Student Accomodations & Fire Safety

Whether you are living in a residence, apartment, house, or shared accomodation, fire safety should be a priority. Students living away from home may be unfamiliar with their building, its fire safety features and emergency procedures. Take a few minutes when you move in to make sure you know how to stay safe and what to do if a fire occurs.

Know your Accomodation

When choosing or moving into student housing:

Look for fully spinklered accomodations when choosing a residence or off-campus housing.
Know the location of all exits and stairways.
Make sure you can hear the building’s fire alarm system from your sleeping area.
Learn your building’s fire evacuation plan.
Know where to assemble after evacuating.
Never use an elevator during a fire.
Never prop open or tamper with fire doors.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Working alarms provide the early warning you need to escape.

Make sure there are working smoke alarms where required.
Test smoke alarms monthly.
Never remove batteries or disable an alarm.
If an alarm isn’t working, notify your landlord immediately.
Smoke alarms must be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions; many smoke alarms have a 10-year replacement life.
Where carbon monoxide alarms are required, make sure they are installed and maintained properly.

Cooking Safety

Cooking is a leading cause of fires in student accomodations.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
Keep anything that can burn away from the stove.
Keep pot handles turned inward.
Keep cooking appliances clean and free of grease.
Never leave cooking unattended.
Avoid cooking when you are tired, impaired or drowsy.
Never put water on a grease fire.
If a small grease fire starts, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner if it is safe to do so.
If a fire gets out of control, get out and call 9-1-1.

Smoking Safety

If you smoke, smoke outside and where permitted.

Never smoke in bed
Avoid smoking when you are tired or impaired.
Use a sturdy, deep ashtray where permitted.
Completely extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them.
Never throw cigarette butts into garbage, planters or other combustible materials.
Check outdoor areas for improperly discarded smoking materials.

Candles

Candles can create a serious fire hazard in student accomodations.

Check whether candles are permitted by your landlord or residence.
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Keep candles away from anything that can burn.
Place candles in sturdy holders that won’t tip over.
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.

Electrical Safety

Student accomodations often contain numerous chargers, computers, gaming systems and other electrical equipment.

Don’t overload electrical outlets.
Use power bars equipped with a circuit breaker/surge protection.
Never use extension cords as permanent wiring.
Don’t run electrical cords underneath carpets or rugs.
Don’t use damaged cords, chargers or electrical equipment.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for electrical appliances.
Keep electrical equipment away from water.

Space Heaters Need Space

If you need a portable space heater:

Keep it at least 1 metre away from anything that can burn.
Keep heaters away from bedding, clothing, furniture and curtains.
Place heaters on a solid, level surface.
Don’t leave a space heater operating when you leave the room or go to bed.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Make a Fire Escape Plan

Don’t wait until there’s a fire to figure out how you’re getting out.

Know two ways out of your room whenever possible.
Know the location of all exits and stairways.
Keep escape routes clear of clutter.
Learn your building’s evacuation procedures.
When the alarm sounds, leave immediately.
Never assume the alarm is a false alarm.
Never use an elevator during a fire.
Never go back inside for personal belongings.
Never re-enter the building until firefighters tell you it is safe.

If You Can’t Get Out

If your exit is blocked by smoke or fire:

Stay in your room if it is safer to do so.
Close the door.
Call 9-1-1 and tell the dispatcher where you are.
Signal from a window if possible.
Stay low if smoke enters the room.

If a Fire Occurs

GET OUT. STAY OUT. CALL 9-1-1.

If you discover a fire:

Alert others.
Leave immediately using the nearest safe exit.
Close doors behind you if you can do so safely.
Never use an elevator.
Call 9-1-1 from outside.
Go to your designated meeting place.
Never go back inside until deemed safe from the fire department.

Have Questions About Fire Safety?

If you have concerns about fire safety in your student accomodation, contact the Brockville Fire Department – Fire Prevention Division. 613-498-1261 ext. 2504 or prevention@brockville.com.