09/03/2026
For many college students, campus life means a new apartment, dorm room, roommates, and a whole lot of independence. It also means taking fire safety seriously. As move-in season brings students back to campuses nationwide, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) and The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) are launching this year’s Campus Fire Safety Month campaign to help create safer living environments in residence halls and off-campus housing. Observed each September, the campaign delivers fire safety education and resources to students, families, and campus housing professionals.
This year, the initiative shines the spotlight on safe cooking practices and lithium-ion battery safety, two critical areas of concern that can help reduce fire risk where students live, study, and gather.
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
Know your escape routes - Identify at least two ways out of your dorm, apartment or building.
Stay in the kitchen while cooking -Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires.
Don’t overload outlets - Use electrical devices and extension cords safely, and never use damaged cords.
Skip the candles -Opt for flameless alternatives instead.
Keep exits clear -Don’t block doors, hallways or stairwells with furniture, bikes or belongings.
Know your building’s fire safety plan -Find out where fire extinguishers, alarms and exits are located before an emergency happens.
Review campus policies-Some dormitories have rules about charging micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters. Review your college/university’s policies before using these devices.
Charge devices safely- Only use the charging equipment provided with your device, stop charging once full, and never charge overnight or with damaged chargers/batteries.
Store devices properly- Keep your batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and flammable items, and never block an exit with charging or stored devices.
A few minutes of preparation can make all the difference when seconds count. Stay smart, stay alert and make fire safety part of your campus routine.
To learn more about Campus Fire Safety Month, view this link. https://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa/press-room/news-releases/2026/nfpa-and-the-center-for-campus-fire-safety-urge-students-to-make-fire-and-life-safety-a-priority
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