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Jun 18, 2023

College Students Beware; Officials Warn of Dormitory Fire Danger

If you or someone you know is leaving for college and planning on living in a college dorm have you thought about fire danger?The Washington State Fire Marshall's Office wants you to think about fire safety in case a big fire starts in a dormitory.

Last year in Washington State, there were over 800 fire incidents that involved college campus dormitories with a dollar loss of over $11 million. Fire officials say fires in dormitories happen during the evening hours and weekends, usually happening between the hours of 5:00 pm-11:00 pm.

A press release from the Office says there are things you can do to make dorm living safe;

· * Making sure the dorm room has working smoke alarms.

· * Testing and maintaining smoke alarms in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

· * Never removing batteries or disable smoke alarms.

· Knowing two ways out from each room and dormitory building, and practicing a fire escape plan.

· * Talking to roommates to determine a safe place to meet outside the building in case of a fire.

· * Clearing exits, hallways, and stairs so they are not blocked if there is a need to leave quickly.

· * Leaving quickly whenever the fire or smoke alarm sounds. Spending time retrieving items increases the chances of being trapped. Leave everything and GO.

· * Staying in the kitchen whenever cooking, and only cook when alert. Do not cook when sleepy or drowsy from drugs or alcohol.

· * Never leave burning candles unattended.

· * Checking with school’s policies and rules before using any electrical appliances in sleeping room.

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3929.

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* Making sure the dorm room has working smoke alarms.· * Testing and maintaining smoke alarms in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.· * Never removing batteries or disable smoke alarms.· Knowing two ways out from each room and dormitory building, and practicing a fire escape plan.· * Talking to roommates to determine a safe place to meet outside the building in case of a fire.· * Clearing exits, hallways, and stairs so they are not blocked if there is a need to leave quickly.· * Leaving quickly whenever the fire or smoke alarm sounds. Spending time retrieving items increases the chances of being trapped. Leave everything and GO.· * Staying in the kitchen whenever cooking, and only cook when alert. Do not cook when sleepy or drowsy from drugs or alcohol.· * Never leave burning candles unattended.· * Checking with school’s policies and rules before using any electrical appliances in sleeping room.Report a typo or correctionGot a news tip? Email us here.TRENDING STORIES:A Summer of Gang Assaults and Killings in Washington State BewareJudge Sentences Yakima Dog Killer To Five Years in PrisonA Tale of Two Cities Gangs and Crime in Yakima Growing Every YearPossessing Hard Drugs in Washington? It's Now Against The LawParents in Zillah Upset After Romeo and Juliet Play on Monday
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