College Students Beware; Officials Warn of Dormitory Fire Danger

If you or someone you know is leaving for college and planning on living in a college dorm have you thought about fire danger?
The Washington State Fire Marshall's Office wants you to think about fire safety in case a big fire starts in a dormitory.

FIRES HAPPEN AT COLLEGE DORMITORIES EVERY YEAR

Last year in Washington State, there were over 800 fire incidents that involved college campus dormitories with a dollar loss of over $11 million. Fire officials say fires in dormitories happen during the evening hours and weekends, usually happening between the hours of 5:00 pm-11:00 pm.

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STAYING SAFE IN A COLLEGE DORM IS EASY BY TAKING THESE STEPS

A press release from the Office says there are things you can do to make dorm living safe;

· * Making sure the dorm room has working smoke alarms.

· * Testing and maintaining smoke alarms in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

· * Never removing batteries or disable smoke alarms.

· Knowing two ways out from each room and dormitory building, and practicing a fire escape plan.

· * Talking to roommates to determine a safe place to meet outside the building in case of a fire.

· * Clearing exits, hallways, and stairs so they are not blocked if there is a need to leave quickly.

· * Leaving quickly whenever the fire or smoke alarm sounds. Spending time retrieving items increases the chances of being trapped. Leave everything and GO.

· * Staying in the kitchen whenever cooking, and only cook when alert. Do not cook when sleepy or drowsy from drugs or alcohol.

· * Never leave burning candles unattended.

· * Checking with school’s policies and rules before using any electrical appliances in sleeping room.

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3929.

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