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STATE FIRE MARSHAL URGES FIRE SAFETY AFTER OSU FIRE

In the wake of an early morning fire near the Ohio State University campus that severely injured two people, State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers is reminding Ohio’s college students and campus-area residents of fire and life safety practices.

“College is often the first time many students are responsible for all aspects of their daily living, including their own personal safety,” said Fire Marshal Flowers. “Talk to your college-age students about proper fire prevention and safety.” Flowers added that.

According to Campus Firewatch, there have been 146 campus-related fire fatalities nationwide since January 1, 2000. This includes residence halls, off-campus and fraternities and sororities. Over 85 percent of those fire fatalities have occurred in off-campus housing. This morning’s fire occurred in a building with working smoke alarms.  They may have saved lives.  Use this as an opportunity to test your smoke alarms.

Common factors in a number of these fires include missing or disabled smoke alarms, careless disposal of smoking materials and impaired judgment from alcohol consumption.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal encourages students to:

Extinguish all smoking materials, candles and incense thoroughly. Never leave them unattended.

Clean up immediately after parties and take all trash outside. Designate a non-impaired “event monitor” to be in charge of the clean up.

Know the fire escape plan for your building. Always know two ways out – one normal route through hallways and stairways and one alternative route.

Have smoke detectors installed on each level and inside each sleeping area.

Check the smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a semester.

Never remove the smoke detector batteries because of cooking smoke or the need for a battery elsewhere, such as a flashlight, game or other electronic device.

Do not overload electrical outlets or use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.

Click here for a downloadable version of the Campus Fire Safety Tips handout.