This month many young adults are preparing to travel to college. Students and parents carefully researched the school for the best academic experience. To this point parents have ensured their child’s safety and security living within your home, now they are being asked to live on their own.
Fire Marshal Paul Payne. Credit: Michael Dinan
There is an annual average of 4000 fires in college dormitories, fraternities, sororities and related housing. Over 80% of the college student fire fatalities occurred in off-campus housing. Most of the fires occur between the hours of 5pm and 11pm. The most common cause of dormitory fire is cooking. Smoking and unattended candles are the next most frequent causes.
The best way to prevent a loss of life or property from a fire is preventing ignition from occurring. Early detection is the next best prevention. Here is a list of some prevention tips.
Smoke Detection
- Ensure there are working smoke detectors on each level and each bedroom of a structure. Dorm rooms should have a smoke detector as well as in any living areas
of suites. - Do not disable smoke detectors or remove batteries!
Cooking Safety
- Cook only where it is approved with approved equipment
- Cooking in your room with hot plates is not acceptable!
- Do not leave cooking unattended.
- Leave the door closed on oven or microwaves if there is a fire inside.
- Do not use extension cords or overload outlets
Candles and Smoking
- Smoke outside of the building in designated areas and discard smoking materials in approved containers.
- Ensure candle holders are sturdy and will not fall over
- Never leave candles unattended!
- Use battery operated candles whenever possible.
Your Escape
- Plan your escape. Identify two ways out of the dorm.
- Keep bedroom doors closed.
- Exit the building when the fire alarm sounds.
- Participate in Fire Drills!
- If the door is hot do not open it!
- Stay low! Crawl under smoke.
If you are planning to live in off-campus housing choose a place with a fire sprinkler system, redundant (hardwired and battery) smoke detection, and good maintenance/housekeeping.