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Campus Fire Safety

When it comes to on- and off-campus housing, it’s important for students and parents to keep fire safety top of mind.

Almost all (94%) of fatal campus fires occur off-campus. Alcohol is a factor in 76% of fatal campus fires.

Campus Fire Safety Facts

  • Smoking (29%) was the leading cause of fatal campus fires.
  • Smoke alarms were either missing or tampered with (disconnected or battery removed) in 58% of fatal campus fires.
  • Fire sprinklers were not present in any of the 85 fatal campus fires.
  • 70% of fatal campus fires occurred on the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
  • 73% of the fatal fires occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.
  • April was the peak month (13%) for fatal fires in campus housing.

Student Safety Tips

Number one: Keep smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in working order. And, to permit emergency escape, keep stairs clear — no bikes or suitcases stored there.

Cooking

  • Cook only where it is allowed.
  • Keep your cooking area clean and free of anything that can burn.
  • If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.
  • Keep an eye on what you are cooking, especially if you are cooking at high temperatures.

Electrical Safety

  • Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn.
  • Never use an extension cord with large appliances, like a refrigerator.
  • Do not overload outlets. Use only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection.

Smoking

  • Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out.
  • Never toss hot cigarettes butts or ashes in the trash can.
  • Use deep, wide ashtrays.
  • Place ashtrays on something sturdy and hard to burn.
  • Don’t smoke when you have been drinking or are drowsy.
  • After a party, check for cigarette butts, especially under cushions. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast.
A campus fire safety poster with an escape plan, tips, and logos for U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA.
An open microwave with cooking safety tips on a brick wall, promoting campus fire safety.
A fire safety poster with a lit candle and message: 'Put out candles before you go to sleep.' Logos of DHS, FEMA, and fire prevention at the bottom.
An awareness poster about campus fire safety stating arson as a major fire cause, urging reporting of suspicious fires, featuring handcuffs and a match.
Red cup on brick wall background with "Campus Fire Safety" message and fire safety tips regarding parties and smoking.
A campus fire safety poster with an escape plan, tips, and logos for U.S. Fire Administration and FEMA.
An open microwave with cooking safety tips on a brick wall, promoting campus fire safety.
A fire safety poster with a lit candle and message: 'Put out candles before you go to sleep.' Logos of DHS, FEMA, and fire prevention at the bottom.
An awareness poster about campus fire safety stating arson as a major fire cause, urging reporting of suspicious fires, featuring handcuffs and a match.
Red cup on brick wall background with "Campus Fire Safety" message and fire safety tips regarding parties and smoking.

Source for Content: National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration