Summit FD's guide to keep dorms safe from fires ahead of upcoming school year
College dorm essentials are in high demand, but Lt. Matt Lemons, with the Summit Fire Department, says parents need to think twice before making these purchases.
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Backpacks are back on the shelves and school supplies are back in stock - all signs that the summer is winding down.
College dorm essentials are in high demand, but Lt. Matt Lemons, with the Summit Fire Department, says parents need to think twice before making these purchases.
“Cooking appliances for sure, like microwaves," said Lemons. "Depending on the university, they might have their own rules. But it’s also important for parents to actually follow the rules.”
Lemons warned that cooking fires account for many university fires, as do electrical fires.
“Relocatable power taps or multiplug adapters.. most of them aren’t actually rated by UL under a laboratory," said Lemons. "They can also start fires, especially if people start plugging extension cords into those power taps.”
While cooking, watch where you place items, set timers, don’t be distracted and don’t engage in the activity while tired.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves and have fun, but obviously, safety comes first," said Lemons.
If tragedy strikes, the best bet is to just get outside.
“Don’t grab anything. Everything’s replaceable, you are not," said Lemons. "So make sure that you get yourself out of the situation and then call 911 to report the fire.”
No one is invincible - Seton Hall’s 2000 fatal dorm fire is a reminder of this reality and its severity.
“People were maliciously pulling the firearm as a prank leading up to that incident, so complacency set in because students were getting used to the firemen going off continuously and they weren’t evacuating the building when they should’ve," said Lemons.
