Columbia Fire Department issues tips for students to prevent fires

As University of South Carolina students attend their first day of classes Thursday, the Columbia Fire Department has provided several tips on how to prevent fires in on- and off-campus housing structures.

Since 2000, 89 people people have died as a result of on- and off-campus fires and hundreds more have been injured, according to data from the Center for Campus Fire Safety. August and September were recorded as two of the deadliest months for these fires and almost 80 percent of the deaths take place in off-campus apartments or homes.

Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said many of these student-related fires can be prevented with these tips:

▪  Make sure smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries have fresh batteries. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm as soon as possible.

▪  Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years. Make sure they are placed on each level of a home, one outside of each sleeping area and one in each bedroom.

▪  For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, make sure the batteries are replaced once every year. If the alarm chirps, replace the batteries as soon as possible.

▪  Know two ways out of a building.

▪  Use extension cords and surge protectors properly. Don’t overload electrical outlets.

▪  Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from items that can catch fire easily.