National Fire Safety Month is October and was established in March after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.  Every year, fire safety education is presented by fire departments around the country.  Fire inspections are now being done on campus buildings and involve looking for fire safety issues.

Key Points

The university’s fire prevention specialist is asking everyone to help maintain a safe campus by addressing everyday “personal hazards” that can contribute to fires or make emergencies more dangerous.

• Electrical safety: Extension cords are intended only for temporary use with portable devices. They should not be used continuously, run through doors or windows, or be attached to walls or ceilings, as they can become damaged and create fire hazards. Avoid overloading outlets with multi-plug adapters. When needed, use a surge protector and plug cords directly into an outlet.
• Space heaters: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, rugs, and paper. They should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet because they use significant amounts of electricity.
• Keep emergency equipment accessible: Do not block exits, fire extinguishers, electrical panels, or fire department connections. Obstructions can delay evacuation, prevent people from using fire extinguishers, and interfere with firefighters’ access during an emergency.
• Keep fire doors closed: Fire doors are designed to slow or stop the spread of fire and smoke. Never prop them open or prevent them from closing. This is particularly important for stairwell doors, since smoke or fire entering a stairwell can prevent people from safely evacuating.

Bottom line

Small everyday actions can have serious consequences during a fire. Use electrical equipment properly, keep combustible materials away from heat sources, keep emergency equipment and exits clear, and never prop open fire doors. These simple steps help prevent fires and give people more time to safely evacuate if one occurs.