Fire Safety for College Students

Knowledge truly is power. Please take the time to review this valuable information with your child before they embark for college.

Since 2000, there have been 154 campus fire related deaths and numerous serious injuries. Approximately 92% of these deaths occurred in either off-campus housing or Greek housing. Critical factors contributing to these deaths include:

• Missing or disabled smoke alarms
• Lack of fire sprinkler system
• Lack of general knowledge of fire safety
• Careless disposal of smoking material
• Impaired judgement resulting from alcohol or drug consumption
• Fires originating on upholstered furniture on the outside of buildings

For additional information, please visit these websites:

•  The Center for Campus Fire Safety - A national resource for public fire education on college campuses. CCFS has prepared a list of questions to ask landlords regarding off-campus housing and a list of questions to ask school officials regarding campus housing.
•  Campus Firewatch - A newsletter and website presenting information on incidents that occur on college campuses across the country - including educational materials, fire-related legislation, videos and more.
• Campus Safety Guide - This guide will show college students the various on-campus and online resources they can use to help make their campus experience a safe one. The guide also includes eight critical questions and answers every student and parent should read, as well as an interview with college safety expert Ruth Jones, a Title IX coordinator who focuses on the prevention of sexual assault on campus.
• Alarming Truth - A short film produced as part of a national campaign to raise awareness about fire safety among college students.