November Safety Article: Is Your Home a Fire Hazard?

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For the second article in a new monthly safety series from Student Affairs, we look at fire safety. The beginning of November is when we turn the clocks back an hour, and that is always a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms — change your clocks, change your batteries!

It can happen in a matter of minutes — first a flick of flame that spreads as it searches for fuel. The next thing you know, you could have a life-threatening fire on your hands. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, statistics show that U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,331 structure fires each year in residence halls, fraternity houses, sorority houses and barracks between 2018 and 2022. Fires in dormitory-type properties caused an annual average of 21 deaths, 23 injuries, and $21 million in direct property damage during that period.  

As many fires can be prevented, these simple precautions should be taken:

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms              

Smoke alarms double the chances of you surviving a fire, so it goes without saying that you should have several.  

• Alarms should be tested once a month and batteries changed every six months (change your clocks, change your batteries). 

Beware of Common Fire Risks in the Kitchen      

Most home fires start in the kitchen during cooking — usually on stovetops. 

• Be sure to stay in the kitchen when cooking, frying or grilling on your stove top.
• Check for curtains, towel racks or paper towel dispensers sitting too close to the burners.
• If your microwave isn't built-in, make sure it's clear of surrounding clutter and its vents aren't obstructed.
• Make sure you have a charged fire extinguisher nearby. Remember — do not toss water on a grease fire. If the fire is in a pan, you can put a lid on it to suffocate the flames.

Use Home Heating Equipment Safely

Heating equipment, like space heaters, are involved in one of every six home fires. Half of all home fires caused by home heating occur between December and February.

• Make sure to keep anything that gives off heat at least three feet away from flammable materials or items.
• Never plug more than one heating appliance into an outlet.
• Make sure your home heating sources are clean and in working order.
• If purchasing a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically when the heater falls over.
• Never leave candles burning or heating appliances plugged in while asleep, in another room or when you leave your home.

Maintain Your Appliances - Especially Dryers

Dryers are responsible for approximately nine out of 10 appliance fires.

• Make it a habit to clean out the lint screen every time you use your dryer.

Inspect and Repair Electronics and Outlets

All appliances and electronic devices have to plug in somewhere.

• Rearrange things so as many appliances as possible have their own outlets.
• Make sure all lamps are using bulbs with wattage equal to or less than what the manufacturer recommends.
• When it comes to electronics, unplug them when they are not is use whenever possible.
• Keep in mind that items like televisions and computers need space from anything flammable because they can overheat.
• Fix or replace frayed extension cords, exposed wires or loose plugs.
• Make sure wiring is not under rugs/carpet or furniture.
• Make sure electrical outlets have cover plates and no exposed wires.
• Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords.

Practice Your Escape Plan

Despite your best efforts, something may go unexpectedly wrong so you should have a plan for what to do in case of an emergency.

• Create an escape route that provides two possible exits from each room, such as a window or door.
• Keep escape routes as clutter-free as possible so no one trips/falls on their way out during an emergency.
• Practice your plan at least twice a year.

If you experience a home fire, your priority is to ensure that you leave the property safely. Once in a safe place, call 911.