Safety Tip

Fire Safety Tips for Students

Are you living away from home for the first time—whether in a residence, shared house, or your own apartment?

If so, don’t become a statistic!

Every year, accidents or negligence cause 83% of all residential fires, leading to millions of dollars in property damage, burn injuries, and deaths.

These tips could save your life:

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms alert you when smoke is present. Never disconnect your smoke alarm by removing the battery, fuse, or breaker. Legally, you could be held liable if someone is injured because the smoke alarm was disarmed.

Test your smoke alarm monthly.
Change the battery in spring and fall when you reset your clocks.
Vacuum the sensor annually to keep it clean.
Never disable your smoke alarm for a party. If it gets too smoky, open doors and windows to air out the room.

Cigarette Disposal

After a gathering, check for smouldering cigarettes under couch cushions and in chairs.

Extinguish cigarette butts safely using deep ashtrays, dousing them with water, or placing them in a metal container with an airtight lid.

Candles—Handle with Care!

Candles are an open flame and must be used with caution.

Keep candles at least one metre away from anything combustible.
Use stable holders and place them on flat surfaces to prevent tipping.
Never leave candles unattended.
Trim wicks to 13 mm (1/2 inch) before lighting.
Ensure candles are fully extinguished before leaving the room.

Cooking-Related Fires

Most household fires start in the kitchen.

Never leave a hot stove unattended.
Keep flammable items like potholders, paper towels, and oven mitts away from the stovetop.
If cooking with oil, have a tight-fitting lid nearby.
Do not move a flaming pan. Cover it with the lid and turn off the burner.
Use alternative methods such as a conventional oven, microwave, or a thermostatically controlled deep-fat fryer for cooking foods like french fries. Avoid using a saucepan of oil on a stovetop.

Electrical Fire Safety

Use a fused power bar for electronics such as stereos and computers to protect against power surges.
Avoid long-term use of extension cords.
Keep extension cords visible to prevent overheating. Never run them under carpets or behind furniture.
Report persistent problems with fuses or breakers to your landlord or building superintendent.
Do not tamper with breakers or use fuses of higher amperage.
Space heaters should be kept at least three feet from combustibles. Unplug them when leaving the room or apartment.

Fire Exits

Keep fire exits clear. Don’t store bicycles, sporting equipment, or garbage in hallways or stairwells.
Fire doors help contain smoke and fire. Never wedge them open or tie them back.
It’s illegal to tamper with exit doors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, or fire alarms.