The number one cause of fires in college dormitories, classroom
buildings, fraternity and sorority houses, is cooking. The next
leading cause is arson or suspected arson and the third leading cause
is smoking. Impaired judgment from the consumption of alcohol was
often a large factor in these fire deaths. Many students do not
realize the seriousness of fire safety in campus housing. They either
ignore it, or have the opinion that they know what they are doing and
a fire will not result from their actions. For example, it has been
found that despite a school’s policy prohibiting certain cooking
appliances, candles, some types of lights and other equipment,
students ignore the warnings and insist on “secretly” using them.
Another problem often found is the overloading of electrical outlets
with too many appliances. Schools will often conduct inspections of
residential living areas specifically to look for prohibited items,
and other violations. There is a greater risk in off campus
housing. Unfortunately, many of these properties are not properly
maintained and do not have adequate fire safety equipment such as
working smoke alarms or a fire sprinkler system.
Smoke alarms and automatic sprinkler systems have established an
impressive fire prevention record in all types of residences,
commercial buildings, as well as institutional type buildings. The
number of deaths, serious injury and property damage has been
minimized where both of these systems have been installed. However,
some investigations at fatal fires in campus housing revealed that
there were missing or disabled smoke alarms. An early warning system
can often times prevent injury or death, as people can implement
their escape plan in ample time.
Like in any residence, students should have an emergency escape
plan. The school or property should have one already in place, so
the student should learn what it is, and should practice it
regularly. If there is no plan in place, work with school officials,
landlords of off campus housing, as well as other students and
develop an escape plan. You can contact the local fire deparment or
fire marshal for guidance.
When the fire alarm or a smoke alarm is activated, students should
respond immediately by following the emergency escape plan. The
alarm should never be ignored, or taken lighty. React quickly and
safely. Get out and stay out until someone in authority (fire
department, police department or school official) gives notice that
it is safe to enter the building.
As part of evaluating a college for possible attendance, you should
attend an open house at the school. Tour the facilities and
attention should be given to the presence of smoke alarms, carbon
monoxide detectors, sprinkler systems and other fire safety
equipment. Ask questions of school officials regarding the fire
prevention equipment the school utilizes, and what procedures the
schools have in place regarding fire prevention and fire safety.
When a student moves into on campus or off campus housing, make sure
that the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are present and
working. If permitted, install a new smoke alarm that you purchase,
so that you know that it is not old, and the battery is fresh,
reducing the risk that the unit may malfunction. If this equipment
is not present, have one installed by the school, landlord or do it
yourself.
Students don’t realize, but when they take risks, they are not only
jeopardizing their own lives, all of their possessions, but also
those of their friends and fellow students.
Fire safety is something that everyone needs to be aware of 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Do not wait until it is too
late, practice fire safety every day! If you have any questions or
com- ments about this article, or any other fire safety subject,
please feel free to call the Fire Company at 215-646-2555 or stop
into either fire station any Monday night. The Fire Prevention
Committee is available to present programs upon request. Visit the
Fort Washington Fire Company on the Internet at
www.fortwashingtonfc.org.for more information.
Howard Schmuckler is a Firefighter and Co-chair, Fire Prevention and
Public Relations with the Fort Washington Fire Co.
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