If your mother hasn’t warned you about those fire-hazardous halogen lamps, then the city council may, and in turn, eventually prohibit them from residence halls and rooming houses.

Five hundred fires and 36 fatalities nationwide from fires induced by torchere-style halogen lamps have prompted the city to ask the council to consider an ordinance that would ban the lamps from buildings that house a large number of people.

Studies nationwide show other university and college bans on halogen lights. DeKalb had its own problem with halogen lights when a fraternity experienced a fire several years ago, but most recently a halogen light added to the fire started by a candle inside the apartments on 831 W. Taylor St.

Fire Prevention Lt. Dean Richardson learned through inspections of city rooming houses that a good deal of property owners utilize these lamps that can create a heat level exceeding 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Problems that can incur from halogen lamps are fires igniting when the lamps brush up against blinds or drapes and when the lamps fall over and crash.

Administrative Services Director Linda Wiggins said the council would look to approve the fiscal 2004 Budget Preparation schedule. Within this outlined plan, the city should be able to get a head start on reviewing the 2003 fiscal year generated fund performance and kick off the 2004 revenue and expenses estimates.

City Manager Jim Connors previewed the Feb. 25 Growth Summit Meeting by highlighting Mayor Greg Sparrow’s allowance for a portion of the meeting to be dedicated to public comment. He also said updates would be presented from various officials who presented their growth concerns at recent summit meetings.