It’s that time of year again; college students around the country are moving back into their dorm rooms or off-campus housing units. Each year college students are experiencing a growing number of fire-related emergencies. A major cause of this is simply lack of fire safety knowledge. It is a new experience in their lives that brings new responsibilities and new dangers. It is important for them to be prepared in case of an emergency, so as you’re helping your child unpack their things make sure to take the time to review our Dorm Room Fire Safety Checklist.
You can print out a copy of the below checklist to attach to their dorm room door at our Documents Downloads page.
College Students Fire Safety Guide:
- Be aware of at least two means of egress – have a backup plan in case one exit is blocked
- Be sure to have a means to break windows if necessary as an escape route
- Make sure you always know where a flashlight is – it will be able to help guide you through smoke-filled rooms
- Be aware of how to properly notify the fire department using the 911 system
- Buy a power strip with an over-current protector
- Check the wattage consumed for all appliances before plugging them in
- Do not connect multiple extension cords together
- Do not staple extension cords – damaging the insulation that is meant to protect you from currents and potentially exposing a wire increases the possibility of sparking
- Use light bulbs that have proper wattage for the lamp you are using
- Do not overload extension cords, power strips or outlets – they can overheat
- Do not smoke within 25 feet of entryways, exits or wheelchair ramps serving as an entry or exit
- Do not use appliances such as hot plates, microwaves, halogen lamps or toaster ovens
- Do not burn candles or incense
To download the .pdf version of our checklist visit our Documents Downloads page.
2005-2009 Annual Averages of Leading Causes of Fires, Civilian Injuries, and Direct Property Damage in Structure Fires Involving Dormitories, Fraternities, Sororities, and Barracks According to The National Fire Protection Association (Fire Analysis & Research Division)
This chart indicates that 81% of reported structure fires involved cooking equipment in college dormitories, etc. According to NFPA.org, structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities and barracks are more common during the evening hours between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., and on weekends.
More information, please visit NFPA.org.
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