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Back to school: Is your dorm fire-safe?
These tips can help prevent dorm fires or accidents: • Older buildings may not have upgraded wiring, so ask your resident adviser or landlord before you start plugging everything in and potentially overload circuits. • If your room doesn't have a smoke alarm, install one. Don't cover or disable it, or borrow its batteries for other electronics. • Take all fire alarms and drills seriously. Memorize the number of doors to the two nearest exits. • Check outlets periodically. If they become hot to the touch, unplug appliances and notify your resident adviser or landlord. • Use Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-listed electrical appliances and lighting. They've been tested to meet safety standards. • Look for appliances with auto shutoff features so that they aren't accidentally left on all day. • Use a power strip with an overcurrent protector. It automatically shuts off power when too much current is being drawn. • If cooking is allowed, use fireproof potholders and mitts. • Never walk away while something is cooking. • Use only one appliance (microwave, etc.) per outlet. • Don't use a brown paper bag to pop popcorn in the microwave. The bag could catch fire. • Keep curtains and linens away from hot surfaces and open flames such as candles. • Don't put extension cords under doors or rugs or connect multiple cords together. • Don't empty ashtrays or put matches directly in the garbage. Run contents under water first. • Don't hang anything from fire sprinkler systems. |
