<p>Nice little tip on Page 44 of the Guide to Community Living from the considerate folks in the Wake administration:</p>
<p>“In order to minimize the risk of false alarms to the building’s smoke detection systems, students are advised that if they smoke in their rooms to do so near an open window.”</p>
<p>Now … electrical appliances are the leading cause of dorm fires, so it’s no surprise that there are strongly worded prohibitions against all kinds of things like George Foreman grills and extension cords on Page 36 of the Guide.</p>
<p>But, hmm, smoking is the number two cause of dorms fires. And at least in most of the 50 states there’s a belief that smoking is also a known health risk. Since Wake Forest Baptist Hospital only went smoke-free on July 1st, let’s not speculate on what the rank-and-file (or even doctors?) in NC believe about the health risks of enjoying Winstons and Salems on a regular basis.</p>
<p>So, wilmingtonwave and others … glad to hear that you think that smoking is not wide-spread, but any comments about your administrators’ zeal in banning crock pots and electric blankets but permitting another activity that’s not only a fire hazard but also a health risk to students … smokers and non-smokers alike?</p>
<p>Who do you think your adminisitrators are afraid of offending if they grow a pair and do the right thing and ban cigarettes along with toasters and halogen lamps?</p>