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.
