, director of fire safety and fire chief said, “Safeguarding our campus community from fire and life safety hazards through our educational efforts is one of our greatest responsibilities. I am grateful for our continuing partnerships with Student Affairs and ASA that contribute to making our fire prevention programs successful each year. Keeping our students safe is our highest priority.”
“As we recognize Campus Fire Safety month this September, we ask community members to always treat fire alarms as if they were actual emergencies,” said Gershowitz. “Don’t delay your evacuation. If an alarm is ignored, temperatures can quickly exceed 1,000 degrees.”
Community members are encouraged to attend one of Fire & Emergency Services’ safety events this fall to learn preventative actions that can save lives.