Fire Safety Tips For Coeds At College And In Dorms
Going away to college is an exciting time, but be safe about it. Approximately ten students die each year in campus fires, and there are some tips that can help you stay safe in the event of a fire in your dorm or at college. Use common sense and avoid potentially dangerous behaviors that could cause fire, and that are likely prohibited on campus.
Don't cook up trouble. Cooking accounts for many on-campus fires, and only cook where it is permitted. Since many college students use microwave ovens for cooking, don't open the door if something catches on fire inside; carefully unplug the microwave. Don't ever start cooking and leave it unattended to do something else.
Watch where you smoke. Know where smoking is permitted and prohibited on campus before lighting up. Use heavy, deep ashtrays to prevent lit cigarettes or embers from potentially falling outside of the vessel. Be sure that smoking materials are fully extinguished before leaving them, or disposing of the ashes.
Plan an escape. Plan at least two escape plans and ways to get out, should your dorm catch on fire. Feel doors before opening and using them; if they are hot to the touch, revert to your other escape plan. Use stairs to get out of the building, never elevators, and keep low to the ground to avoid inhaling smoke.
Skip the candles. Candles can be dangerous and they are prohibited in most dorms and student buildings. Instead, opt for battery-operated flameless candles, which are not candles at all but that are an excellent emergency light source or night-light.
Invest in an extinguisher. When packing up to go away to college, consider investing in a household fire extinguisher. These come in all sizes and price-points, and are a great safety item to have on hand when living in an apartment or sharing a dorm room.
Leave alarms and detectors alone. Never dismantle or remove the batteries from smoke detectors or fire alarms. Also, avoid hanging anything in front of these devices, even if they are eyesores, as this could impact their efficacy leaving you at risk in the event of a fire.
With nearly 4,000 fires per year on campus or in dorms, it makes good sense to think about safety in any fire-related emergency. Use these tips to stay safe in the event of a fire, and to ensure you are able to get out of the building quickly.
For more information on fire safety, talk to a professional like Schmidt Security Pro-Since 1976.