Justice and Public Safety
September 8, 2015

Public Advisory: Post-Secondary Students Should Consider Fire Safety

Across Newfoundland and Labrador, post-secondary students are returning to classes at college and university campuses. Whether living on or off campus, these students will play a more active role in their own fire safety - many for the first time.

Students, along with parents, and landlords can follow these tips to minimize the risk of fires:

On-Campus Checklist

• Ensure your room has a working smoke alarm;
• Familiarize yourself with at least two ways to exit your building;
• Create and practice a fire escape plan, including identifying where to meet with others after exiting the building;
• Use flameless candles;
• Stock some foods that do not require cooking to eat if you consume alcohol;
• Never ignore a fire alarm but instead leave everything and evacuate immediately; and
• Take responsibility for your surroundings by ensuring doors and hallways remain clear and common fire risks, such as full dryer lint traps, are addressed regularly.

Students who choose off-campus accommodations should consider fire safety when choosing a property.

Off-Campus Checklist

• Ensure the landlord has smoke alarms installed in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area (for example, in a hallway), and on every level;
• Ensure the landlord has installed carbon monoxide alarms;
• Test all alarms once monthly;
• Remember to dial 911 in the event of an emergency and post a list of any additional emergency contacts you need on your fridge;
• Ensure escape routes, such as windows, are clear of clutter and can be easily opened in the event of an emergency;
• Develop an evacuation plan, including identifying where everyone residing in the home will meet once outside; and
• Hold a fire drill twice annually.

Additional fire safety steps may be necessary depending on the type of property and activities permitted there, such as smoking or having barbecues.

For more information about fire safety and emergency preparedness, visit the FES-NL website: www.gov.nl.ca/fes/index.html

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Media contact:

Ryan Crocker Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) 709-729-0857, 690-1810 ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca

2015 09 08                              12:20 p.m.