Living With Fire On Campus

Don’t Let It Happen to You! 1 out of every 3 people will have an

experience with fire in their lifetime

Over 4,000 people die each year from fires, over 27,000 are injured

A small fire can grow very quickly

Education gives you the training needed to make good choices

Don’t Let It Happen to You!Approximately 1800 documented fires

occur on college campuses in the United States each year

More than 90% of them took place in dormitories, other residential structures, and classrooms

Fire damage in dormitories alone approaches $9 million per year.

The total costs for losses are higher!

Objectives

At the completion of this session, you will know :What fire isWhat the major causes and contributing

factors of fire on campus areHow fires can be preventedWhat the special fire dangers in apartments

areEvacuation and Life Safety Survival

Skills

Fire is:

A chemical reaction, characterized by the release of oxygen, heat and fuel.

Fire is:

FAST

Fire is FAST!In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get

completely out of control and turn into a major fire.

It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house, apartment, room, or dorm.

There is only time to escape!

Fire is:

HOT

Fire is HOT!Heat is more threatening than flames.

Room temperatures can be 250°F at floor level, rise to 800°F at eye level and may exceed 1400°F at the ceiling.

The heat can melt clothes to your skin.

Inhaling super hot air will scorch your lungs and kill.

Fire is:

DeadlyDEADLY

Fire is DEADLY!Fire produces smoke

and poisonous gases that kill.

Breathing in small amounts can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath.

The colorless, odorless fumes will lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door.

Fire is:

HOTDEADLYFAST

but mostly – Fire is

Smoke and smoke is . . .

Dark

Fire is DARK!

Fire is not bright, it’s pitch black.

If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around.

Think about it…You are in a residence hall

corridor or your apartment hallway filled with smoke, relying on the walls for balance and direction. You extend an arm and realize your hand has disappeared. Disorientation sets in as a thick haze swirls in the hallway and a blaring smoke alarm makes it difficult to think.

You get low and it is still nearly impossible to see. Exit signs are invisible so you cannot find a door, let alone feel if it is warm. You are wandering blindly in search of an escape route and the smoke continues to thicken. - You are in “big” trouble!

Adages of fire safety are easy to take for granted until you are in a fire situation.Always remember:

Stay low because heat and smoke rise

Know two ways outFeel doors for heatGet out and stay out!

Countdown to Disaster

It can happen here!Apartments and dormitories present unique hazards:

A lot of people living close together

Consequently, your actions may impact many

Your mistake or carelessness could have this result

Student Housing Apartment Complex

Before the Fire

22ndnd floor hallway floor hallway

2nd floor hallway

33rdrd floor day room floor day room

The pictures say it all….Who ever thought in a million years that your apartment or dormitorydormitory could end up like this?

Apartment and dorm housing residents need to think twice about staying in their rooms because they think it's another False Alarm!!!

Arson, Cooking, SmokingCandles and Incense,

Electricity

Arson FiresOne-third of dormitory fires are incendiary.

Thrill-seeking students can cause harm and destruction by maliciously starting fires.

Cooking Fires21% of all dormitory fires.

Often caused by the misuse of cooking appliances in apartments and dorm rooms.

This includes: hot plates, microwaves, toaster ovens and electric frying pans.

August 13, 2002 “A fire in a three-story, wood frame

fraternity claimed the life of one student at the Michigan Tech University. The fire started because the stove in the kitchen was left on, the grease in the hood was ignited, and the fire spread upwards. The victim was found 5 feet from the window in his room, trying to escape.”

Smoking Related Fires14% of dormitory fires.

Even when there is a ban on smoking in housing units, careless smoking can cause unnecessary damage and potential injury or death.

February 7, 2003A fire occurred on the ninth

floor of a ten-story residence hall at the State University of New York in Oswego. The fire started in the area of a computer table in a student’s room. The fire department was alerted by the activation of a smoke detector.

SUNY Oswego

SUNY OswegoThis fire was caused by careless use of smoking materials in a …

non-smoking suite

Candle Fires13% of dormitory fires.Though banned on most campuses,

the practice of open burning of candles and incense in college housing units continues to rise.

From 2006-2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 11,640 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused 126 deaths, 953 injuries and $438 million in direct property damage. Candles caused 3% of reported home fires, 5% of home fire deaths, 7% of home fire injuries, and 6% of the direct property damage from home fires in 2010

Candle Fires Facts and figures During the five-year period of 2006-2010

Roughly one-third (35%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 42% of the associated deaths and 45% of the associated injuries.

 On average, 32 home candle fires were reported per day. Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home

candle fires and 43% of the associated deaths.More than half (56%) of home candle fires occurred when

some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

The result of a candle fire in a Binghamton University dormitory.

Electrical FiresElectrical fires are caused by misuse of:

extension cords / power stripsspace heatershalogen lampselectric blanketstelevisionshair dryersother appliances

Electrical Fires

The misuse of extension cords and power strips have caused countless electrical overload fires.Extension cords should not be used as permanent wiring. Temporary use only.Power strip surge protectors, should be used only for electronics.

Be aware of frayed and cracked cords on any electrical device – routinely inspect them; if found damaged cease use and repair or replace immediately.

Electrical Fire Facts

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 46,500 reported home structure fires involving electrical failure or malfunction in 2010. These fires resulted in 420 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries and $1.5 billion in direct property damage. 

Piggy-Backing Is Not Permitted Plugging two cords together to make longer cord.

Extension Devices May Be Unsafe if used incorrectly.

Appliances on Power Strips Can Cause Fires

Water and Electricity – A Dangerous Situation

Halogen Torchiere Floor Lamps

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the halogen bulbs in torchiere lamps caused at least 189 fires and 11 deaths since 1992.

Every precaution must be taken for safe use including but not exclusive to: keep clear of any drapes, do not place any objects above or nearby, do not tip over, do not leave the lamp on when unattended.

February 26, 2001

A fire started by a lamp killed a 23 year old Binghamton University junior in his off-campus housing.

Special Holiday Fire HazardsLate November to early January:

Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Day

Yearly fire loss is estimated at over $80 million

An estimated 11,600 firesAn annual average of approximately 250

injuries and 40 fatalities

Very common causes are live Christmas trees and defective electrical lighting

Live Christmas trees are not permitted on campus

7 Contributing Factors Per Investigators:

Student apathyLack of student fire survival trainingCombustible fire loadInsufficient electrical supplyCompromised fire protection systemsImproper use of 911Drinking and fires

Student apathyStudents, used to frequent pranks, tend to ignore fire alarms.

Students are even accustomed to sleeping through the alarms because of the number of false alarms.

Lack of student fire survival trainingGenerally, students are not prepared to survive

a fire:

They don’t properly react under emergency circumstances

They don’t preplan by “learning” the locations of exits, especially an alternate exit

Combustible fire loadA typical apartment or

dormitory room has a significant combustible fire load.

A room contains common residential furnishings that burn readily:Desks, chairs, rugs,

bookcases, dressers, etc.Decorative wall

materials such as posters, pictures, and fabrics.

Insufficient electrical supplyTypically, there are

insufficient electrical wall outlets in a room – fewer then what a student may desire.

Students try to compensate by use of extension cords and/or multiple piggyback power strips.

Compromised fire protection systemsVandalized and improperly maintained fire

protection systems can inhibit early fire detection and response:Cans or other material stuffed in standpipe

outletsDisabled smoke detectors in roomsDamaged or blocked-open fire doorsSprinkler heads used as plant hangers or

coat racks

911or 5911

These numbers are for emergencies .

Note that when using a cell phone you may not be connected to the area 911.

Drinking and Fire½ of all adults who die in residential

fires have high blood-alcohol levelsBurn victims who have consumed

alcohol have a mortality rate 3 times that of victims who have not

Alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of falling asleep and dropping smoking materials into furniture or other flammable material

Alcohol consumption reduces ability to detect fire, respond to a fire or fire alarm, and safely escape a fire

Thinking about fire safety on the E’s

Every MinuteEvery Day

Every WhereEvery Time

Safety TipsCookingConfined to kitchens or College

Barbeque Grills Cook only where the rules allow.Keep the cooking area clean and uncluttered.Unplug electric appliances when not in use.Never leave cooking unattended.Don’t try to remove burning containers from a

microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the machine.

Safety Tips for SmokersSmoking is the 3rd most frequent

cause of college firesIf allowed: Smoke only where permitted. Use a large, deep, non-tip ashtray Don’t smoke in bed. It’s risky to smoke when you’ve been drinking

or when you’re drowsy. Soak cigarette butts in water before

discarding. After a party, check cushions for smoldering

cigarettes.

Safety TipsCandles - always dangerous4th most frequent cause of campus firesIf allowed

Blow out candles when you leave your room or go to sleep.

Use sturdy candle holders and don’t let candles burn down all the way.

Keep papers, curtains and anything that burns away from lit candles.

Never leave wick-trimmings, matches or other material in the candle holder.

Avoid items with combustible items embedded in or around them.

The Station

Station Road Island Fire

Know how to survive!Know two ways to get outLocate all exitsSound the alarmDon’t ignore alarmsWarn othersCrawl low in smokeUse stairwells, not elevators

Once outside … stay outside

Pull StationsActivation of a

fire pull-station will trigger the evacuation of the building and may send a signal to a monitoring company and the local fire department.

Use Stairwells, Not ElevatorsTake the stairs:

Walk, don’t runStay in single fileDo not run over fallen people, help themNote ; use the nearest stairwell

Do not use elevators:Elevators can fill with smokeThe elevator shaft can become a

chimney for toxic gases and smokeThe elevator could open on the fire floor

Persons with Disabilities NeedSpecial evacuation provisionsEvacuation assistancePre-planningPersonal awareness and planning

On-campus is not the only place fires occur

When you are off-campus always be aware of your surroundings.

Whether you are at work, out for dinner or at a club with friends, keep fire safety on your mind.

Planning AheadKnow your surroundingsKnow where exits are locatedKnow at least two ways outKnow the location of fire alarm pull stations

Keep aisles clear of all debris

Evacuation Survival Skills Evacuation of housing

Know where the nearest exit (stairwell) is and an alternate exit from your room.

From your room count the number of doors to the stairs left and right of the room.

Do not use elevators to exit the building.Keep low.

Evacuation Survival SkillsIf readily available – take purse, vehicle keys,

and medications with youFeel the top of the door with the back of your

hand for heat and/or look through the door vision hole:If not hot, open the door slowly. Stay below the

height of the doorknob. Do not lock the door but close it behind you.

If smoke and heat are present crawl low to the exit and evacuate the building.

If you encounter heavy smoke in the stairwell, use an alternate exit or go back to your room.

Evacuation Survival SkillsIf the door is hot, smoke blocks the exit, or you are otherwise trapped:Stay calmKeep the doors closedSeal cracks and vents if smoke comes in

If on a lower level (e.g. first floor) – check if you can exit via a window

Evacuation Survival SkillsIf you are trapped:

Call 911,5911 or the appropriate emergency number and make emergency responders aware of your situation and location

Signal for helpDon’t jump. The fire department will come to your assistance.

Evacuation Survival SkillsAfter evacuating the building:

Report to your designated evacuation area for accountability check

Report any concerns to Housing or Security.Wait for instruction from Emergency

personnel or Security.

Do not re-enter!! STAY OUT!!!

Designated Assembly AreasStudent Green Spaces &Housing Parking Lots

Key points to remember:Some things you can do to prevent fires

and tragedies from happening:

Take responsibility for preventionDo not disable smoke alarms/detectorsPlan escape routesTake fire alarms seriously

It can happen to you!!!

Survival should be your firstpriority!