Campus Fire Safety

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the #1 priority for residents is to get out safely. Here is what you need to know about choosing and using fire extinguishers!

Campus Fire Safety- Facts and Stats

• 94 percent of fatal campus fires occurred off-campus.
• Smoking (29 percent) was the leading cause of fatal campus fires.
• Alcohol was a factor in 76 percent of fatal campus fires.
• Smoke alarms were either missing or tampered with (disconnected or battery removed) in 58 percent of fatal campus fires.
• Fire sprinklers were not present in any of the 85 fatal campus fires.
• 70 percent of fatal campus fires occurred on the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
• 73 percent of the fatal fires occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.
• April was the peak month (13 percent) for fatal fires in campus housing.

Student Safety Tips

Cooking

• Cook only where it is allowed.
• Keep cooking area clean and free of flammable items.
• If a microwave fire starts, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.
• Keep an eye on what you are cooking, especially if you are cooking at high temperatures.

Smoking

• Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out.
• Never toss hot cigarettes butts or ashes in the trash can.
• Use deep, wide ashtrays.
• Place ashtrays on something sturdy and hard to burn.
• Don’t smoke when you have been drinking or are drowsy.
• After a party, check for cigarette butts, especially under cushions. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast.

Electrical safety

• Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from flammable items.
• Never use an extension cord with large appliances, like a refrigerator.
• Do not overload outlets.Use only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection.

Downloadable Resources

• Do you think about campus fire safety?
• Alcohol and Fire are a Lethal Mixture
• Dorm Fires Infographic