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Fire Safety


Some information on how to stay safe

  • Do not overload power strips

  • Candles – burn responsibly

  • Smoking – use ash trays, smoke responsibly

  • Have a fire plan in place before a fire starts (that is know what to do in case of fire)

  • Fire Hazards, all are deadly:
    • Severe burns
    • Injuries from poor visibility
    • Smoke related suffocation
    • Electrocution
    • Smoke related suffication

  • Humans can survive:
    • 4 – 6 weeks without food
    • 2 days without water
    • Only 6 – 7 minutes without oxygen
      • Exposure to toxic fumes can immobilize a person in less than 30 seconds
      • Most fire deaths are from smoke related suffocation

  • Time – the severity and impact of fire hazards is affected greatly by the rate at which fires can spread

  • Rate of growth – a typical uncontrolled fire will double in size every 45 – 60 seconds

  • If fire is detected – get out! Making a quick and orderly exit from your apartment is the most effective strategy for surviving a fire

  • NFPA Statistics (For more information nfpa.org):
    • 72% of Campus residential fires were Cooking Related
    • While smoking and candle related fires only made up 4% of fires, these causes account for the highest number of fatalities
    • Smoking 40% of all civilian deaths
    • Candles – 20% of all civilian deaths
    • The highest reported number of non-fatal injuries occurred as a result of cooking fires, 37% of injuries
    • Young adults impaired by alcohol are less likely to respond to fire alarms
    • Structure fires on campus are more common between 5PM and 11PM as well as the weekends
    • When a fire alarm sounds you should:
      • Respond immediately
      • Follow your evacuation plan
        • Take your keys/purse/coat
        • Shut doors on way out
        • Call 911 – don’t assume someone else has
    • Threats to Fire Safety
    • Complacency – ignoring alarms
    • Curiosity – tampering with alarms
    • Convenience – covering smoke detectors
    • Cruelty – pranks, crime, etc.


Remember- All of these things can cause or will make a fire stronger:

University Apartments Residence Life 2008