N10 Fire as seen from a CCTV
N10 Fire as seen from a CCTV

On April 21, a fire broke out behind the Undergraduate Branch Library (N10), which led students in the building to evacuate. The cause of this incident was the explosion of the charger and adapter terminals for one of the electric scooters parked and charging at the back of the building. While the fire could have been more severe if it had occurred in a more confined space or near flammable materials, three freshmen discovered the fire and within a few minutes, were able to extinguish it without any casualties or property damage. 

Following these incidents, KAIST authorities took prompt action to ensure the safety of electric scooter users on campus. An email was sent from Sujin Lee, the Associate Vice President of the Office of Student Affairs and Policy to all students issuing warnings and safety guidelines regarding the potential hazards associated with using electric scooters. The safety guidelines provided by the school emphasized the importance of using only genuine and approved chargers. The guidelines also advised electric scooter users to monitor the battery level and remove the scooter from the charger when it is fully charged to avoid overcharging. On a general basis, keeping battery and charging areas clean and free from dirt and debris is crucial for avoiding potential dangers. It is also important to conduct routine checks on the battery and charger to identify any signs of damage or deterioration that could compromise their safety. 

In addition to the charging of electric scooters, another critical aspect that KAIST emphasized in their safety guidelines was the importance of wearing helmets while using electric scooters. The guidelines stated that wearing a helmet could significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident. The school encouraged all electric scooter users to wear helmets at all times while riding to minimize the risk of injury.

The warnings issued by KAIST after the incident served as a reminder to all electric scooter users on campus to prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions to prevent potential accidents. The Associate Vice President also encouraged everyone to report any incidents or hazards related to electric scooters to the appropriate authorities immediately to ensure the safety of all campus users.  Further measures, such as placing safety reminder stickers near pedestrian crossings, have been taken for the safety of electric scooter riders. It is expected that the prompt response to the recent incidents will ensure that everyone on campus is aware of the potential hazards and safety measures associated.

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