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20 February 2019 | Story Valentino Ndaba
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

UFS mourns the death of valued Member of Council
2015-05-15

Father Patrick Towe

The senior leadership of the University of the Free State (UFS) is deeply saddened by the passing away of Father Patrick Towe on Wednesday 6 May 2015, following a period of illness. Father Towe served as Chairperson of the university’s Campus Ministries Forum (CMF) for several years, and had been its representative on the UFS Council since 2006.

“Father Towe was an extremely valuable member of the UFS Council. His insight into and knowledge of university business always contributed greatly to the spirit in which the deliberations of Council took place. He will be dearly missed. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends, the students of ACTS, as well as the congregation in Heidedal, which he served,” said Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairperson of the UFS Council.

“I remember Father Towe fondly for his pastoral availability to staff and students during moments of crisis from the time of the Reitz incident to those times in which we lost precious student lives. He would call us to prayer and consolation, and for these gifts from Father Towe I am deeply, deeply grateful,” said Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.

Father Towe, OMI (Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate) represented the Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS) on the Campus Ministries Forum. As Student Chaplain, he served the university student body through the Catholic Christian Ministry, providing spiritual guidance and support. He took up campus ministry in Bloemfontein in November 2002, and developed a quasi-parish within the student communities on campus.

He received his education in the United Kingdom where he was ordained in 1975. Throughout his career, Father Towe had a special involvement with community development and youth work. He worked as the Roman Catholic Chaplain at the University of Southampton from 1996 to 1998, providing pastoral care to both students and staff of the university. He served as Parish Priest of Christ the King in Heidedal, Bloemfontein.

“Father Towe was instrumental in reviving the CMF, and getting many more churches on campus involved. He had a heart for seeing churches with different backgrounds and focuses unite in making a difference at the university. He was a true gentleman, and was willing to listen to and negotiate with people, without compromising his values. He also did great work among the people of Heidedal towards the end of his life, and we will miss his presence on the CMF”, said Pastor Alistair Kingwill, current Chairperson of the CMF.

 

Media Release
Lacea Loader
Director: Communication and Brand Management
Tel: +27(0)51 401 2584
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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