While student dormitories are not exactly danger zones, students who reside in dormitories should observe safety measures to keep their property safe from thieves or accidents such as fire. For the most part, it only takes common sense to prevent potential accidents in student dormitories. For instance, you should not leave candles or hot cigarette butts burning inside your room. According to the National Fire protection Association (NFPA), the number of dormitory fires reported between 1980 and 2009 increased by 17% and on average, dorm fires destroy property worth about $20.9 million, cause 3 deaths, and 38 fire injuries every year. These statistics show the importance of taking fire safety seriously. Here are some dorm safety tips that you can take as an individual student to keep your dorm safe.
Cooking
Figures published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that cooking accounts for 72% of all dorm fires. With this in mind, you should only light fires or cook in designated areas and you should always monitor your cooking. If you have to leave the cooking area, ensure you switch off all cooking appliances such as hotplates, microwaves, or portable grills. You can always continue cooking after you attend to any issue that requires your immediate attention. Remember to store flammable liquids away from heat sources. It is also wise to wear short and close fitting clothes. Loose clothes can easily get in the way and catch fire.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire, which is a product of a chemical reaction called combustion, requires oxygen to continue burning. A fire extinguisher contains chemicals that deprive fire of oxygen and most university and college dormitories have portable fire extinguishers that you can use to put out small fires. The rule of thumb is to use the right type of fire extinguisher when putting out a fire. For example, you cannot use a class A fire extinguisher to put out a class B fire (any fire that involves gasoline, oil, or kerosene). Use the PASS technique when handling a fire extinguisher. This means pull the safety pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger, and sweep the extinguisher from side to side.
Evacuation
If you hear the fire alarm go off, head to the nearest fire exit as fast as you can. Of course, you can try to evacuate other engineering students the dormitory. If there is smoke, avoid the temptation to run. Instead, walk carefully in the direction of the nearest fire exit. When everyone gets out of the dormitory, close the door behind you and remove the key. Do not attempt to re-enter the building unless a qualified person says it is safe to do so.
Personal Items
Always keep your door locked when you leave to attend classes or go out with friends. Use engraving techniques to mark electronics such as TV’s, laptops, and mobile devices. It is advisable to install applications that can help you track anyone who tries to steal your electronics.
Suspicious Persons
If you come across suspicious people, do not confront them or try to be a hero. Use hotlines or email addresses provided by your learning institution to alert the security personnel. Additionally, inform your maintenance department of broken doors or windows, if any, and of course, you must never hide your dorm keys under the doormat since most burglars know all the usual hiding places.
Social Media
Do not publish your personal details, travel plans, or credit card details online. A determined burglar, stalker, or kidnapper can use this information to track your movement. If you plan to travel over the weekend, call your friends or parents and inform them.
Your personal safety as well as the safety of other students is paramount. To start with, always monitor your cooking. Secondly, use the nearest fire exit if you hear a fire alarm. Thirdly, learn how to use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. Finally, do not leave your dorm room door unlocked while away.
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This guest post is from Sarah Daren, a writer who creates informative articles relating to the field of health. In this article, she offers a few safety tips for students and aims to encourage further study with a bachelor of science in health information management.