If a fire started in your office or classroom, would you know what to do? Most importantly, would you know the safest way to get out of the building and into a safe area outside?

These are some of the questions that University of Houston Department of Public Safety officials are posing to faculty and staff members during Fire Prevention Week in Texas Oct. 8 – 14.

The theme of this week is “Know Your Way Out, Have an Exit Strategy,” and Texans are urged to practice fire safety and know how to carefully leave their homes and workplaces during an emergency.

“Everyone should always know where a minimum of two exits are,” said Bob Bowden, UH fire marshal. “Elevators are not considered an exit.”

Bowden added that members of UHDPS Department of Fire and Physical Safety can visit offices to provide demonstrations on proper evacuation strategies. He also offered additional tips to keep in mind in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Although Bowden and his staff will be available throughout Fire Safety Week, they are available anytime to discuss evacuation procedures, perform fire extinguisher demonstrations or conduct general fire safety classes. Faculty and staff can contact the fire and physical safety office at 713-743-1635 to schedule a demonstration or class.

For more information and other fire safety tips, visit the Texas Department of Insurance’s State Fire Marshal Web site (http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/fire/index.html), or for information on National Fire Prevention Week, visit (http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1194&itemID=28246).

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu