Mount Prospect, IL - As college students return to campuses across the nation, the nonprofit Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) recommends parents discuss the importance of fire safety with their children for the time they are away from home.
"Whether your child is living on campus, off campus or in Greek housing, it is best to not make any assumptions about his or her fire safety," states Philip Zaleski, Executive Director of the IFSA. "Give yourself peach of mind by being proactive. Find out which fire safety features are present in his or her building and establish fire prevention measures and a plan of action in case of a fire."
September is designated as national "Campus Fire Safety Month" since the beginning of the school year is typically the worst time for campus-related fires. For each of the last 10 years, Illinois governors have issued proclamations to recognize the importance of "Campus Fire Safety Month."
According to The Center for Campus Fire Safety, from 2000 to 2015, 89 fires killed 126 people on college campuses, in Greek housing, or in off-campus housing within three miles of campuses. The National Fire Protection Association reports that U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,870 structure fires in dormitories and Greek housing from 2009 to 2013. Fires are most common in the evening hours and on weekends. Cooking equipment accounts for 86 percent of those structure fires.
The IFSA offers the following fire prevention and safety tips to students and parents:
-
Check for working smoke alarms and fire sprinklers. They should be in living spaces, as well as community areas (lobbies, hallways, bathrooms, etc.). If you are not sure if they are present, ask a school official to point them out.
-
Determine a fire escape plan. Find out where one is posted and review it. If no plan is posted, create one. There should be two routes of escape.
-
Practice fire drills twice per year. On-campus already should require drills, but a plan also should be established for off-campus and Greek housing.
-
Keep exits clear. Make sure there is a safe path of escape.
-
Practice kitchen fire safety. Do not cook when tired or leave cooking unattended. Unplug appliances in case of a fire. Do not use water to put out grease fires.
-
Do not use candles. Battery-operated flameless candles are better alternatives.
-
Do not overload electrical outlets/extension cords. Circuits can overheat and catch fire.
-
Turn off electronics and appliances. When leaving a room, hit the "off" switch on devices.
-
Clean clothes dryer lint. Before and after using a clothes dryer, be sure lint trap is clear.
