As we welcome a new academic year, September marks Campus Fire Safety Month—a vital time to refresh our knowledge and awareness of fire safety in both on-campus and off-campus housing.
Quick Facts
- From January 2000 through April 2023, there were 94 fatal fires on college and university campuses, in Greek housing, or in off-campus housing, resulting in 134 deaths. Of these, 38 accidental fires involving cooking, candles, smoking, or electrical equipment led to 51 student fatalities.
- Between 2017 and 2021, U.S. fire departments responded annually to an estimated 3,379 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and barracks, causing about 23 civilian injuries and $12 million in direct property damage.
- Cooking equipment is involved in nearly 90% of these fires, and fires in kitchen or cooking areas account for ~60% of injuries and ~17% of property damage.
- Additional risk factors include candles, smoking materials, overloaded electrical equipment, lithium-ion batteries (such as e bikes and e scooters), and impaired judgment due to alcohol.
**Common Causes of Campus Fires **
- Cooking incidents such as unattended stovetops, microwave misuse, grease fires.
- Open flames & candles—especially unattended or too close to combustible materials.
- Smoking materials—improper disposal, particularly after gatherings or while drowsy.
- Electrical hazards—overloaded outlets, faulty extension cords, misuse of surge protectors.
- Lithium-ion batteries—overheating, improper charging of devices like e-bikes or scooters.
- Impaired impairment—fires occurring when occupants are under the influence, leading to delayed response.
Fire Safety Checklist
Before Settling In (Dorms, Greek Housing, Off-Campus Apartments)
- Make yourself aware of smoke detectors, exit routes, and fire extinguisher locations. In off-campus housing, test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries regularly.
- Confirm all evacuation routes are clear, and that exit doors and windows function properly.
- Develop and practice at least two escape routes. Designate a safe outdoor meeting point.
- Never leave cooking unattended—stay alert, use a timer, and keep flammable items away.
- Use only approved appliances; never plug large appliances into extension cords. Use surge protectors with internal overload protection.
- Avoid candles and open flames—opt for battery-operated flameless candles if needed.
- Charge lithium-ion devices safely—use original chargers, don't overcharge, monitor for overheating or damage.
- Avoid cooking or smoking while impaired and always remain alert.
Emergency Preparedness
- Learn the building's evacuation plan, including alternate routes. There are no false alarms. Take every alarm seriously.
- Do not use elevators during a fire—always take the stairs.
- If trapped: close the door, call 911 with your location, seal beneath the door, and signal through your window.
- Regularly participate in fire drills and encourage peers to do the same.
In fire safety, R.A.C.E. stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, and Extinguish/Evacuate. It is your step-by-step response plan for fire emergencies.
- Rescue: Help anyone who is in immediate danger and needs to be removed from the fire.
- Alarm: Activate the building's fire alarm system or call emergency services to alert others about the fire.
- Confine: Close doors and windows to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
- Extinguish or Evacuate:
- Extinguish: Only if safe to do, only if the fire is small, and you are trained to use a fire extinguisher, attempt to put it out.
- Evacuate: Leave the area immediately using the designated escape routes.
