DID YOU KNOW?
Students headed to college or university have a lot on their plates, especially when it comes to finding a safe place to live. When searching for suitable accommodations, it’s essential to prioritize fire safety to ensure their new place of residence makes the grade.
Last week’s Safety Tidbits column highlighted the importance of WORKING SMOKE ALARMS, having a FIRE ESCAPE PLAN and KNOWING TWO WAYS OUT of a building. Having adequate EXITS is also a crucial part of escaping from a fire.
EXITS
When you’re renting a room or apartment, it’s crucial to know how you’ll get out in an emergency.
- Every room or apartment requires adequate exits that will permit unobstructed escape from the building.
- Make sure to ask the landlord or superintendent to identify all of the designated exits.
- All exits including doors and windows should open fully and easily.
- Stairways and hallways must not be used for storage as this can pose serious fire safety hazards.
- Furniture and other items can physically block exits (escape routes) and may fill hallways or stairways with smoke if they catch fire; this practice is extremely dangerous and must be strictly avoided.
FIRE SEPARATIONS
Students often find accommodation in older homes that have been converted to apartments or rooming houses.
- Before a building can be converted, a building permit must be obtained to ensure it meets current fire safety standards.
- Additionally, this includes measures like providing proper access for emergency responders and ensuring adequate fire separations between units.
- Ask the owner or landlord if the property complies with the current building code and fire code and to explain the fire safety measures that have been implemented.
SECURITY BARS
While some property owners install bars on windows as security measures, these can also prevent students from escaping in an emergency situation.
- Inspect all windows to determine if they have security bars.
- Security bars on windows should be equipped with an internal quick-opening (quick-release) mechanism so the bars can be removed quickly and easily from the inside.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Many student residences, especially older ones, may have outdated wiring; taking a few simple precautions can help students stay safe:
- CHECK ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: Outlets in bathrooms or within one-metre of the kitchen sink should be the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which have a built-in-safety feature.
- AVOID OVERLOADING: Consider the number and location of electric outlets in the room or apartment; there should be enough outlets so that appliances, such as lamps, computer equipment, and TVs etc. can be operated without the use of extension cords.
- USE POWER BARS WISELY: If extension cords can’t be avoided, use multi-outlet power bars that are approved and provide surge protection and a circuit breaker.
- PROTECT ELECTRICAL CORDS: Make sure that electrical cords of any kind are not concealed under carpets or rugs where they can be easily damaged.
- BE SMART: Avoid overloading circuits and using “octopus” wiring. (multiple cords and splitters from a single outlet).
- ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS: Looking for electrical safety tips and information on common electrical hazards? Check out the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) website at: www.esainspection.net.
Catch next week’s Safety Tidbits Column for the final part on safe student accommodations. I’ll cover some more essential fire safety tips every student should know before heading off to college or university.
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so, could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
