Fire Safety...

[DeltAlum]

Thought it might be worthwhile to copy this post from another thread...

from WOUB Radio/TV...

Fire Evacuates OU Fraternity House -- November 22, 2002
About 30 members of an Ohio University fraternity were forced out of their house this morning by a fire.

The fire was reported around 7:00 a.m. at the Beta Theta Pi house on Congress Street. Everyone apparently escaped the flames but one girl reportedly broke her arm as she jumped out a window. She's identified as Ann Ernsthausen of Oak Harbor.

The fire was discovered by member Rick Campopiano of Burton, who said he was awakened by the smell of smoke. His effort to extinguish the fire was unsuccessful so he began yelling for everyone to get out.

Ohio University's Bromley Hall dormitory next door was evacuated but dozens of students there were let back in after the fire was knocked down. Fraternity house members, however, remained outside on the sidewalk watching as firefighters finished their work.

Several were not fully dressed, having run outside into the cold without many clothes. Campopiano says the initial flames were around a fireplace in what is called the formal room on the first floor. But members say that fireplace is never used. They had no idea what may have triggered the fire.

Athens Fire Chief Bob Troxel terms the damage "extensive."

NOTE: What may have been helpful is that Ohio University requires a firedrill within two weeks of the beginning of each quarter. Maybe that paid off in this case. Sounds like the evacuation was well done and in an orderly fashion. "Fortunately, there were no life-threatening injuries in this fire," Ohio University Dean of Students Terry Hogan said. "Residents of the house worked together to evacuate quickly and safely and made certain to account for their fellow students."

This would be an excellent idea for every chapter house. I think most fraternity Risk Management programs suggest it.


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