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Fire
Fire facts: Assuming stable fuel, heat, and oxygen levels, a typical house fire will double in size every minute.

There are certain incidents that you cannot prevent from happening in life. However, in case the worst happens, you can always be well-prepared to take the right action. Fire outbreaks are a case in point. 

Certain rules apply to mitigate risks that may cause bodily harm. As a student, the University of the Free State is committed to ensuring that your well-being is taken care of.

In case of a fire, here are a few tips to remember:
1. Know your emergency evacuation plan
2. Know the fire brigade’s number 
3. Trust your Protection Services, notify them ASAP
4. Never waste time. Get up and get out
5. Wait to be accounted for at designated assembly point
6. Go low and never breathe in smoke, all smoke is toxic 
7. Close all windows and doors in case of a fire
8. Alert everyone in the building through the alarm system
9. Know your emergency exists and use them
10. Never try to be a hero, save yourself first

Once you are safe and sound, refrain from posting on social media before Emergency Services arrive. You are urged to obey these safety rules in all buildings and residences on campus.

Always report hazardous conditions and/or emergencies:

Bloemfontein Campus Protection Services: +27 51 401 2911/ 2634 
Toll Free: +27 80 020 4682
ER24: +27 80 005 1051

South Campus Protection Services: +27 51 505 1217/ 1478
ER24: +27 80 005 1051

Qwaqwa Campus Protection Services: +27 58 718 5160
Emergency Services: +27 86 155 5111
ER24: +27 84 460 7007

Mangaung Fire and Rescue
+27 51 406 6666

Qwaqwa Fire Station
+27 58 713 1777

News Archive

First-year wellbeing a top priority at Harmony residence
2017-06-07

Description:First-year wellbeing a top priority at Harmony residence Tags: First-year wellbeing a top priority at Harmony residence

Ladies from the House Harmony, a unique residence
that focuses on first-years’ experience.
Photo: Supplied

A unique residence that focuses on first-years’ experience, is exactly what Harmony sets out to provide for all first-year students at the University of the Free State.

A residence focusing on mentoring

Entering the adult world can be a daunting experience, but Harmony, unlike other residences on campus, focuses on mentoring. Harmony came to life in 2014 and has assisted many first-years in adapting to the university environment.

According to Pulane Malefane, Residence Head of House Harmony, they have witnessed a significant change in the pass rate of first-year students. “We have realised that first-years gain confidence much quicker than in other residences where they still need to find their way around seniors,” she says.

Adapting to the varsity environment

Harmony makes use of a Residence Assistants (RA) system, not Residence Committees (RC). The RA stay in corridors with their mentees in order to have close contact with them. An RA’s primary role is to be a mentor to first-years and also expose them to different co-curriculum activities on campus. They assist them in adapting to the varsity environment quicker, so as to be able to focus and concentrate on their academics.

Nicole Rabe, RA First-years, says the Harmony belles never cease to amaze her. “Watching these first-years grow from the high school girls that arrived at the start of this year, to the independent women they are now, has truly been a blessing.”

Malefane mentions that they intentionally try to place students from one faculty in the same corridor. In that way, mentors and residence assistants are in close proximity to them. “We have study rooms in each and every corridor of Harmony, making it easy for students to study close to their rooms at any time,” she says.

Phathutshodzo Nekhavanmbe, a first-year LLB student, says she could not have asked for a better house to be placed in. “The Harmony experience has been great so far, as the people living there are approachable and eager to lend a helping hand.”

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