"We use (the camera) when we're doing search and rescues and also to find a fire when it's smoky," said Dan Cell (senior-electrical engineering), a student volunteer with the fire company.
Cell estimated about 100 to 150 people, mostly fraternity members, attended the demonstrations yesterday, from 4 to 8 p.m.
The fraternity also sponsored a fire prevention program last spring with the Centre Region Code Administration. They decided to collaborate again this fall because of the program's success, said Tim E. Knisely, senior fire and housing inspector with the administration.
"It's a great location on a popular pedestrian path," Knisely said. "Next year we hope to do it again with Acacia."
The exposition comes at an appropriate time, as the state House of Representatives recently passed a sprinkler bill requiring college fraternities to install fire suppression sprinklers in their houses within five years, he said. The state Senate is currently discussing final passage of the bill.
The legislation promises to boost sprinkler business statewide, Knisely said.
"The bill will create a lot of jobs and make properties more safe," he said. "Next year there may be 20 sprinkler companies here."
In addition to the smoke-filled hallway, visitors were able to watch a fire sprinkler exposition, watch demonstrations of standard apartment and fraternity house fire alarms, and be lifted on the tower of a fire company truck.
Visitors were also able to speak with representatives from the fire company, the Centre Region Code Administration and other community fire officials.
Lights from two emergency vehicles parked on Locust Lane illuminated several information booths set up in front of the house, including one sponsored by the Centre Region Code Administration, which offered visitors the chance to win door prizes and enter contests, said Brian Sampsel, housing inspector for the administration.
Visitors participated in a contest to draw the best escape plan for their house or apartment. The administration also offered them information about their services within the community.
"We check mainly apartments," Sampsel said. "We look at metal detectors, make sure no emergency escape routes are blocked, look at lighting and make sure outlets are safe."
While the administration works throughout the region, the State College downtown area is their biggest concern, Sampsel added.
The Alpha Community Ambulance Service also manned a booth at the event. The booth featured emergency devices used by the ambulance service such as the standard "jump kit," said Sarah Sarge (junior-premedicine), an Alpha Community volunteer.
The kit includes items needed for small traumas and cardiac arrests and is taken with the volunteers on every call, Sarge said.
Sarge has volunteered with the ambulatory service for a year and a half.
"It's very rewarding," Sarge said. "I don't know if I can even take money for this."
