[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12385]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2016

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Campus Fire 
Safety Month during the month of September.
  I first became involved in the issue of campus fire safety following 
a tragic fire at Seton Hall University, in which three students were 
killed. Since that time, we have made many strides, including the 
passage of the Campus Fire Safety Right to Know Act, which will ensure 
that prospective students and their families are provided with the fire 
safety records, information and statistics of colleges and 
universities.
  Last academic year, there were no college-related fire deaths 
anywhere in the U.S. for the first time since 2000--an incredible drop 
from when 20 people were killed in 2006-2007. This progress can be 
attributed to the commendable efforts of fire departments, schools, and 
communities coming together to address this serious problem.
  According to the United States Fire Administration, 94 percent of 
college-related fire deaths happen in off-campus housing, where most 
students live. Through greater awareness and education, both students 
and parents are able to make informed decisions on choosing fire-safe 
housing that includes smoke alarms and two ways out. Students are more 
aware of how their actions can avoid having a fire happen in the first 
place and what to do if one does occur. This not only helps save their 
lives, but also the lives of their roommates and the fire fighters who 
are responding.
  By teaching college students about fire safety, we are teaching them 
not only how to be fire-safe during their time in college, but also for 
the rest of their lives. By creating a fire-safe generation now, we can 
make society safer for the future and reduce the tragic impact of fire. 
In the U.S. approximately 3,000 people die in fires every year.
  It is my sincere hope that college campuses in New Jersey and across 
the nation will participate in Campus Fire Safety Month activities 
throughout September. We must do all that we can to keep our nation's 
students safe and informed. This is also why I introduced the Campus 
Fire Safety Education Act, to provide universities with grants they can 
use to develop or implement campus fire safety education strategies. We 
must do everything in our power to ensure the safety and security of 
our children when they leave for college.
  I want to commend all of those who are working to make our campuses 
and communities better places to live, because fire safety is 
everyone's fight. Fire safety on campus today means a fire safe nation 
for tomorrow.

                          ____________________