A model residence hall room will be set on fire at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, to demonstrate how fast a fire spreads and how flammable a student's belongings can be. The burn, to take place on the Quad (far end, closest to the football field), will be preceded by a 6 p.m. educational program at Alden Memorial about how to take responsibility to prevent fire. The program is being held as part of Fire Safety Month and Greek Week, and is a collaboration of WPI's Greek community, Student Activities, the Housing & Residential Experience Center, Fire Protection Engineering, Plant Services and Facilities, and the Worcester Fire Department.
What
A model residence hall room will be set on fire to demonstrate how fast a fire spreads and how flammable a student's belongings can be. The burn will be preceded by an educational program about how to take responsibility to prevent fire. This event, which has been conducted at other colleges and universities, is being held as part of Fire Safety Month and Greek Week.
Why
One of the most effective teaching tools for student fire safety is burning a mockup of a student room in front of a crowd of students. Within five minutes, the contents of the room are destroyed, sending a powerful message to the audience. Mock fires of student rooms provide dramatic and impactful demonstrations that teach students the importance of fire prevention.
Who
This event is a collaboration of WPI's Greek community, Student Activities, the Housing & Residential Experience Center, Fire Protection Engineering, Plant Services and Facilities, and the Worcester Fire Department.
When
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
6 p.m. Lecture; 6:45 p.m. Burn Demonstration
Where
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Alden Memorial: lecture; and The Quad (far end, closest to football field) for burn demonstration
Worcester, Mass.
