You might be thinking, “I don’t have a kitchen in my dorm so fire safety is irrelevant to me.” College campus fire safety tips are applicable to any parent or college student, whether you’re dorming or not. Fire can not only happen to those living in the dorms, but to any college student who attends parties or social gatherings involving fire.
Lit Candles Aren’t So ‘Lit’
- Always keep lit candles where you can see them at all times
- Keep candles in a reliable candle holder
- Blow out the candles if you are leaving the room
- Any flammable objects need to be kept far away as possible from a candle
- Your safest bet is to get a flameless candle
Cookin’ on Campus
- If you use any electrical appliances, do not use multiple, or all, of them at once
- Put a lid on if you’re frying anything
- Unplug the microwave and keep its door closed if a fire occurs in it
- If a fire breaks out in an oven, make sure it’s closed and turn off the heat
- Propane and charcoal BBQ must only be used indoors
It’s Electric!
- Do not piggyback or plug a power strip of any type into another
- Never overload electrical sockets
- An extension cord should never be used with an appliance. Instead, plug them directly into wall sockets.
- Never place anything that can burn over a lamp
Heat it up, Not Light it Up
- Anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources must be kept away
- Turn your space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
- Plug portable heaters directly into wall outlets; don’t use extension cords or power strips
- Use portable heaters with an automatic shut-off when tipped over
If your college student is renting an apartment off-campus, it is safest to purchase renters insurance for them in case a fire really does occur, or any other problems happen.
