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 According to the Center for Campus Fire Safety, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to raising awareness for fire safety issues
at colleges and universities, August and September are the most
common months for fatal campus-related housing fires. Many college
students have not had proper fire safety education since elementary
school. This frequently results in students overlooking the real
dangers of fire. Nationally, 126 people have died from fires that
occurred on a college campus, in Greek housing, or in off-campus
housing within three miles of campus since 2000.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
dormitory fires are more common in the evening hours between 5pm and
11pm, and on weekends. NFPA research indicates that cooking
equipment is involved in more than five out of six of these
dormitory fires.
Alcohol impairment can also contribute to fires and increase the
severity of injury. Alcohol slows down reaction times and reduces
coordination, therefore making it more difficult to escape once a
fire has started. Students should avoid cooking, especially over
open flames, when they have had too much to drink. Unsafe disposal
of lit cigarettes is also a prominent cause of fire.
To enhance the ability for students to evacuate quickly and
efficiently if there is a fire, students should avoid leaving large
objects in hallways and in front of doors. They should also
determine at least two ways to exit their building upon move-in.
“The good news is that most fires, both on campus and off, are
preventable,” said State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “Knowing the risks
and paying attention to what you are doing can go a long way in
preventing a fire. Also, make sure to test your smoke detectors
regularly in the unfortunate case something does happen. Being
prepared is the difference between life or death.”
The 750,000 Illinois college students who live in off-campus housing
should be especially vigilant, as 80 percent of campus housing fires
take place off-campus.
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The Office of the State Fire Marshal advises that students:
Install UL-listed smoke alarms in every room of an apartment or
rental home.
Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. Look
for housing that is equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems.
Not every building has them.
Know two ways out of every building. A fire escape ladder can
provide an alternate exit from second or third floor rooms.
Properly dispose of smoking materials in ashtrays. After parties,
check the cushions on couches and chairs for smoldering cigarettes.
Purchase a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it before a
fire breaks out. Always notify the fire department before attempting
to extinguish a fire on your own.
Use UL-listed extension cords and electrical appliances properly.
Don’t overload electrical outlets.
If the residence has fossil-fuel burning appliances, such as a
gas stove or furnace, install UL-listed carbon monoxide alarms on
every floor and near sleeping areas.
Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from items that
could easily catch fire. Be sure to put out candles before going to
bed.
Please visit campusfiresafety.org, nfpa.org or sfm.illinois.gov for
more information.
[Office of the State Fire Marshal]
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