On the heels of hearing out local experts on tips regarding sexual assault on college campuses, New Canaan residents are receiving tips today from our local fire marshal.
First-time collegians often are striking out on their own for the first time, meaning it’s the first time they’re thinking about fire safety, Fire Marshal Fred Baker said.
“However, Fire Safety is just as important— even more so—in dorms or apartment buildings with hundreds of young students,” Baker said in a press release. “Even more critical is ‘off-campus’ housing that may not be covered by campus housing rules as we were so vividly reminded by the tragic fire at Marist College in Poughkeepsie a few years ago.”
Here are some safety tips for college-bound New Canaanites from Baker (who can be reached at 203-594-3030 if anyone has questions):
- Ensure that each sleeping room is equipped with operable smoke detectors.
- Candles are a leading cause of campus fires – never burn candles or other open flame devices in dorm rooms and common areas.
- Never use extension cords in place of proper, permanent wiring.
- If given the choice, opt for a dorm/living quarters equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems.
- Know ALL ways out of your room/dorm and, where each exit discharges. Actually take a few minutes to walk the routes to familiarize yourself.
- In High-rise buildings, always have a means of re-entering your apartment if the hall becomes untenable (have room keys ready to go).
- Always follow all directions and guidelines of the school and participate if fire drills as directed.
- Learn your address so if you have to call 911 on your cell phone you can give the proper location.
- Learn the location of fire alarm pull stations and the sound of the alarm system.
- Never cook in your room—cooking related is another common cause of dorm fires.