Fire Safety at Colleges and Universities

Jason Powell, Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety, Central Connecticut State University

Parents sending their sons and daughters off to college may worry about fire safety, as recent new stories about campus fires have rightly raised concerns nationwide. Information on fire safety at campus residential facilities may be found online at the Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com).

CCSU campus facilities, with sophisticated alarm systems, sprinklers, inspections and educational activities have been rated rather well by Princeton Review. But it’s important to note that, according to the Center for Campus Fire Safety, since 2000, about 80% of the fatalities in college-related fires occurred in off-campus housing.  And, because off-campus housing is often unregulated and unaccounted for statistically, the actual number of fires and fatalities in such housing is certain to be higher.

The risks associated with off-campus housing are primarily linked to two features of these living arrangements.  First, in all likelihood, off-campus housing is not under control of the college or university and, therefore, is not regulated as a campus housing facility – even if the college provides a listing of available housing.  In turn, such housing may not have the kind of fire detection and suppression systems (alarms and sprinklers) that ought to be in place.  Second, students residing off-campus are less likely to be exposed to the fire safety education programs that are typically provided to students living in campus housing.

What to do?

The National Association of State Fire Marshals recommends that parents and students get answers to these questions before renting an apartment or house:

1. Smoke alarms installed?
   1. Working?
   2. How old?
   3. How often checked and batteries changed?
2. At least two ways to exit your living space and your building?
3. Fire escape or ladder available for each bedroom on upper floors?
4. Living unit doors rated for fire?
5. Fire extinguishers available?
   1. Working?
   2. Inspected within last year?
6. Sprinkler system installed?
7. Electrical wiring adequate?  (For example, if there are an insufficient number of outlets, people tend to increase the risk of fire by improperly using extension cords.)
8. Building regularly inspected by the fire department?
9. What is the owner’s policy and method for correcting safety problems in the building?
10. Has there ever been a fire in the building?  Cause?
11. Does the residence have a gas or electric stove/oven? Do you know how to use the appliances correctly?
12. Proximity of fire hydrant?  Who is responsible to keep it clear in the winter?
13. Did the school recommend the unit for student housing?
14. Is the owner a member in good standing in a landlord/tenant association or other housing association?
15. Has the city and/or university received any safety complaints regarding this building?

Lastly, even if parents are satisfied that the facility is reasonably safe, they should contact the local fire department or fire marshal for educational material on practices that will help maintain a safe living environment.

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