Staying Fire Safe
Since January 2000, 135 students have died in campus related fires, according to Campus Firewatch. Over 83 percent of these fatalities in the U.S. occurred in off-campus housing. What did many of these fires have in common?
• Smoke alarms were missing or disabled
• Automatic fire sprinklers were lacking
• Smoking materials were disposed of carelessly
• Alcohol consumption impaired people's judgment
So, what can students do to keep themselves fire safe both on and off campus? Here are just a few things.
• Respond to every fire alarm quickly and compliantly-you never know when it's the real thing
• Know where the fire exits are-have at least two ways out of each room
• Keep fire doors closed instead of propping them open-these are what keep fire at bay
• Don't tamper with fire alarms, fire extinguishers or sprinkler systems -they serve a vital purpose
• Follow the "no candles in the residence halls" rule-they often cause fires when burning unattended-and be extra careful if you choose to burn candles off campus
• Know how to use a fire extinguisher-use the PASS system: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever and Sweep side to side slowly
• Keep an eye on your cooking and stay in the kitchen-unattended pans are the #1 reason for cooking fires
• If you're going to smoke, do so outside, never in bed, and consider the risks when you're drowsy or have been drinking- more people die from smoking-related fires than any other type
• Be alert-alcohol impairment greatly increases your chances of dying in a fire
For these and more tips, head to www.campusfiresafety.org/infobulletins.
September is Campus Fire Safety Month. It's a good time to share precautions with your student and to encourage him to take campus fire programming and warnings seriously.
You may also contact the Illini Union Parent Programs Office at (217) 333-7063 or uofiparents@illinois.edu anytime you have questions or concerns. If we don't have the answers immediately, we will work to find them for you.
