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Drilling Fire Safety

Keohane Quad drill keeps students alert to what they should do in fire emergency

Durham Fire responds to a Keohane Quad fire drill last week.

In the photo below, Jason Shepherd, of Duke Fire Safety, monitors the smoke coming out if a smoke machine in preparation for a fire drill at Keohane Quadrangle on the night of Oct. 23. The drill, which included members of the Durham Fire Department, Duke University Police, Duke EMT and Duke Fire Safety was meant to test students' preparedness in the event of an emergency.

The intent was to create a scenario that was close to real life. Shepard and Duke Fire Safety initiatiated the alarm. Durham Fire then responded, including a full search and rescue mission in which firefighters pulled out two students out of the residence hall. The students were part of the plan and knew about it in advance.

October is Fire Prevention Month, and Duke Fire Safety has had activities all month long underscoring the importance of fire prevention. All staff and students are encouraged to have fire plans and drills for their homes, including at least two escape routes. For more about fire prevention, visit the National Fire Prevention Association or Duke Fire Safety.

For more information about Duke Fire Safety and fire prevention, call Jason Shepherd at 812-9179.

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