Lighting the Way to Fire Safety: Reducing Fire Risk in Namibia's Informal Sector Housing
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open in viewerOur group worked with Men on the Side of the Road in Windhoek, Namibia to reduce the risk of shack fires that devastate the informal settlements of Katutura. Using participatory research methods, we interviewed local community members and fire safety personnel to determine the fire safety knowledge within the community and the causes of fires. We found that candles are the most prevalent light source and are a primary cause of shack fires in Katutura. After identifying factors that contribute to the fire risk within informal housing, we developed recommendations about alternative light sources including solar, battery, and paraffin lamp options. We also identified effective methods to spread fire safety knowledge and awareness of alternative lighting in Katutura.
- This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.
- Creator
- Subject
- Publisher
- Identifier
- E-project-050815-062302
- Keyword
- Award
- Advisor
- Year
- 2015
- Center
- Sponsor
- Date created
- 2015-05-08
- Location
- Windhoek
- Resource type
- Rights statement
- Last modified
- 2023-01-18
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- In Collection:
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Revised-MSR_Final_Report,_May_8.pdf | Public | Download |
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