If you’re a college student and live in a dorm or off-campus housing, be sure to be familiar with these fire safety facts and tips.
It’s crucial for all college students to know about fire safety on campus, especially for those living in dorms. It’s essential to inform and empower students with life-saving tips on how to prevent fire in their living space, and what to do if a fire ever breaks out. The risk of fire in college dorms is very real and may happen more often than you’d think.
College Campus Fire Statistics
- In 2011-2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 4,100 structure fires in dormitories and fraternity or sorority houses (Greek housing.) These fires caused annual averages of 35 civilian injuries and $14 million in direct property damage.
- Cooking equipment was involved in nearly nine out of ten reported fires in dormitory- type properties (87%).
- September and October were the peak months for fires in dormitory properties, and they are more common during the evening hours between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., and on the weekends.
- From January 2000 to May 2015 smoke alarms were either missing, disconnected or without batteries in 58 percent of fatal campus fires.
Dorm Fire Prevention
Now that we know the statistics and how serious fire safety should be taken on college campuses, it’s easy to see why all students should be informed with fire safety and prevention tips.
- A properly functioning smoke detector and sprinkler system should be located within the dorm building or off-campus housing before moving in.
- Never disable a smoke alarm or any other fire protection equipment. If the smoke alarm is beeping due to low battery, contact your Resident Advisor or landlord; never leave it without batteries for an extended period of time.
- Regularly inspect your room and common areas for fire hazards. Also, inspect exit doors and windows and make sure they are working correctly.
- Know how to properly notify the fire department using the 911 system. Many campuses have their own campus safety and police phone numbers, be sure to save those numbers in your phone in case of an emergency.
- Take every alarm seriously, and always participate in fire drills and practice escape routes and evacuation plans.
- Be aware of your dorm fire safety rules. There should never be any open flame in a dorm room, including candles and smoking.
- As the statistics show, cooking is the leading cause of dorm fires. Learn to use and maintain heating and cooking appliances properly, and never leave anything cooking unattended. Microwave fires are common in college dorms; be sure to read all labels before placing anything in the microwave.
Fire Prevention and Protection Services from Fireline
Fireline provides campus-wide fire alarm and sprinkler inspection and testing services at Towson University. To date, over 90% of the campus is equipped with sprinkler systems, and TU is projected to be the first fully sprinklered university in the United States. At Fireline, have been protecting people and properties from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our wonderful customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.