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In August and September, millions of young people will be moving from the security of their homes to a new destination. Some will attend college while others will move to new adventures.
Each of these young people will have one thing in common; they will no longer be in the safe reach of their parents.
In 2002-2005, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,300 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities — places where young people were away from home.
These fires caused an annual average of seven civilian deaths, 46 civilian fire injuries, and $25 million in direct property damage.
Fires are on the rise among young people who move away from home. To protect those who move away from home parents can arm themselves with some basic safety knowledge:
Make sure that working smoke alarms are in every dormitory room and every level of housing facilities. Make sure that a smoke detector is installed in each bedroom and ensure that all detectors have working batteries. Replace smoke alarm batteries every semester.
Regularly inspect rooms and buildings for fire hazards. Ask your local fire department for assistance.
Inspect exit doors and windows and make sure they are working properly.
Make sure each young adult knows the basics of escaping from a burning building; crawl low in smoke, every room needs two exits and having a meeting place to ensure all occupants are out safely. Practicing these fire drills should be strongly encouraged so if an emergency happens, everyone will be prepared.
Urge students to take each alarm seriously. Fire doubles in size every 30 seconds, so when an alarm sounds, each second counts, get out and stay out.
Do not overload electrical outlets and make sure extension cords are used properly. Electrical cords produce heat, so don’t put rugs over them or place them in areas of high traffic.
Teach students to properly use and maintain heating and cooking appliances. Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries on college campuses, closely followed by careless smoking and arson.
Teach students that alcohol abuse can be deadly. In most cases where fire fatalities occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. In more than 50 percent of adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence at the time of the fire. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts.
“Leaving the nest” is part of life. However parents often feel uncomfortable with this partly due to the loss of control they have for the safety of their child.
By being aware of the fire safety tips and helping your child understand them, each parent can regain some control and find peace that their child will be as safe as possible in their new environment.
Jeff Hoch is public education director for the Onalaska Fire Department.
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