September Is Campus
Fire Safety Month
Some simple steps
can keep college students safer from on and off campus fires.
PIKESVILLE, MD
(September 13, 2013) – The beginning of a new term means classes, homework,
friends and parties. With such hectic
lives, students often do not pay attention to one thing that could seriously
injure or kill them: Fire. As a new
semester begins on college campuses throughout the state, State Fire Marshal
Brian S. Geraci reminds students to take actions to protect themselves and
their friends from the devastating effects of fire.
An estimated 85% of fire deaths occur in off
campus apartments and homes, which is where a majority of college students
live. This is the primary reason why the State of Maryland has declared
September as ‘Campus Fire Safety Month.’
“Unfortunately, most college students do not fully appreciate how
quickly a fire can grow out of control,” said the State Fire Marshal “Studies have shown you have an average of
three minutes from when the first smoke alarm sounds to escape the effects of
fire. Students need to realize they are
not invincible, fires do happen in campus related settings and they can take
proactive steps to protect themselves no matter where they live.”
Many fatal fires
involving college students have one or more of four common elements:.
(1). Carelessly
disposed of smoking materials are a contributing cause of fatal fires in all
residences including rental properties where college students live. Students also fall victim to fires started by
unattended open flame devices, such as candles.
(2). Missing or dead
batteries are the leading cause for smoke alarms not working properly.
(3). The influence
of alcohol, although not condoned by college administrators, is sometimes a
factor in college related activities.
Studies show alcohol decreases inhibition and impairs judgment, which
can increase a student’s risk of not waking to the sound of a smoke alarm and
potentially not surviving the effects of fire.
(4). Living in
properties that lack the protection afforded by an automatic fire sprinkler
system.
The State Fire
Marshal offers these safety tips for both parents and students when going off to college:
Check for the proper
installation of working smoke alarms.
These devices provide early warning no matter where the fire starts,
giving more chance for escape.
Test smoke alarms
monthly and replace the batteries as needed.
Look for housing
that is equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. Not every residence hall or rental property
has them.
Know at least two
ways out of every room and the building.
If smoking is
allowed, designate an area outside.
Properly dispose of smoking materials in sturdy ashtrays and ensure they
are completely extinguished. Just in
case, always check cushions in chairs and sofas for smoldering cigarettes.
If using extension
cords, use only approved laboratory listed cords such as UL®, and don’t
overload the electrical outlets.
Consider using
flameless candles or battery operated lights instead of regular wax candles.
If using regular
candles, never leave them or other open flame type devices unattended and keep combustibles
away from their location at all times.
Always extinguish the flame prior to leaving the room.
Cooking should only
occur in permitted locations. Never
leave cooking food unattended.
If using a barbeque
grill, fire pit, chiminea or other outdoor open flame device, check out the
local regulations beforehand. When these
items are used improperly, an enjoyable time can quickly turn into a tragedy.
For more information
about campus fire safety related issues, please see the following websites:
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The Office of the State Fire Marshal
is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect
citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education,
inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering.
For more information
on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.mdsp.org/firemarshal
and/or http://facebook.com/MarylandStateFireMarshal.
Labels: Colleges Universities Campus, Fire CC Depts 03 Westminster, Fire prevention, Fire Safety - See more at: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2013/09/september-is-campus-fire-safety-month.html#sthash.ikccSJks.dpuf
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