by Brianna Crandall — October 1, 2010—In an effort to prevent injuries and illnesses in fires that occur in college residence halls, off-campus housing, or fraternity/sorority houses and to raise awareness of life-saving fire prevention knowledge as students return to school, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is providing free fire prevention and safety tip sheets.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 3,570 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities and barracks in 2003-2006. These fires caused an annual average of seven civilian deaths, 54 civilian fire injuries, and $29.4 million in property damage.
Though a number of student-related fire tragedies occur both on and off campus, the majority of fatal fires occur off campus, says ASSE. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), out of the 139 campus-related fire fatalities that occurred from January 2000 to the present, 84 percent occurred off campus. Thus far in 2010, five students have died in off-campus fires, adds ASSE.
The USFA notes that there is a strong link between fire deaths and alcohol—stating that in more than 50 percent of adult fire fatalities the victims were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the fires. The USFA also states that in cases where fire fatalities occurred on campus, alcohol was a factor.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) “Fire Deaths and Injuries Fact Sheet,” most victims of fires die from smoke or toxic gases, not from burns. Additionally, according to the USFA, smoke inhalation alone accounts for 40 percent of residential building fire injuries.
ASSE says that to help reduce risk of injury and death, residence halls should be equipped with properly operating self-closing doors that are not propped open; clearly marked exits; corridors that are kept clear and are not blocked; heating and ventilation systems that are routinely inspected and repaired for any deficiencies; and properly operating fire alarm and extinguishing systems, where required.
To prevent both on and off-campus fires, ASSE recommends such simple actions as not overloading extension cords, power strips or outlets; cooking safely; avoiding open flames; and correctly discarding of smoking materials. Students should know where all exits are located and develop a fire escape plan for off-campus housing. Students living in on-campus dormitories or residence halls should follow all emergency evacuation procedures and participate in all fire drills. All should know how to operate a fire extinguisher, fire alarms and smoke detectors.
