College is an exciting place that provides students with education, but also with a higher level of personal responsibility. One of those responsibilities is to stay safe and prevent dangers, including fires. Here are fire safety tips college students should keep in mind when living on- and off-campus.
- Choose a dorm or off-campus housing with a fire sprinkler system installed. Fire sprinklers provide the best protection against a potential fire. In fact, fire sprinklers cut the number of fire-related fatalities by 80% and reduce the average property loss per fire by 70%.
- If you live in a dorm room, make sure you can hear the building alarm system from your room. Contact housing management otherwise.
- Ensure your dorm room has a smoke alarm. Your dormitory suite should also have a smoke alarm installed in each living area. For the best defense against fire, all smoke alarms in the dormitory suite should be connected. That way, they all sound when one sounds.
- The same rules on smoke alarms apply if you live in an apartment or house. Ensure there are smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside every sleeping area, and on each level of the apartment unit or house. All smoke alarms in the apartment unit or house should be connected.
- Test all smoke alarms once a month to ensure they are working properly. Never disable the alarm or remove the batteries.
- Whether you live in a dorm or off-campus, learn your building’s evacuation plan. Don’t miss fire drills and practice them as if the fire were real. Plan two ways out of every room in your fire escape plan.
- If you hear the sound of a smoke alarm, assume there is a fire and get out immediately. Stay out until authorities say it’s safe to re-enter the building.
- Did you know that cooking equipment is involved in nine out of 10 reported fires in dormitories? Always stay in the kitchen when cooking and never cook when you are sleepy or drowsy.
- Use barbeque grills, fire pits, and chimneys carefully. Consult your local fire department before using those items. Some restrictions may apply. Also, use electrical appliances in your room only after checking your school’s rules.
- If you smoke, never smoke inside the dormitory or off-campus housing. Smoke only where permitted and use sturdy and deep ashtrays. Never smoke in bed, especially when you feel tired or drowsy.
- Don’t burn candles without getting permission from your school. Most colleges and universities won’t allow them in dorms as candles are a leading cause of campus fires. If you use candles, place them away from flammable items and never leave them unattended. Tip: it’s much safer to use flameless candles instead of real ones.
Fire safety is important everywhere you go, including places of public assembly (restaurants, bars, clubs, etc.). Check out these fire safety tips to know when going to such places. For professional smoke remediation or fire damage repair, tell authorities to contact your local PuroClean office.
