The Impact of Fire Safety Education on Fire Safety Perception Among Residential College Students in a Higher Learning Institution: A Case Study

ABSTRACT The primary purpose of student residential colleges is to serve as a secure and well‐equipped place to reside while adhering to established safety standards and regulations. Fire safety ought to incorporate a comprehensive and harmonized array of measures, encompassing continuous fire safety education and awareness initiatives. This study aims to investigate the correlation between individuals' educational background and their perception of fire safety, encompassing their awareness and understanding of fire safety measures. The study focuses specifically on the residents of a college dormitory. The present study employed a quantitative methodology. Data collection is conducted using a closed‐ended questionnaire. The quantitative methodology comprises four primary components: Section A pertains to demographic information, Section B focuses on educational background, Section C assesses the level of fire safety awareness, and Section D assesses the level of fire safety knowledge. The results of the hypothesis testing indicate a statistically significant inverse relationship between individuals' perception of fire safety and their participation in fire safety educational activities. The aggregate score regarding the perception of fire safety is relatively high. This study holds significance for professionals engaged in the field of fire safety engineering and regulations, as it will assist them in enhancing their preparedness for conducting effective fire hazard and risk assessments.