Preventing Student Dormitory Fires

Each year new students leave home and move into a college dormitory. Unfortunately, most parents and their kids do not realize that the dorm in question may be an electrical fire hazard. According to Campus Firewatch, during the last three years 52 students have died in fires in college residences. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), old dormitory buildings with old electrical wiring may contribute to fires of this type. Likewise, unsafe extension cords and dangerous halogen lamps can contribute to dorm fires.

ESFI has identified the following dormitory dangers:

1. Old electrical wiring in dormitory buildings may not be able to adequately handle the modern student's electricity needs. In many instances, the use of a multiple receptacle power strip or surge protector (such as the ones commonly used with personal computers) may not be safe to use - the old wiring in the dorm room may simply be too inadequate for this much electrical current. In this event, a fire could result. If this is so, it is the responsibility of the college to make clear to the student how much electricity he can use in his dorm.
2. Most extension cords come with little or no warnings or instructional material. Despite this fact, extension cords are much more dangerous than they appear. Extension cords, combined with old wiring, or merely extended use, may often contribute to dormitory fires.
3. Halogen lamps burn at a very high temperature. The lamps can cause a fire when too close to flammable objects such as the ceiling or curtains. Likewise, a halogen lamp that falls over can set the carpet of a dorm room on fire if it goes unnoticed.
4. Floor lamps are also a fire hazard as they too can fall over and cause a fire when left unattended. Also, these lamps may be too tall and could possibly set the ceiling on fire.

In case of fire, be sure your student is ready. According to the National Safety Council, students should check with their resident advisor to find out the college's escape route for that particular dorm. "They should find two exits from their room and memorize the number of doors to the nearest exit. Chances are good that when exiting their room in the event of a fire, they may have to crawl to safety and their vision may be impaired. Memorizing the number of doors may be the only way to get to fresh air." "The important thing to remember is when a fire alarm sounds, get out.  If (exiting) is not safe, (they should) close and seal the door with wet towels and call 911." "Students should not risk trying to get out if it is unsafe."