National Yunlin University of Science and Technology held a special lecture during the first-year student assembly on March 11 to promote off-campus housing safety and fire prevention awareness. The University invited Wu Hong-Yi, Senior Specialist and fire safety expert from the National Fire Agency Training Center under the National Fire Agency of the Ministry of the Interior, to deliver a presentation titled “Off-Campus Housing Safety: Staying Prepared in Safe Times.” The lecture aimed to raise students’ awareness of fire safety and disaster preparedness, attracting a large audience of first-year students.

Wu Hong-Yi has long been engaged in fire service practice and disaster prevention education. During the lecture, he drew upon extensive field experience and multiple fire incidents in Taiwan to explain the dangers present in fire environments and the importance of proper evacuation concepts. He emphasized that in many fire incidents, casualties are more often caused by dense smoke and extreme heat rather than the flames themselves, making correct evacuation awareness critically important.

Using real-life cases, Wu explained the key decisions people must make during a fire emergency. He stressed that “survival does not always mean immediate evacuation.” Instead, individuals should assess the situation and choose the safest response based on conditions at the scene. He advised students to remember the key principle: “Escape quickly when smoke is light and the fire is small; when smoke is dense, close the door and open a window.” If thick smoke or high temperatures are present outside the door, occupants should keep the door closed and seek help through a balcony or window while waiting for firefighters to arrive.

Addressing the common situation of off-campus housing among university students, Wu also highlighted three key factors to consider when selecting a rental residence: environmental safety, adequate safety equipment, and strong safety awareness. For example, students should avoid buildings with metal-sheet structures or highly flammable partitions, ensure that residential fire alarms are installed, and confirm that evacuation routes remain unobstructed. In addition, if a gas water heater is installed in the residence, it should be placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Lin Lan-Dong, Dean of Student Affairs at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, noted that as the number of university students living off campus continues to increase, the University has actively promoted housing safety counseling and awareness initiatives. Through collaboration with fire and police authorities, the University aims to strengthen students’ safety knowledge and self-protection capabilities. He expressed hope that the lecture would help students develop correct fire prevention awareness, choose safer living environments, and make sound decisions in emergency situations to safeguard their lives.

The University also encourages students living off campus to cultivate good safety habits, including careful use of electricity, fire, and gas appliances, and to familiarize themselves with evacuation routes in their residences. By adopting the principle of “staying vigilant even in safe times,” students can help create a secure and supportive environment for learning and daily life.

Wu Hong-Yi, Senior Specialist of the National Fire Agency Training Center, shares job experience.

Real-life cases illustrate the critical decisions required during fire emergencies.

Attraction approximately 1,000 first-year students attended the lecture.

The event was hosted by Lin Lan-Dong, Dean of Student Affairs.

Presentation of a certificate of appreciation.

Organizing Unit: Military Training Division, Office of Student Affairs
Director: Lin Lan-Dong, Dean of Student Affairs
Contact Person: Kuo Tsung-Ting
Contact Number: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 2362

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