State Fire Official Offers

Campus Fire Safety Advice

Each year college and university students nationwide, both on-campus and off-campus, experience hundreds of fire-related emergencies.

Causes for fires on college campuses include cooking, intentionally set fires, and the use of open flames. Overall, most college-related fires are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention, according to State Fire Administrator Jeffrey Morrissette.

“For most students, the last fire safety training they received was in grade school, but with new independence comes new responsibilities. It is important that both off-campus and on-campus students understand fire risks and know the preventative measures that could save their lives,” Mr Morrissette said in a statement.

Concerning candles: avoid using lighted candles; do not leave candles unattended; keep candles away from draperies and linens.

In terms of cooking: cook only where it is permitted; keep your cooking area clean and uncluttered; if you use electric appliances, do not overload circuits; never leave cooking unattended; if a fire starts in a microwave oven, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.

Regarding smoking: if you smoke, smoke outdoors; make sure cigarettes and ashes are out; never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can. Be alert — do not smoke in bed. If you are sleepy or have been drinking, put out your cigarette first.

Also, Mr Morrissette offers some advice about escape planning.

If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit; before opening a door, feel the door and if it is hot, then use your second way out; use the stairs to escape; never use an elevator during a fire.

Also, if you are trapped, call the fire department and tell them where you are. Seal your door with rags and signal for help from your window. Open windows slightly at the top and bottom. Shut windows if smoke rushes in from any direction.

If you have a disability, alert others of the type of assistance you need to leave the building, Mr Morrissette advises.