DID YOU KNOW?
Before students head off to college or university, they should assemble a safety kit with some essential items like:
- Extra Batteries for all devices.
- A CSA or ULC certified power bar.
- A WORKING SMOKE ALARM & CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARM.
- A Battery-Powered Lantern or Flashlight: These are crucial during power outages.
- A Battery-Powered Radio: To stay connected to emergency broadcasts if their phone or Wi-Fi is down.
- A First-Aid Kit: A First-Aid Kit can help students handle minor injuries and unexpected emergencies.
CAMPUS LIFE: PRIORITIZING STUDENT SAFETY
When students are away at school, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of campus life. However, it’s important for students to prioritize their safety and be mindful of their surroundings. Here are some key fire and life safety practices to embrace and zero in on:
COOKING: LOOK WHILE YOU COOK
Cooking is a leading cause of residential fires! To prevent a cooking-related fire—in living spaces with cooking facilities—here are some key safety practices:
- Stay in the kitchen when something is cooking on the stove.
- Keep all combustible items a safe distance away from the stove at all times; this includes tea towels, wooden or plastic spoons, paper, and paper towels etc.
- Keep a pot lid near the stove while cooking to smother flames if a fire starts in a pot or pan.
CANDLES: CANDLE WITH CARE
The use of candles is popular, especially among young people. To prevent candle fires:
- Keep candles in a location where they can’t be knocked over or come in contact with combustible items.
- Fire Safety experts recommend if you choose to use candles, use tea lights or votive candles in non-combustible containers; they are generally a safer choice than tapers.
- Blow out all candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
- When you GO OUT … BLOW OUT! Blow out all the candles before leaving your residence.
SMOKING MATERIALS: SMOKE OUTSIDE
Fires caused by smoking can be deadly. Even if a student doesn’t smoke themselves, chances are some of their friends do; to prevent smoking fires:
- Encourage smokers to go outside!
- Keep large, deep ashtrays on hand that will reduce the risk of ashes and butts falling onto rugs or upholstery.
- Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them; ashtrays should be emptied into a metal container … NOT THE GARBAGE CAN!
ELECTRICITY: USE IT WISELY
Overloaded circuits and octopus wiring are dangerous electrical hazards that can be avoided. To prevent fires caused by electrical equipment:
- Coffee Makers, Microwaves, and Toasters should be plugged directly into an outlet.
- Avoid the use of extension cords as permanent wiring.
- If you must use an extension cord, buy one that is the correct gauge for the appliance and has a CSA or ULC approval mark on the label.
- Use an approved CSA or ULC power bar with a circuit breaker and surge protector to plug in computers and other devices.
- Ensure electrical cords are not concealed under carpets or rugs where they can be easily damaged.
SPACE HEATERS: GIVE THEM SPACE
Central-Heating-Systems in older accommodations can often be supplemented with space heaters. To prevent heating fires:
- Keep the space heater at least one-metre or more away from anything that can burn, such as paper, bedding, furniture, and curtains etc.
- Turn off the space heater before going out or going to bed.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS: AVOID THE DANGEROUS MIX
While most student parties are harmless, the consumption of alcohol combined with cooking or smoking is a DANGEROUS MIX! To minimize the risk of fire during or after parties:
- Avoid overcrowding; the more people attending the party, the easier it is to lose control of the situation.
- Encourage guests to smoke outside; consider putting up NO SMOKING signs that direct guests to an outside smoking area.
- Refrain from burning candles during parties; they can easily be knocked over or ignite nearby combustibles, which can go unnoticed.
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS: BEAT THE SILENT KILLER
- In Ontario, the law requires all homes/apartments to have a working carbon monoxide alarm outside all sleeping areas if there is a fuel-burning appliance or fireplace in the home/apartment.
- If the building has a service room or a garage, carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside each sleeping area of all apartment units above, below and beside the service room or garage.
- If there is a service room, a carbon monoxide alarm also must be installed in the service room.
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.
