Fire Safety Article

Fire Safety Important On and Off Campus

College is the first taste of independence for many young adults. For the first time, students may be responsible for all aspects of their daily living. This is an important time to put safety practices into use.

Cooking

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are the number one cause of fire injury on college campuses. The State Fire Marshal's Office recommends the following guidelines:

• Follow dormitory rules regarding possession and use of cooking appliances.
• Use cooking appliances correctly. Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
• Pay attention when cooking. Do not get sidetracked or leave cooking unattended.
• Move items such as potholders or dishtowels away from cooking surfaces.

Candles

Although many higher education facilities ban the use of candles in on-campus housing, approximately 66 percent of college students live off-campus. Many students reside in one and two-family dwellings and apartment buildings, which places them at a higher risk for candle-caused fires.

"Candles are one of the leading causes of residential fires and related deaths," State Fire Marshal Allen Lorenz said. His office and the Center for Campus Fire Safety recommend the following tips for using candles safely:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep. More than a third of candle-caused fires occur when candles are left unattended.
• Keep candles away from things that can catch fire, such as clothing, books, paper and curtains. Don't place candles in a window where they can ignite the blinds or curtains.
• Place candles on stable furniture in sturdy holders that won't tip over and that are big enough to collect dripping wax. Place candles only in areas where they won't be knocked over by children or pets.
• Avoid candles with combustible materials embedded in them, or with holders or decorations that could ignite.

General Fire Safety Tips

• Know the contact number for the fire department and keep it near the telephone.
• Have an escape plan. Check exit doors and windows to make sure they are working properly.
• Take every fire alarm seriously. Know and follow the posted evacuation plan.
• Follow local regulations and the manufacturer's guidelines for heating devices.
• Do not overload electrical outlets and make sure extension cords are used properly.
• If you smoke, be careful and follow applicable rules and regulations.