Celebrate Campus Fire Safety Month

September is Campus Fire Safety Month. Residence halls on college campuses can house hundreds of students. The carelessness or oversight of just one can quickly lead to a fire emergency situation. Here are some campus fire safety tips for prevention and preparation.

Your building should have an evacuation plan. It’s important to learn it well and get involved in the drills. That way, you will know exactly where to go if you hear an alarm. Also, memorizing the location of all building exits is a good idea in case you have to find your way out in the dark. If you have a disability, make sure you are included in the escape planning. Double check that your room/building has smoke alarms.

Prevention is always the best weapon. The life you save may be your own, so know and avoid potential fire hazards. Cigarettes are responsible for many fires in dorm rooms. If you have to smoke, only do it outside of the building. After a party, check the furniture and cushions for smoldering butts. Another way to avoid an accident from a lit cigarette is to soak them with water before you empty the ashtrays.

75% of dorm fires happen in the kitchen. If you’re cooking ramen noodles and something comes up, don’t walk away from the pan; turn off the heat first. Another good tip about appliances- If a fire starts in a microwave oven, keep the door closed and unplug it.

A lot of times grills can be the culprit in tragic fires. Taking the time to remove grease from the trays below the grill can be the key to prevention.

Overloading plug-ins and bad cord placements are more potential fire starters. Find another way to conceal your cords. Pinching them against walls, furniture or running them under carpets could turn your room into a crispy fritter. It’s also a good idea to use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage for lamps.

 

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