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Student Safety
Fire Safety Tips for Students
Safety Tips for Students
Cooking
- Cook only where it is permitted.
- Keep your cooking area clean and uncluttered.
- If you use electric appliances, don't overload circuits.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.
- Learn About Cooking Fire Safety »
Smoking
- If you smoke, smoke outside at designated smoking locations.
- Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.
- After a party, check for cigarette butts, especially under cushions. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast.
- Be alert - don't smoke in bed! If you are sleepy or have been drinking, put your cigarette out first.
- Learn About Smoking Safety »
Escape Planning
- If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.
- Before opening a door, feel the door. If it's hot, use your second way out.
- Use the stairs; never use an elevator during a fire.
- If you're trapped, call the fire department and tell them where you are. Seal your door with rags and signal from your window. Open windows slightly at the top and bottom; shut them if smoke rushes in from any direction.
- If you have a disability, alert others of the type of assistance you need to leave the building.
- Learn About Escape Planning »
Student Fire Safety
High importance is placed by the University on promoting fire safety in dormitories and Longwood Managed Properties and encouraging all students and student groups to take leadership in this area. Students are expected to participate in regular fire drills and attend periodic fire safety programs in order to understand how to manage the risks and respond appropriately in case of emergency.
- Residence Hall Fire Safety
- Fire Evacuation Procedures
- Room Decorations and Modifications
- Policy for Residence Hall Decorations
- Virginia Statewide Fire Preventions Codes
Tips & Reminders!
Some quick tips or reminders to be in compliance with the Statewide Fire Prevention Code:
- Curtains, draperies, hangings, and other decorative materials suspended from walls shall be flame resistant or non-combustible.
- Decorative materials shall bot exceed 10 percent of the aggregate area of walls and ceilings.
- No decorations or other objects shall be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress there from, or visibility thereof.
Questions or Comments?
Please use our questions and comments form and we will respond as quickly as possible (if applicable).On-Campus Fire Safety
In cases where fire fatalities have occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts.
Many other factors contribute to the problem of dormitory housing fires including:
- Improper use of 911 notification systems delays emergency response.
- Student apathy is prevalent. Many are unaware that fire is a risk or threat in the environment.
- Evacuation efforts are hindered since fire alarms are often ignored.
- Building evacuations are delayed due to lack of preparation and preplanning.
- Vandalized and improperly maintained smoke alarms and fire alarm systems inhibit early detection of fires.
- Misuse of cooking appliances, overloaded electrical circuits, and extension cords increase the risk of fires.
Off-Campus Fire Safety
According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are approximately 18,000,000 students enrolled in 4,100 colleges and universities across the country. Approximately two-thirds of the students live in off-campus housing.
There are four common factors in a number of these fires:
- Lack of automatic fire sprinklers
- Missing or disabled smoke alarms
- Careless disposal of smoking materials
- Impaired judgment from alcohol consumption
Questions to Ask Before Moving in or Signing a Lease - regarding Off-Campus Fire Safety
Off-Campus Fire Tragedy: Julie Turnbull
Doug and Linda Turnbull lost their daughter, Julie, in an off-campus house fire one month before her 22nd birthday and college graduation. Watch the Video on Campus Firewatch
Staying Safe on Campus
Plenty of threats loom large on college campuses. These "what ifs" include terror threats, natural disasters, bomb threats, fires and more. Thre reality is that campuses have been and will continue to be targeted, So, it can't hurt to be prepared! Read the Staying Safe on Campus for more information about campus safety.
Staying Safe on Campus (pdf)
Items Not Allowed in Residence Halls
- Candles (possession, lighting, or burning)
- Incense
- Oil Lamps
- Lanterns
- Plug-in air fresheners
- Grills or any device capable of producing an open or enclosed/contained flame or odor
- Halogen light bulbs (possession or use)
- Dangerous chemical or explosive materials (fireworks, spray paint, weapon memorbilia, gun powder, gasoline, etc)
- Pictures of Items Not Allowed in Residence Halls
- For a complete list of items allowed and not allowed - click here
