- - Never cook when under the influence of alcohol.
- - Do not overfill pots or pans with oil or use water to extinguish a cooking oil fire.
- - If you leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the stove - most kitchen fires occur because of unattended cooking.
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- - The National Fire Protection Association strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers except by properly trained professionals using professional quality equipment. In deep frying, oil is heated to 350 degress fahrenheit or more, and it is used in quantities that pose significant fire and burn hazards.
- Before hosting any cookouts involving the use of charcoal or propane grills, please take time to complete the necessary Grill Permit so that Fire Safety personnel can insure that all safey rules are followed. Click here for a permit
Dormitory Fires 
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of reported fires in the dormitory occupancy group increased 3% from 3,200 in 1980 to 3,300 in 2005. In comparison, structure fires of all types declined 52% from 1980 to 2005.
In 2001, an estimated 2,530 reported fires in dormitory properties
caused six civilian deaths, 82 civilian injuries and $48.5 million in estimated
direct property damage. Between 1999-2001, the leading area of origin for
dormitory property structure fires was the kitchen (39%). Another 22% started
in the bedroom; 9% began in a hallway or corridor.
Electrical Safety 
Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
Contact Work Control at x2444 if you notice any damaged electrical equipment.
Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. Extension
cords are normally not permitted except for temporary use.
Innovative Fire Safety Equipment Helps Prevent Accidental Fires
After receiving a federal grant in the spring of 2007 (see press release above), West Chester University began two separate fire prevention projects, both geared toward reducing the chance of accidental fires in campus housing. The first project consists of the retrofit of all stove tops in student housing on campus with special kits called "Safe-T-Elements", which automatically shut off stove top burners once a certain temperature is reached, thus reducing the chances of fires caused by unattended cooking. Click here to read more about "Safe-T-Element".
A second project involves the distribution of "Fire Shield" power strips throughout campus housing -- one per bed, or over 4,300 units. These special surge protection strips employ current leakage detection technology which senses current leakage in electrical cords. Once leakage is detected, the device shuts off, thus reducing the chance of accidental electrical fires. Click here for more information on Fire Shield technology.
Consumer Product Safety Information
Each day, people are injured and fires are caused by defective consumer products. Did you know that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has a web site which is regularly updated with the latest consumer product recalls and other important safety information? Click here to see the most recent product recalls and safety notices!
