Each year college and university students, on- and off-campus, experience hundreds of fire-related emergencies nationwide. There are several specific causes for fires on college campuses, including cooking, intentionally set fires, overloaded power strips and open flame. Overall, most college-related fires are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention.
For most students, the last fire safety training they received was in grade school, but with new independence comes new responsibilities. It is important that both off-campus and on-campus students understand fire risks and know the preventative measures that could save their lives.
Campus-Related Fire Fatalities from January 2000 to January 2013
82 fatal fires have been documented that occurred on a college campus, in Greek housing or in off-campus housing within 3-miles of the campus – claiming a total of 119 victims.
» 69 fires have occurred in off-campus housing claiming 100 victims
» 7 fires have occurred in on-campus building or residence halls claiming 9 victims
» 6 fires have occurred in Greek housing claiming 10 victims
Of the 82 fires documented:
» 14 were intentionally set claiming 22 victims
» 35 were accidental – includes cooking, candles, smoking or electrical claiming 50 victims
» 32 of the fires the cause was never determined – or the cause was not available at press time. These fires claimed 48 victims.
Good Questions to Ask Before Moving in or Signing a Lease
Are working smoke alarms installed? (Preferably in each bedroom, interconnected to sound all if any one detects smoke)
Are there at least two ways to exit your bedroom and your building?
Do the upper floors of the building have at least two interior stairs, or a fire escape?
Is a sprinkler system installed and maintained?
Are the existing electrical outlets adequate for all of the appliances, computers, printers and electronics that you are bringing – without the need for extension cords?
Are there EXIT signs in the building hallways to indicate accessible escape routes?
Does the building have a fire alarm system installed and maintained?
Has the buildings heating system been inspected recently (in the last year)?
Is the building address clearly posted to allow emergency services to find you quickly in the event of an emergency?
Does the sprinkler system or fire alarm system send a signal to the local fire department and/or campus security?
According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are approximately 18,000,000 students enrolled in 4,100 colleges and universities across the country. Since the 2000 academic year, 86% of the campus-related fire fatalities have occurred in off-campus housing where approximately two-thirds of students live.
There are five common factors in a number of these fires:
Lack of automatic fire sprinklers
Missing or disabled smoke alarms
Careless disposal of smoking materials
Impaired judgment from alcohol consumption
Upholstered furniture fires on decks and porches
Source: Campus-Firewatch
On-Campus Fire Safety
In cases where fire fatalities have occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts.
Many other factors contribute to the problem of dormitory housing fires including:
Improper use of 911 notification systems delays emergency response.
Student apathy is prevalent. Many are unaware that fire is a risk or threat in the environment.
Evacuation efforts are hindered since fire alarms are often ignored.
Building evacuations are delayed due to lack of preparation and preplanning.
Vandalized and improperly maintained smoke alarms and fire alarm systems inhibit early detection of fires.
Misuse of cooking appliances, overloaded electrical circuits, and extension cords increase the risk of fires.
Safety Precautions for Colleges and Universities
Provide students with a program for fire safety and prevention.
Teach students how to properly notify the fire department using the 911 system.
Install smoke alarms and an automatic fire sprinkler system in every dormitory room and every level of housing facilities.
Maintain and regularly test smoke alarms and fire alarm systems. Replace smoke alarm batteries every semester.
Regularly inspect rooms and buildings for fire hazards. Ask your local fire department for assistance.
Inspect exit doors and windows and make sure they are working properly.
Create and update detailed floor plans of buildings, and make them available to emergency personnel, resident advisors and students.
Conduct fire drills and practice escape routes and evacuation plans. Urge students to take each alarm seriously.
Make sure electrical outlets and power strips are not overloaded and extension cords are used properly.
Learn to properly use and maintain heating and cooking appliances.
