August 29, 2007—Fires in college dormitories and other university housing are on the rise, according to an announcement made recently by Federal officials. There were 3,300 housing fires in 2005, a 24% increase over the last 25-year average, according to officials.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) encourages students to take preventative steps in protecting themselves and their possessions as millions across the nation head back to school.
Brett Brenner, president of ESFI, commented that “the problem is compounded by the fact that students today require more energy than their predecessors.” Many residence halls were built years ago, before every student arrived with a computer, iPod, microwave, refrigerator, fan, and cell phone. Some dorm wiring simply cannot handle the electrical demands of a typical student.
But there are ways to stay safe and ESFI says that education is the key. Students may not know, for example, that halogen lamps can become hot enough to ignite curtains or blankets, or that extension cords can short-circuit and ignite if they are under carpets or bunched up behind hot computer equipment, says ESFI.
For more information, ESFI’s college safety brochure and other electrical safety tips are available for downloading free of charge from ESFI’s Web site.
Print copies can also be ordered through ESFI’s Web site or by calling 703-841-3229.
