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Fire Safety Tips

Fires can spread rapidly, but so can awareness on reducing fire risks. Here are some tips for around campus and at home to keep you fire safe. 

Around the home: 

  • Institute a no smoking policy in the home. 

  • Check all cords and replace any that are frayed and/or have bare wires.

  • Switch to flameless candles. 

  • Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach or in a locked cabinet.

When heating the home:

  • Keep all flammables at least 3 feet from a space heater, stove, or fireplace. 

  • Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended.   

    With space heaters: 

  • Place it on a level, nonflammable surface. 

  • Keep children and pets away from space heaters. 

  • Look for a space heater that shuts off automatically if the heater falls over.

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    If you have a generator:

    • Always read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and the associated hazards before operating a generator.

    • Generators should be used in well-ventilated locations outside at least five feet away from all doors, windows, and vent openings. Measure the five-foot distance from the generator exhaust system to the canopy/tent or camper.

    • Generators are not allowed within 50 feet of campus buildings and other designed no-grill areas, including parking decks.

    • Never operate a generator near combustible material.

    • Place generators so that exhaust fumes cannot enter the camper or canopy/tent through any openings in the enclosure. The exhaust must be directed away from any indoor living area. 

    • All generators and fuel should be kept at a safe distance from cooking appliances. 

    • Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is hot. 

    • Never operate in wet conditions. Protect generators and electrical cords from exposure to rain and puddles.

    • If using extension cords, be sure they are UL listed, have a grounding pin, and are rated for the application. Check all extension cords for damage before using and do not use if the cord is damaged. 

    • Be mindful of where the extension cords run to avoid tripping hazards.

    If you’re grilling:

    • Never leave grills unattended.

    • Open flame fires, including fire pits, are prohibited. Propane and charcoal grills are permitted when used solely for food preparation. 

    • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.

    • Grills are not allowed within 50 feet of campus buildings, parking decks, or other designated no-grill areas. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

    • Place a fire extinguisher in the tailgating area at least five feet away from the grill. Make sure the extinguisher is a multipurpose extinguisher that can fight fires caused by ordinary combustible, flammable liquids, or electrical equipment. Fire extinguishers have numerical ratings. An ABC extinguisher is recommended.  

    • All fires and hot coals must be contained within grills or other containers designed specifically for that purpose and should never be left unattended. 

    • If using a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. 

    • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. 

    • Charcoal fires need to be extinguished thoroughly with water before leaving them unattended. Tailgaters must place their charcoal in designated containers rather than dumping it on the ground or in dumpsters. A limited number of hot charcoal containers are located in tailgate areas and are designed to accommodate hot or cold briquettes. If a container is not available in the area where you picnic, remove charcoal for safe disposal.

    • Do not light a gas grill with the lid closed, as it can result in an explosion.

    • Be aware of changing weather conditions. Wind can carry embers and debris which can lead to fires spreading.