Campus Fire Safety – A Lesson Every College Student Should Learn

As college students head back to campuses nationwide, whether into residence halls, apartments or fraternities, it is important that they learn about electrical safety. Make sure your college-bound students take precautions to protect themselves from campus-related fires and shocks.

Just like any other area, a campus is prone to a variety of violations, and dorm rooms are not immune. Oftentimes, students innocently plug in all of the typical college devices and tools – phone, laptop, lamp, TV, and other electrical devices – unaware of the potential dangers. Be sure that your student is educated on safe appliance use and precautions against electrical hazards.

According to Campus Firewatch, one of the most common causes of student residence fires is overloaded extension cords and power outlets.

“The limited number of electrical outlets in student rooms tempt many to use multiple extension cords and power strips, which can cause cords to overheat, creating shock and fire hazards,” warns Jay Solomon, Extension Engineering Educator. “Student residences crammed with books, papers and bedding can allow the smallest spark to quickly become a blaze.”

Steps to reduce the risk of electrical fires in student housing include:

• Purchase and use only electrical appliances and power cords which have been tested by UL and other nationally recognized testing labs.
• Do not overload extension cords, power strips or outlets.
• Never use extension cords on a continuous basis; they serve as temporary solutions only.
• Use power strips that will shut off power automatically if there is too much current being drawn.
• Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface, or run cords across traffic paths, under rugs or furniture.
• Use light bulbs with the correct wattage for the lamp; if no indication is on the fixture, do not use a bulb with more than 60 watts. Check with your campus about possible restrictions regarding the use of halogen lamps. Keep halogen lamps away from curtains, loose bedding, or other fabrics.
• Keep all electrical appliances and cords safely away from bedding, curtains and other flammable material.
• Make sure outlets around sinks are GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) equipped. Test any GFCI’s upon first use and monthly thereafter.
• Unplug small household appliances when not in use and all electronics when away for extended periods.

Older wiring in student housing and apartments may not be able to handle the increased electrical demand of today’s college student. If use of an appliance frequently causes power to trip off, or if its power cord or the outlet feels hot, disconnect the appliance immediately and report the condition to the landlord or campus housing staff.

A fire escape plan is essential. Apartment and dorm residents should know evacuation procedures and emergency exit locations in the event of a fire.

Emphasize to students that smoke detectors should never be disabled, and fire alarms should never be ignored or taken casually as a drill. If a fire alarm sounds, residents should calmly and quickly follow the practiced procedures and immediately exit the building. Apartment and dorm doors should be closed behind to prevent fire spread.

“It is important to remind and stress to students that in the event of a fire, follow safety procedures and get out of harm’s way immediately,” remarked Solomon. “Property and valuables can be replaced, but lives cannot.”