September and October are the peak months for fires in student-occupied property—especially between 5 and 9 p.m. Most of these fires are caused by cooking.
From 2015 to 2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,840 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and other related properties
Take a few easy steps to help stay safe:
- Make sure your bedroom and other living areas have working smoke alarms.
- Practice a fire escape plan. Find two ways out of your room, apartment, or home.
- Don’t cook when you’re distracted. It could lead to a mistake and fire.
- Use only flameless candles.
- Keep clear all exits, hallways, and stairwells.
- Clean the dryer lint trap before and after each use. Clogged vents are a fire hazard.
- Make sure you, and your roommates, know your dorm or housing’s safe meeting place if you have to escape.
- Leave quickly if an alarm sounds. Even a short delay could be dangerous. Leave everything and get out.
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