Over the coming days, thousands of Newtown’s young adults are returning to campus, many for the first time in more than a year, marking the start of new classes, new friendships, and new living spaces. Naturally, we want them to thrive; to be happy, healthy, and safe while they're away from home. These young adults have learned how to look out for themselves and each other in a variety of circumstances — but what about staying safe from the dangers of a fire?

Through its annual Campus Fire Safety for Students campaign, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) are working together to ensure living spaces are as safe as possible for students heading back to school this September, which is Campus Fire Safety Month.

According to NFPA research, from 2015 to 2019, there were estimated annual averages of 3,840 structure fires, 29 civilian injuries, and $11 million in direct property damage in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and other related properties. Cooking equipment was involved in nearly nine out of ten reported fires in dormitory-type properties (87%). September and October have the highest incidences for fires in dormitories, and fires are also more common during the weekend and weekday evenings from 5 to 9 pm.

Justin Daniels, CCFS president and fire marshal, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus further explained that his agency’s statistics differ, as they reflect student fire deaths within a three-mile radius of a college or university campus. In the last 20 years, 92 fatal fires have been documented on a college campus, in Greek housing, or in off-campus housing within the three-mile definition — sadly, claiming a total of 132 students’ lives. Most of the fires occurred in off-campus housing; more than half were accidental and included cooking, candles, smoking materials, or electrical equipment.

So, to ensure our beloved Newtown students who will be living on or off campus this coming school year are as safe as possible, The Newtown Bee is partnering with the NFPA and CCFS to offer these tips to help reduce the risk of fire and to save lives:

*Know and practice your building’s evacuation plan, as well as alternate routes;

*Cook in intended areas only, and never leave cooking equipment unattended when in use, even briefly;

*Test smoke alarms monthly in an apartment or a house. Ensure smoke alarms are installed in all sleeping areas, outside of all sleeping areas, and on every level of the apartment or house. NEVER remove or disable them;

*Keep combustible items away from heat sources, and never overload electrical outlets, extension cords, or power strips. Many fires are caused by portable light and heat sources, like space heaters and halogen lamps;

*Keep common areas and hallways free of possessions and debris; and

*Never block exit routes.

For more resources and information about the Campus Fire Safety for Students campaign, we encourage parents, students, and those who love them to visit myccfs.org/share.