THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE IS URGING COLLEGE STUDENTS TO CONSIDER FIRE SAFETY WHILE THEY’RE AWAY AT SCHOOL THIS YEAR. 

THIS IS CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH AND FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ SAYS THE THREAT IS REAL.

TIPS INCLUDE COMING UP WITH AN ESCAPE PLAN IN CASE OF FIRE AND ENSURING SMOKE DETECTORS ARE WORKING IN OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING. FULTZ ALSO URGES STUDENTS NOT TO OVERLOAD ELECTRIC OUTLETS AND TO FOLLOW DORM RULES ABOUT WHAT APPLIANCES ARE ALLOWED.

NATIONALLY, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER ARE THE PEAK MONTHS FOR DORM FIRES, WITH THE MOST OCCURRING BETWEEN FIVE AND NINE P-M. IN ILLINOIS, SEVEN STUDENTS HAVE DIED IN COLLEGE RELATED FIRES SINCE 2000.