Off-Campus Housing Fire Prevention and Life Safety

Fire Hazards

• Using extension cords in place of permanent wiring creates a fire hazard. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.


• Overloaded electrical outlets are another common fire hazard. Too many devices plugged into one outlet may start a fire. If you need more outlets, purchase a surge-suppressor from a computer store.


• Buildings that are not kept in clean and orderly condition are likely to have multiple fire hazards. Do not store combustible materials near heat sources such as a water heater or furnace.


• Floor heaters are particularly dangerous. Be sure to keep combustible materials away from them. Never place combustible materials on a floor heater’s grill.


• Space heaters are not recommended. If they are used, be sure they are at least three feet from combustibles. Do not plug space heaters into extension cords.


• Torchière lamps with quartz halogen bulbs are not recommended. They pose a serious fire hazard because they burn at high temperatures.