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Fire Safety 101. The Facts…. In 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,840 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and barracks.
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The Facts… • In 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,840 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and barracks. • These fires caused an annual average of 3 civilian deaths, 38 civilian fire injuries, and $20.9 million in direct property damage. • Note: Dormitories include school, college and university dormitories; fraternity and sorority houses; monasteries; bunk houses; barracks; and nurses’ quarters.
Some of the more recent deadly fires involving college students • Oct. 28, 2007: Six students from the University of South Carolina and one from Clemson University are killed in a fire at a house in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, where they had been spending the weekend. Six students in the house survived. • Aug. 27, 2004: A fire that started in a basement bedroom of the Alpha Tau Omega house at the University of Mississippi kills three students. • April 13, 2003: Five students from Ohio State University and Ohio University are killed in an off-campus apartment building in Columbus. The fire broke out after a birthday party for one of the victims. • March 19, 2000: Three students from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania are killed in the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity house. • Jan. 19, 2000: Three students die and 62 are injured in the freshman dormitory at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. • May 12, 1996: Five students die and three are injured at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill at Phi Gamma Delta fraternity the day before graduation. Investigators blame a cigarette tossed into a trash can. • Oct. 12, 1994: Five students at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania die after a sofa catches fire at Beta Sigma Delta fraternity house. • Sept. 8, 1990: Three University of California, Berkeley students die and two are injured at the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. A visitor admits starting the fire while playing with a lighter.
Close to home…. • Seton Hall Fire: Most devastating college fire ever – January 2000 • 3 students killed, more than 58 injured • One college senior (RA) risked her life saving countless sleeping students. Most students thought it was a false alarm. • Video: The Dana Christmas Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzpxaUCOccY • Georgetown Fire: October 2004 - former Bergen Catholic student from River Edge killed http://georgetownvoice.com/2004/10/21/the-story-behind-daniel-rigbys-life-and-death-and-whats-happening-to-off-campus-life/
Most Common Causes of Fires • Alcohol: In more than 50% of adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence – it impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts. • Cooking • Arson • Careless smoking • Unattended candles • Overloaded extension cords and power outlets • YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: understand and respect the importance of working smoke alarms
How to protect yourself! • NEVER remove the batteries from a smoke alarm – as a prank or due to a low battery warning • NEVER assume a false alarm – when an alarm sounds – GET OUT IMMEDIATELY • Use the stairs – NOT elevators! • Fires spread quickly - the difference between safety and tragedy is only seconds
Safety Tips • Electrical Safety • Cooking • Drinking and Fires • Candles and Incense • Escape Plans
Electrical Safety • Do not overload – power strips, extension cords or outlets • Older buildings = danger! • Get a power strip with an over-current protector • Electrical outlets should never be too hot to touch • Never connect multiple extension cords – they are only for temporary use
Cooking • Second leading cause of dorm fires (after arson) – the leading cause of fire injuries • Stay focused • Look for automatic shut-off appliances • Keep any flammable materials (cleaners, curtains, towels, pot holders) AWAY from hot surfaces • Never pour hot water on a grease fire • Keep fire extinguisher handy
Drinking and Fires • About ½ of adults who die in house fires have high blood alcohol content • Drinking increases the chances of falling asleep while smoking in bed • Greatly reduces the ability to detect a fire or respond to a fire alarm and escape safely
Candles and Incense • Candles and burning incense cause 12,000 residential fires every year. • Never leave candles or incense unattended • Keep them away from curtains and unstable surfaces. • Never empty ashtrays into garbage or other containers where flammables might be present.
Escape Plans • Never ignore a fire alarm • Have an escape plan • Use the stairs – NOT elevators! • Know two exits from your room • Count the number of doors to the nearest exit • Never hang anything from the sprinkler system • Protect yourself and your roommates before property or valuables
Video clips • Fire Safety - YouTube.mht
THE END!!! Be safe…