THIS IS CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH AND THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE HAS SOME TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS. 

ACCORDING TO CAMPUS FIREWATCH, 85 PERCENT OF COLLEGE-RELATED FIRE DEATHS HAVE HAPPENED IN OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING. FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ SAYS THAT’S WHY IT’S IMPORTANT STUDENTS TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO CHECK THEIR APARTMENT OR HOME FOR ANY HAZARDS.

A SMOKE DETECTOR SHOULD BE IN EVERY BEDROOM AND COMMON AREA. FULTZ SAYS STUDENTS SHOULD ALSO KNOW TWO WAYS OUT OF EVERY ROOM IN CASE OF A FIRE AND NEVER LEAVE THE KITCHEN WHEN COOKING.

SINCE JANUARY 2000…175 PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN COLLEGE-RELATED FIRES, INCLUDING SEVEN IN ILLINOIS.