College Students, Parents Advised On How To Ensure Residence Is Fire-Safe

College and university students are getting ready to head to class – and for many that means finding a place to live near campus.

Toronto Fire and other safety organizations want to make sure that when they do, they’re moving somewhere safe. That’s the impetus behind a project called Student Accommodation, which offers a checklist of things parents and their children should be looking out for.

Joan Nicholas knows all about the hazards of living alone for the first time – her daughter Marina was killed when a lamp fell into her bathtub earlier this year. She shared her tragic story at a Monday press conference to announce the program.

“If my speaking out – and of course all the other people involved, the fire safety people and the electrical safety people – will just raise public awareness that there are hidden dangers and we just have to be aware of them,” Nicholas said.

Electrical mishaps often cause fires and 90 per cent of fire fatalities happen in residential homes.

“When you send your student out check the apartment,” said Doug Crawford of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office. “Look for certain things: ground fault circuit interruptors in the bathroom. Make sure that the wiring that’s in that building is all proper, not frayed.”

Being safe doesn’t have to be expensive – lights can cost as little as $6 and are much safer than lighting candles. Fire extinguishers can be had for $30, and in the case of a kitchen flare-up you’ll be glad you have them on hand.

Also, if you have to plug several things in to a wall outlet – use a power bar.

Perhaps most importantly, buy a fire alarm – at $15, it could mean the difference between life and death.

Fire Marshal College Dorm Electricity Checklist

• Beware of older buildings and residences that don’t have modern or upgraded wiring. What was good enough for the 40s, 50s and 60s may not be adequate to handle the load today.
• Be sure electrical outlets within one metre of a water source – like sinks or a bathtub – come with a ground fault circuit interrupter to cut the juice should the H20 come in contact with it.
• Look at the number of outlets in a residence or rental space. Are there enough? Try to avoid extension cords for lamps, computers and stereos or other electronic equipment. If you have to use them, make sure they’re listed by the ULC (Underwriters Labs of Canada) and don’t plug too much into too many.
• Make sure the cords aren’t frayed or loose and don’t put them under carpets or rugs where they can be damaged and short circuit, potentially sparking a fire.

For more tips on making your residence safe, visit the Fire Marshal’s Student Accommodation page here.