CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

• BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Fire safety management is a legal responsibility of an owner or occupier of a building having control over the premises, taking reasonable actions to prevent a fire outbreak, and protecting the lives of people in the occurrence of a fire. The occupiers have to know the importance of their responsibilities and the suitable action to take in the occurrence of fire outbreak. (Chow, 2001 cited by Amoako 2014). In this regard, buildings are conceived of as complex systems which require communication networks to ensure the safety of occupants. Any communication intended for fire safety must be in accord with a systems framework in order to be effective.

The systems framework or systems approach means the design of the communication system must be integrated into the functioning of the whole building. Consequently, this requires the development of alternative safety approaches. These approaches, especially when combined with partial evacuation, have highlighted the importance of effective communication in building safety (Nadzim and Taib, 2014).

Fire is known as a main threat to the activities of universities. In terms of management, buildings and densely populated communities like universities need to lay emphasis on fire safety for their buildings. Educational buildings are one category of government assets that should be protected

against fires, because they play an important role as temporary common gathering places for students, teachers and communities. It is acknowledged that fires are not only a threat to occupants of the buildings, but also to the properties and the general environment (Nadzim and Taib, 2014).

• Communication

According to Keyton (2011) communication is “the process of transmitting information and common understanding from one person to another” (Owusu, 2014). Communication therefore refers to the transfer of messages from one person to another or a group of persons through any medium. It is the process of sharing information among two or more individuals or groups which leads to the desired conclusion. The aims of communications among others are to provide information, seek information, persuade or express feelings through appropriate gestures and language. Communication is said to be effective when it obtains an ideal outcome, response, or feedback. The information shared should be transmitted and received efficiently without the proposed meaning being distorted or altered.

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