Our 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

• Hard, Brien Foster
• Sachar, Saloni
• Gillespie, Connor Patrick
• Rota, Casey Elizabeth

Subject

• Security
• Community
• Sustainability
• Well-Being

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050815-062302

Keyword

• Renewable energy sources
• Risk management
• Sustainability
• Fire prevention

Award

• President's IQP Award

Advisor

• Ault, Holly Keyes
• Robertson, Thomas B.

Year

• 2015

Center

• Windhoek, Namibia Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Men on the Side of the Road

Date created

• 2015-05-08

Location

• Windhoek

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-01-18