Fire prevention is vitally important in off-campus living!

More than 5,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured.  An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home.  Based on information compiled by Campus Firewatch, 12 people were killed by fires in off-campus housing in 2004. Since January 2000, 69 college students have been killed by fires, with 80 percent of those fires occurring off campus. There are time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire. It's not a question of luck; it's a matter of planning ahead.

The Facts:
In cases where fire fatalities occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. In many adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence at the time of the fire. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts.Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries on college campuses, closely followed by careless smoking and arson.

An Ounce of Prevention:

Smoke Detectors - Every home should have a working smoke detector on each floor. A working smoke alarm can double your chances of survival. Test it monthly, keep it free of dust and replace the battery at the beginning of each semester.

Plan Your Escape - Make an escape plan from every room in the house and practice it. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.

Use Care with Candles, Incense and Smoking - Do not leave candles or incense burning unattended, especially when you leave the house or are sleeping.  Always extinguish smoking materials thoroughly.  Never smoke in bed, when you are tired or altered. Always keep ashtrays and other smoking materials away from combustible materials.

Prevent Electrical Fires - Never overload circuits or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas. Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionally repaired or replaced.

Use Appliances Wisely - When using appliances follow the manufacturer's safety precautions. Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparks are all warning signs that appliances need to be shut off, then replaced or repaired. Unplug appliances when not in use.

Use Extra Caution with Alternate Heaters - Portable heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away. Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire that could easily spread. Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities. Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled.

Getting Out of A Fire:
If you get caught in a fire situation, survival is your top priority. You should:

Feel the Door Handle

• If the door handle is hot, don't open it
• Go to a window and call for help
• If the handle is not hot, open cautiously
• Check for smoke or fire before going out

Get Out of the Building Before Phoning for Help

• Don't take time to phone before leaving
• Get out and find a phone

Pull the Fire Alarm on Your Way Out - Don't Look for Other People or Gather Your Stuff

• Knock on doors as you leave
• Yell "FIRE!" as you leave
• Don't hesitate or stray from your path as you leave

Crawl Low to the Floor

• Thick smoke can make it impossible to see
• Toxic chemicals from smoke can be deadly in minutes

Close the Door Behind You

• You may help keep the fire from spreading
• You may protect your possessions from fire and smoke damage

If You Can't Get Out, Get Someone's Attention

• Yell and scream
• Hang a sheet from the window
• Stay low, there is less smoke and poisonous gasses close to the floor