Fire Safety

Please, let’s all work together to prevent fires!

Did you know….?

  • Fire is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States.
  • A residential fire occurs every 82 seconds.
  • The size of a fire doubles every 30 seconds.
  • Half of all deaths in domestic fires happen between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.

Online Fire Prevention Training

Off Campus Fire Safety Checklist

igot2kno.org a safety and prevention resource

Ways to Prevent a Fire

  • Burned out drier Never smoke in a UMaine residence hall. If you don’t live on campus, never smoke in bed or a comfortable chair in which you may fall asleep. Be absolutely sure all materials are fully extinguished. Smoking is the number one cause of fires.
  • Never use a candle, incense or open flame in a UMaine residence hall. If you don’t live on campus, never leave any open flame unattended. Make sure it is completely out before you leave.
  • Don’t overload outlets or circuits. Unplug appliances that are not in use.
  • Keep curtains, drapes and other decorations at least 3 feet away from any heat source.
  • Never cover, disengage or otherwise tamper with smoke detectors or with sprinklers in your room or building.
  • Never use a cord in a wet area. Avoid using extension cords. Don’t cut the ground prong off any cord.

Ways to Prevent Kitchen Fires

  • Never leave the kitchen when you’re cooking.
  • Keep flammable materials away from the stove area.
  • Make sure there is a working smoke detector in the kitchen. Make sure there is a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
  • Keep stove and oven free of grease. If grease catches fire, never use water to put it out. Carefully cover the pan with a lid if you can.

fire department hancock hall

What To Do In Case of a Fire

  • React immediately, quickly and pull the fire alarm.
  • Leave the building. Do not stop to gather personal belongings. Feel doors before you open them. If they are hot, use another exit.
  • Call 911.

Ways to Make Yourself Safe

  • Make sure smoke detectors and sprinkler systems in you building are in working order. Never tamper or cover these safety devices.
  • Have an evacuation plan that includes several escape routes.
  • Know where the rally point is for your hall, floor, building, apartment, or house. This is the place to meet after you evacuate the building.
  • Practice fire escape and evacuation plans.
  • Once outside, never go back inside until the fire department or other authorities have given the OK.

What to do if you see unsafe fire behavior

  • If you see fire play, arson, and/or scorching behavior, immediately contact UMPD at 581-4040 or 911. You can also report such behavior to your RA, your house advisor, or through Campus Eyes.