Students at Millikin University are taking fire safety a step further during the 10th Annual Nick Project event, learning through hands-on experience that could save lives.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Plan, prepare, prevent are three steps to take for fire safety. Students at Millikin University are taking it even further during the 10th Annual Nick Project event, learning through hands-on experience that could save lives. 

"The Nick Project was founded in honor of Nick [Schwalbach], who tragically passed away in a fire here on our campus. We are trying to honor him every year by providing safety equipment to all students who might need it," said Helena Hashimoto, coordinator for student engagement. 
 
Hashimoto's sister, Sophie Schwalbach, created The Nick Project in 2015. During the event, students received free escape ladders, fire extinguishers and fire alarms. Additionally, a partnership with CC Fire allowed students to use a fire extinguisher to put out a mock fire. Senior Caleb Brown said he feels more prepared and valued by the university. 
 
"People do care. Not just whenever you're chasing academics or on campus during your business hours, but also when you go home to your safe place, they want to make sure you are safe," Brown said. 
 
Fire Inspector Craig Stevens said most in-house fires on campus are preventable. 
 
"85% are due to carelessness. Not having batteries put in the smoke alarms, that is one of the main ones. The other main hazard is people smoking, leaving unattended, or people cooking, leaving that unattended as well," Stevens said.Â