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Did you know that candles and incense are banned at many Colleges and Universities, or that microwaves are a no-no in most dorms? And for good reason -- each year, there are approximately 1,700 fires documented in college residence halls, classroom buildings, and fraternity and sorority houses across the country. In the United States Fire Administration's (USFA) September '99 College Fire Safety Forum Report, the top three causes of such fires were cited as arson, cooking, and smoking.

It's time to take dorm-safety precautions seriously. When you make the move to college, it's important to know what to expect, abide by the rules, and stay safe. Here's how...

Check your surroundings.
Things to look out for in terms of safety: A minimum of one smoke detector and one fire extinguisher in each dorm room, operable exit signs and emergency lighting, a fire alarm and sprinkler system, and self-closing doors in common hallways to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.

Keep the mindset: "Better safe than sorry."
Leave the building whenever the fire alarm goes off, even if your dorm gets a lot of prank drills. Whether or not it's 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., you're focusing on a term paper, or you're just busy killing time surfing the Web, there's never an excuse to take a chance with your life. You never know when it might be the real deal.

Take responsibility.
Since many school buildings were built prior to the National Fire Prevention Association's recommended Life Safety Code, which most states use as a fire code (it requires newer buildings be equipped with sprinkler systems and self-closing doors), you may find your future dorm lacking in fire safety features. If your room is not equipped with a smoke detector and fire extinguisher, get your own!

Have a plan.
Check for your dorm's fire-evacuation maps, and memorize your quickest escape route, advises the USFA's Office of Fire Management Programs.

Help prevent fires.
Don't overload electrical outlets, and make sure extension cords and heating/cooking appliances are used properly.

Speak up!
Bring any safety issues to the attention of the residence hall directors. Ask about your RA's fire-safety skills. Most colleges require residence hall coordinators and resident assistants (RAs) to attend fire-prevention training courses at the beginning of each year. In fact, says Leland Roth, manager of safety and loss prevention at Northwestern University, each of their school's RAs must attend a one-hour fire safety orientation program. There, they learn about the causes of fires associated with dorm living, as well as receive fire extinguisher training.


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Gina LaGuardia is the Editor-in-Chief of The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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