McNeese is currently updating its fire safety systems by upgrading fire panel dialers to use radio and cellular networks. 

According to a 2022 report from the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to more than 3,000 campus-related fires every year. While McNeese has not recorded any fires in the residential areas from 2022 – 2024, according to their 2025 annual report, the university is working on strengthen its safety systems to maintain that record. 

The university’s environmental safety officer, Freddie Felice, said the new system will be replacing the old analog system and making the campus “even safer.”  

Felice, who oversees McNeese’s fire safety systems and emergency procedures, said the university currently has a wide variety of fire suppression and monitoring systems. 

“Most buildings have individual fire panels that are monitored by a third-party company, which calls the fire department and police department if there’s an emergency,” Felice said. 

He said all fire panels, extinguishers and suppression systems are inspected every year by outside professionals. The State Fire Marshal also performs annual inspections, while McNeese’s safety team conducts monthly walkthroughs to visually check every fire extinguisher. 

During an emergency, the fire department and police department take the lead, with the safety office assisting as needed. 

McNeese also conducts annual fire drills in all campus buildings to prepare students and staff for emergency situations.

“Prevention is always the priority,” Felice said. “We focus on making sure all equipment functions properly and that everyone knows how to respond. It’s about preparation and awareness across campus.”