Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University is organizing its annual “Heat & Heat” fire safety demonstrations this fall, aimed at raising awareness during Fire Safety Season. The events are coordinated by Fire and Emergency Services, Campus Residences, and the Auxiliary Services Association to educate the campus community on fire hazards and emergency responses.

Scott Gershowitz, program manager and deputy fire chief, highlighted the importance of these events: “For our campus residents, unattended cooking is one of the main causes of fire alarms in residence halls. The Heat & Heat events are important to all community members and demonstrate how quickly a fire can spread and the importance of quick evacuation.”

The demonstrations will include simulated fires in mock residence halls and stovetop cooking demonstrations to illustrate the rapid spread of fires. Participants will also receive hands-on experience with fire extinguishers and practical tips for acting swiftly in case of a fire.

The schedule for the “Heat & Heat” events is as follows:

- September 10: Roth/Tabler

- September 18: H, Mendelsohn, Toll

- September 26: Roosevelt

- September 30: West/Schomburg

- October 22: Chapin

Events begin at 8 pm. Students attending an entire event will receive a food truck voucher. Non-residents or faculty and staff interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Scott Gershowitz at scott.gershowitz@stonybrook.edu.

Additionally, on October 23 from 10 am to 3 pm, the Department of Environmental Health & Safety will host its annual Fire Safety Expo on SAC Plaza with safety tips and giveaways. On October 28, CommUniversity Day will feature further education on fire prevention along with a display of the university’s newly branded fire engine.

John Gallo, director of fire safety and fire chief emphasized their commitment: “Safeguarding our campus community from fire and life safety hazards through our educational efforts is one of our greatest responsibilities. I am grateful for our continuing partnerships with Student Affairs and ASA that contribute to making our fire prevention programs successful each year. Keeping our students safe is our highest priority.”

Gershowitz added a cautionary note for Campus Fire Safety Month this September: “We ask community members to always treat fire alarms as if they were actual emergencies. Don’t delay your evacuation. If an alarm is ignored, temperatures can quickly exceed 1,000 degrees.”

Community members are encouraged to attend these safety events this fall to learn life-saving preventative actions.

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