September is Campus Fire Safety Month

Washington – This September marks the seventh annual Campus Fire Safety Month. Congress has passed a resolution recognizing Campus Fire Safety Month every year since 2005 in an effort to raise awareness of fire safety on college campuses.

The U.S. Fire Administration offers the following fire safety tips for students:

• Avoid using lighted candles.
• Never leave candles unattended, and make sure they are not placed near flammables such as drapes.
• Cook only where permitted, and keep the cooking area clean and uncluttered.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• When using electrical appliances, never overload circuits.
• If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.
• If you smoke, do so outside. Make sure ashes and butts are fully extinguished before placing them in a trash can.
• Check for cigarette butts under cushions after a party.
• Never smoke in bed.