On Thursday, Aug. 11, the Boulder Fire Department will teach 213 resident advisors and other staff from the University of Colorado Boulder about fire safety. The goal of the training is for Resident Advising staff to learn how to teach freshmen students about fire safety and how to lead effectively during emergencies.

The training includes:
· Smoke evacuation from a residence hall using non-toxic theatrical smoke
· Fire extinguisher skills practice on live fire
· Classroom activities & case studies using fire-damaged materials from actual fires involving CU-Boulder students
· Panel discussions with CU police and Boulder Fire Rescue & residence hall directors on “What to Do While You Are Waiting for Emergency Services to Arrive”

The student-based program is in its tenth year, and has become a national model for fire safety training on college campuses around the country.

“It’s an honor for CU-Boulder to partner with the Boulder Fire Department in the development of a national fire safety model for college students,” said Deb Coffin, interim vice chancellor for student affairs. “The program is grounded in fire safety practices and student feedback, and we’re confident it’s making a difference in the safety and health of our students.”

Training sessions start at 8:00 a.m. and go through noon on Thursday on the CU campus, Farrand and Libby residence halls.

For fun, RAs and students will also have the chance to test their skills with fire hoses, shooting Frisbees with water from a fire engine adjacent to Farrand Field.
Some of the tips which will be provided during the training include:

· Always evacuate when a fire alarm sounds.
· Find the nearest exit, which may not be the most familiar route.
· Use the stairs – not elevators – when evacuating. Elevators can trap you between floors or open onto a fire floor.
· If you are trapped and can’t evacuate, call 911.
· Make sure the smoke alarms in your rooms have fresh batteries.
· Take responsibility for your own safety.

For more information, please contact Sherry Kenyon, Fire Safety Educator, at 303-910-8512.