College Dorms, Fires Make a Dangerous Combination

Many college students across the country are heading back to school over the next several weeks. Some are returning, others are going to college for their first semester. One lesson that probably won't be on any course curriculum is dorm fire safety, but it should be. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued their recommendations for both returning college students along with first time students about the items they should be cautious with to avoid dormitory fires on campus in a recent press release.

With students housed very close to each other on a college campus in dormitory life, fires can be devastating in both the financial damage and lives lost they result in. According to the press release the number of campus housing fires has risen significantly in recent years. They have increased from a low in 1998 of eighteen hundred fires to a total of 3,300 fires in 2005. These fires during the years of 2000 through 2005 resulted in 39 deaths and almost 400 injuries according to the press release.

"Going to college marks an important milestone, and the CPSC doesn't want that to be marred by a potentially tragic fire," said Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord. "Students bring things from home to make dorm life more comfortable, including high-powered electronics and appliances. These items can make life easier, but also more dangerous when used improperly or left unsupervised, particularly in small dorm rooms."

The U.S. CPSC has some suggestions for college students to avoid the activities that can contribute to fires starting in dormitory settings. Cooking equipment causes 72% of the dormitory fires according to the press release, they suggest cooking only in areas designed for cooking, and not leaving equipment unattended when it is turned on.

The press release also points out the dangers of burning materials in sleeping areas. Items such as tobacco, candles and incense can be very dangerous if you are using these in sleeping areas. There is a risk of falling asleep and leaving these items unattended, potentially lighting materials in the area that burn quickly and at high temperatures.