LANSING, MI — The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), with State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes, are recognizing September as Campus Fire Safety Month. The goal of this month is to raise awareness of the fire risks for students living on and off campus and to encourage students to make fire safety and prevention a top priority as they begin another academic year at Michigan colleges and universities.
“With the excitement of a new academic year, fire safety may not be at the top of the list for students who are settling into a new campus, residence, or routine,” said Marlon I. Brown, Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). “Campus Fire Safety Month gives us the opportunity to educate students on the dangers of fires in dormitories and off campus housing, and the simple steps they can take to reduce the likelihood of campus-related fires that may cause property damage or loss of life.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately three out of four fires in dormitory-type properties begin in a kitchen or cooking area, with cooking equipment involved in nearly nine out of 10 fires.
“Students should prioritize having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as practicing an escape plan,” said State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes. “We urge students moving into a new residence to check that smoke alarms are working properly, test them monthly, and replace them as needed. Alarms should never be disabled or tampered with. Don’t let a preventable fire become part of your college story.”
Fire Safety Tips for College Students:
- Know how to get out. Identify two ways out, and keep hallways, stairs, doors, and exits clear. Never store or charge e-bikes, e-scooters, or other belongings where they could block an exit.
- When the alarm sounds, get out. Never assume it is a false alarm. Use the stairs and stay out until officials say it is safe. Never disable or tamper with smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
- Stay with your cooking. Never leave cooking unattended and keep anything that can burn away from heat sources. This is the most common cause of campus fires.
- Charge devices safely. Use the charger and battery provided by the manufacturer or specifically approved for your device. Avoid incompatible, modified, or unapproved replacement batteries and chargers. Stop using any battery that is damaged, swollen, unusually hot, leaking, or producing an unusual odor.
- Don't overload outlets. Use power strips and extension cords appropriately and plug major appliances directly into wall outlets.
- Know the rules where you live. Follow campus or housing requirements for smoking, vaping, candles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and other potential fire hazards.
Students and families are encouraged to talk about fire safety before move-in and throughout the school year. Knowing how to prevent a fire and what to do if an alarm sounds can make all the difference.
For more information on campus fire safety, visit: NFPA's Campus Housing Safety Webpage.
