Advice on Fire Prevention
Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarm Systems: Every bedroom should have a smoke alarm, whether it is part of an alarm system or a standalone battery powered unit. Never disable a smoke detector and change batteries every spring and fall. If you don’t have smoke detectors, contact your landlord. If landlords are not responsive to your call, tenants can contact the city’s Neighborhood Preservation & Inspection Division, (608) 266-4551.
Smoking: Take great care with lit candles, incense, space heaters or cigarettes. These items are prohibited in University Housing. Never leave anything burning while you sleep.
Fire Extinguishers: Buy a fire extinguisher for your apartment or house and consider keeping it in your kitchen.
Fire Escapes and Escape Plan: Every apartment should have at least two exits. Come up with an escape plan and a meeting point. If your apartment has fire escapes, know how to access them.
Electrical Hazards: Never overload electrical outlets by plugging in too many pieces of electronic equipment. Keep wires out in the open and never under a carpet.
Cooking: Never leave stoves or ovens unattended while they are in use. If a fire occurs while you are cooking, smother the fire instead of using water. Baking soda can be used to put out a grease fire, but keep in mind this is only for small fires still in the pan. If you aren’t sure, get out of the house and call 911.
Deciding where to live: Keep fire safety in mind before signing a lease. Ask potential landlords about the availability of fire alarm systems, sprinklers and smoke detectors. Also consider calling the city Building Inspection Unit, 608-266-4551, to research whether a building has had violations. (Remember to have the exact address on hand.) Or call the Madison Fire Department, 608-266-4420, and ask for fire activity and fire code violations for the address.
Insurance: According to the American Red Cross, many people do not understand what renters insurance can do for them. Insurance can assist in financial and emotional recovery from disasters. If you rent an apartment or house, renters insurance will reduce the financial hardship of fire, theft or other disaster. Most renters insurance costs less than $12 a month in most areas.
See also: Fire safety information specific to University Housing.
