Heading back to campus, whether it’s for your first year or a return to familiar surroundings, can be an exciting time. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, especially when it comes to fire prevention. ESCAPE Inc and FOX 17 have teamed up to provide essential tips to keep you safe while living on or off-campus.
According to fire safety expert and President of ESCAPE Inc, Michael McLeieer, the leading causes of fires in college housing include cooking, candles, smoking, and overloaded power strips. To prevent fires, it’s important to cook only where permitted and never leave cooking or candles unattended. Opt for battery-operated candles instead of traditional ones and avoid plugging extension cords or power strips into one another. Ensure that all electronics are plugged into surge protectors and have proper ventilation in place to reduce the risk of fires.
Shockingly, 94% of campus fire fatalities occur in off-campus housing, where approximately two-thirds of students reside. Additionally, about 25% of all campus fire fatalities follow a party, with alcohol consumption being a factor in 76% of fatal campus fires. Alcohol can impair judgement and reaction times, making it harder to respond to emergency situations, even with alarms blaring.
Another significant risk factor for college-aged deaths caused by fires is carelessly discarded smoking materials. Smoking and carelessly discarded smoking materials were the leading cause of fatal campus fires at 75%. If you must smoke, do so outdoors and away from buildings to reduce the risk of starting a fire.
Having and practicing an escape plan is crucial for surviving a fire. Make sure to locate two ways out of every room, plan how you will exit the building in an emergency, and establish a communication plan with roommates and loved ones in case of an emergency. If you live off-campus or your dorm allows it, have a fire extinguisher or fire-extinguishing blanket on hand to quickly extinguish small fires before they escalate.
In conclusion, fire safety is a critical aspect of campus living that should not be overlooked. By following these tips from ESCAPE Inc and FOX 17, you can help prevent fires and protect yourself and others in case of an emergency. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy your time on campus responsibly.