Safety tips

General safety tips

• Install smoke alarms on every level and ensure that they are working at all times.
• Know two ways out, no matter where you are — a residence hall, your house or apartment, a restaurant or a movie theater.
• If a smoke alarm is being activated needlessly, such as by cooking or steam from a shower, move the alarm rather than disable it.
• Properly dispose of smoking material by using ashtrays.
• After parties, check the cushions on couches and chairs to make sure there aren't any lit cigarettes smoldering.
• Learn how to use a fire extinguisher BEFORE a fire breaks out.
• Use extension cords and electrical appliances properly.
• Choose fire-safe housing that includes automatic fire sprinklers.

Electrical tips

• Look for the UL Mark on any electrical product you use.
• Do not overload extension cords, power strips or outlets.
• Be wary of cords and electrical outlets that are too hot to touch.
• Do not connect multiple extension cords together.
• Do not route cords under doors or carpets.
• Never staple wires or extension cords.
• Use light bulbs with correct wattage for lamps.

Cooking tips

• Cook only where rules allow and stay in the area while cooking.
• Never plug more than one high-wattage appliance into a single outlet.
• Keep surfaces clean of grease.
• Never pour water on a grease fire. Use baking soda.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher handy.

After parties

• Clean up immediately after parties, and take out all trash.
• Douse all smoking materials.
• Check for cigarettes in all couches.

Candles and smoking

• Limit open flames in living areas, especially bedrooms.
• Smoke outside.
• Keep candles in a sturdy holder, and away from papers and bedding.
• Candles should be extinguished when not needed.
• Never leave candles or incense unattended.
• Keep candles and incense away from curtains, flammable materials and unstable surfaces.

In case of fire

• Evacuate immediately.
• Call the fire department or 911 AFTER you've left the building.
• Have an escape plan and know two ways to exit the building from your room.
• Memorize the number of doors to the nearest exit.