Fire Prevention in your Dorm Room

Attending college is a rite of passage that should be full of excitement and good times.  This is the time in your life when you are fully focused on yourself and your future as you want it to be.  Fire prevention is likely the last thing on your mind when you set up your college dorm room or apartment; but because college life can be very hectic, it is important to ensure you have set your dwelling up properly.  All it takes is one swift moving fire and you may find yourself on a new path very quickly.

It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of fire in any dwelling; but there are steps you can take to keep the risk low and to fight fire should it occur.  Fire extinguishers are a large part of keeping your apartment or dorm safe.  While dormitory buildings typically have fire extinguishers located throughout; it is also wise to keep a small portable fire extinguisher in your room.

Fire extinguishers work to cover flames with an extinguishing agent that will put flames down.  However, there are different types of fire extinguishers to cover different types of fire.  For instance, you would not throw water on an electrical fire; there are specific types of fire extinguishers for this type of fire.  For a dorm room or small apartment, a small multi-use fire extinguisher may do just fine.

While fire extinguishers do a great job of putting out flames, they only work as well as the operator.  That means that you need to know how to use it properly if you want to use an extinguisher to put out a small fire.  Here is the simple way most people remember to use fire extinguishers:

Pull the pin on the extinguisher to unlock the operating lever.
Aim low, towards the base of the flames.
Squeeze the handle to discharge extinguishing agent.  Release the lever to stop discharge. Some fire extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.
Sweep the nozzle in a side to side motion.  Move carefully toward the fire as you continually sweep the base of flames until the fire is out.  If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.

While fire extinguishers are there to help you fight a fire that has broken out; the best plan of action is to avoid fire altogether!  There are also tips for doing this:

• Never leave candles or cooking food unattended
• Never cover lamps with paper or clothing
• Be careful when using extension cords.  Outlets can get overloaded and cause a fire
• Instead of extension cords, use multi-cord plugs that contain their own surge protection
• Do not let clutter build up, especially papers and fabrics

When fire strikes is not the time when you want to learn to use a fire extinguisher; or when you must push that pile of laundry away from the door.  Being prepared for the instance of fire is the very best way to maintain your dorm room safety.