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Electrical Safety in the Dorm

Article published on Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Dorm fires are all too common. Send your student off to college with a lesson in electrical safety.

A lack of automatic sprinkler systems, disabled smoke alarms, careless smoking, unattended candles and cooking, as well as overloaded extension cords and power outlets are among the most common causes of campus fires. Because many residence halls were built before students arrived with computers, CD players, microwaves, and refrigerators, wiring in dorms sometimes can't handle the increased electrical load. This makes it especially important not to overload circuits and follow university rules with regard to electricity use.

The following tips will help college students and others stay safe this fall:

• Do not overload extension cords, power strips or outlets. Overloading these can cause overheating and deterioration, resulting in a shock or fire hazard.
• Use adaptors in rooms with old-fashioned, two-prong outlets.
• Buy a power strip with an over-current protector. It will shut off power automatically if too much power gets drawn.
• If an outlet is hot to the touch, unplug appliances immediately and notify the resident assistant. It could be a potential fire hazard.
• Do not connect multiple extension cords together.
• Do not route extension cords under carpet or doors. Do not staple or puncture through extension cords.
• Look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) mark on any electrical product you use.
• Use light bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps. The wattage specification should be indicated near the bulb socket.
• Always supervise the use of hot plates. They can easily start a fire if left unattended.

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