Residential Life staff trains with San Marcos Fire Department

By Jordan Gass-Pooré
University News Service
August 9, 2011

Texas State University-San Marcos Housing and Residential Life student staff members train with the San Marcos Fire Department Friday in preparation for new resident move-in day, Aug. 17.

For five years Texas State Housing and Residential Life has teamed up with the SMFD to train student staff members.

The SMFD and the Texas State Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management department will receive the “Our Friends of Housing and Residential Life” award Friday. The Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management department monitors and inspects dorm fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers and extinguishers.

Les Stephens, SMFD fire chief, and Howard Minor, San Marcos Professional Firefighters president, will discuss dorm fire safety with 160 Texas State resident assistants and hall directors.

The SMFD fire fighters will perform fire safety demonstrations, which include teaching Texas State Housing and Residential life student staff members how to use a fire extinguisher with a controlled fire.

Texas State Housing and Residential Life student staff members will experience a mock fire when the SMFD fills a dorm hallway with theatrical smoke. Student staff members are asked to walk from one end of the hallway to the other.

“I’ve done it and it is one of the most heart palpitating, frightening experiences you can ever go through,” Roseanne Proite, Department of Housing and Residential Life director, said. “The smoke is so thick you cannot even see your hand when it’s in front of your face.”

The SMFD training will conclude with the “Our Friends of Housing and Residential Life” award presentation.